Actor Danny Masterson, known for his roles on The 70's Show and The Ranch, was found guilty of two counts of rape on Wednesday in a Los Angeles court. Masterson faces a 30-year sentence on the two counts. The jury did not reach a verdict on a third charge, according to the Associated Press.
Masterson is a prominent member of the Church of Scientology, as were the three women at the time. The cult founded by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1953 includes many well-known Hollywood celebrities. The alleged victims left the church after the reported events. They also alleged that Scientology discouraged them from reporting Masterson to the police.
BREAKING: A jury found “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson guilty of two counts of rape Wednesday in a Los Angeles retrial in which the Church of Scientology played a central role. The 47-year-old actor faces up to 30 years in prison. https://t.co/lAMdzPAHZq
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 31, 2023
Prosecutors accused Masterson of drugging two of the women at his Hollywood Hills home by slipping a substance into their drinks. The events occurred between 2001 and 2003. The third woman, his then-girlfriend of several years, said she woke up to Masterson raping her. The jury did not reach a verdict on this charge.
Late last year, the trial was postponed, leading to a second trial that culminated in Wednesday's verdict. Masterson faces up to 30 years in prison.
