Actor Danny Masterson sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for raping two women

Danny Masterson, the famous American actor who played Steven Hyde on That '70s Show, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women. The actor is facing a third charge of sexual abuse but the jury failed to reach a verdict.

Although the actor had already been convicted of two of the three counts of rape a few months ago, it wasn't until Thursday that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the sentence granting the maximum penalty allowed by law. However, Masterson will be eligible for parole in 25 and a half years.

During the legal battles, the actor did not take the stand to defend himself and remained adamant that he did not sexually assault the women. However, after a long judicial process, the judge insisted that despite his claims of innocence, the judicial system revealed the truth.

"Mr. Masterson, I know that you're sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimized by a justice system that has failed you. But Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person's voice, and choice. One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions, and their consequences," Olmedo said before making his decision public, according to a CBC report.

Notably, Masterson was first accused of rape during the height of the #MeToo movement in 2017. At the time, the actor also denied the allegations. However, the charges arose after a three-year investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

According to prosecutors' indictments, the actor drugged two women, drove them to his home in Hollywood Hills and abused them. These events occurred between 2001 and 2003.