The actor Danny Masterson he is known for starring Steven Hyde in all eight seasons of That ’70s Showthough he didn’t return for the recent sequel series, That ’90s Showdue to recent rape allegations. Masterson was arrested in 2020 for alleged assaults that occurred between 2001 and 2003 at his Hollywood Hills home. The star was reportedly charged with three counts of rape, but the trial ended in a jury deadlock and a mistrial.
Months after the rape trial ended in a mistrial, the retrial reportedly reached a verdict
According to Deadline, the actor was reportedly found guilty of two of the three counts of rape and is currently facing 30 years behind bars. Danny Masterson he sat expressionless as the verdict was read out, though he appeared dazed as he was handcuffed and taken into custody. The wife, Bijou Phillipswas heard crying in the courtroom and so was her brother-in-law and fellow actor, Billy Baldwinappeared in shock when reading the verdict.
Unlike the first trial, which ended in a jury lockup late last year, the new trial has seen the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office place more emphasis on the Hollywood star’s ties to the Church. of Scientology and how it would affect his misconduct in the case. The actor would be part of the long-standing religious cult and would correct the drinks of his victims. During the retrial, prosecutors allegedly repeatedly highlighted Scientology’s alleged policies and practices that prevent victims from reporting rapes to the police.
As in the first trial, jurors in the second trial failed to reach a unanimous verdict on all the sexual assault allegations against the star. That ’70s Show. After five votes, the jury is “hopelessly deadlocked” on the third count, which involves a longtime ex-girlfriend of Masterson.
The main difference in the new trial is that the actor would be found guilty of the other two counts, which carry 15 years in prison each. The next step in the case is a hearing on the Aug. 4 motion, although a sentencing hearing date has not yet been set.