Anurag Kumar
Danny Masterson, an actor best known for his role in “That ’70s Show,” was found guilty of raping two women approximately 20 years ago, and on Thursday he was given a sentence that ranged from 30 years to life in prison for his crimes. This case has stirred up debate surrounding the Church of Scientology.
A second trial in June resulted in the actor and prominent Scientologist, now 47 years old, being found guilty of all charges against him. He featured in the throwback TV sitcom for eight seasons till 2006. A jury could not reach a unanimous decision about the claim that he raped a third lady.
In the Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Charlaine Olemdo made the announcement regarding the sentencing.
While the women were giving their victim impact statements, Masterson seemed to maintain his composure. He was presented with an opportunity to speak, but he declined it.
“I release you from blame. “I am relieved that I no longer have to feel the pain of your illness,” said one of the victims, who was only identified in court documents as Jane Doe 2.
Masterson is alleged to have met his accusers through the Church of Scientology, and his accusers have stated that they were discouraged from reporting the incident by the organization. This helped bring the case to the public’s attention.
This allegation was refuted by the Church of Scientology, which also stated that Masterson’s religious beliefs should not have played a role in the proceedings.
The ladies said that Masterson drugged them before sexually assaulting them at his home in the Hollywood Hills on multiple occasions between the years 2001 and 2003.
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The allegations leveled against Masterson harmed his professional reputation. In 2017, following the initial allegations that he had sexually assaulted many women, he was terminated from his role in the Netflix series “The Ranch.”
