Actor Danny Masterson has been found guilty of two out of three counts of forcible rape during his retrial in Los Angeles on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press.
Danny Masterson Facing 30 Years In Prison After Conviction On Two Counts Of Rape
‘That 70s Show’ star now faces up to 30 years in prison upon sentencing later this summer.
His wife, fellow actor, and model Bijou Phillips, could be seen crying as a handcuffed Masterson, 47, was led out of the courtroom.
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The third count, which claimed Masterson raped an ex-girlfriend, was ultimately dropped — of which the seven-woman, five-man jury ultimately could not reach a verdict.
Jury deliberations reportedly lasted over a week, the AP reports.
Wednesday’s guilty verdict brings an end to a complicated legal case. Masterson’s first trial, regarding Jane Doe #3, ended in a mistrial six months ago.
Victims – All Reportedly Former Scientology Members – Speak Out After Guilty Verdict
The victims are all former members of the Church of Scientology, which Masterson reportedly still belongs to.
He was charged in 2020; however, prosecutors say the crimes occurred from 2001 to 2003 at his Hollywood Hills home.
Jane Doe #2 said she was “experiencing a complex array of emotions” after the verdict was handed down, Variety reports. She added she was saddened that he was not convicted on all three counts.
“I am experiencing a complex array of emotions — relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness — knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behavior,” Jane Doe No. 2 told CBS News. “I am disappointed that he was not convicted on all counts, but take great solace in the fact that he, the Church of Scientology, and others, will have to fully account for their abhorrent actions in civil court.”
Meanwhile, Jane Doe #3 said she was “devastated that he has dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me. ”
She also noted how “Scientology… enabled… Masterson’s monstrous behavior.”
“Despite my disappointment in this outcome, I remain determined to secure justice, including in civil court, where I, along with my co-plaintiffs, will shine a light on how Scientology and other conspirators enabled and sought to cover up Masterson’s monstrous behavior,” she said.
Masterson Maintains Innocense, Sentencing Scheduled For Aug. 4
Masterson refused to take the stand, and his attorneys didn’t call any witnesses, as they had done during the previous trial.
He has denied the charges ever since his June 2020 arrest.
He also denied assaulting a fourth Jane Doe, per CBS News. That woman told the court he had raped her as well in his first trial.
Masterson famously played the role of Steven Hyde on “That ’70s Show” from 1998 to 2006.
He’s scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 4.
