Danny Masterson (“That 70’s Show“) has been sentenced 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women. Los Angles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the sentence on September 7th, denying a motion from Masterson for a new trial. This came after listening to statements from Masterson’s accusers about how his actions impacted their lives.
Masterson was charged with three counts of rape in June 2020, the rapes occurring in 2003. This is a rather high-profile case for the #MeToo movement, behind Harvey Weinstein. This is also one of the few cases where a known actor will actually serve time for sex crimes committed well before being reported. The allegations of Masterson’s sexual assault were officially charged after a three year investigation.
One of Masterson’s attorney, Shawn Holley, has said the actor will appeal this conviction. Claiming there were a “number of significant evidentiary and constitutional issues.” Reinhold Mueller, deputy district attorney and part of the prosecution, said the accusers wanted to see justice.
Masterson’s lawyers asked for his sentencing term to be served concurrently, instead of consecutively. That move would restrict the sentence to 15 years to life, which Judge Olmedo denied.
