Danny Masterson Appeals Rape Conviction in California Court
Danny Masterson, known for That ’70s Show, is appealing his rape conviction, claiming unfair trial and questioning the credibility of the plaintiffs
Danny Masterson, California, Rape Conviction, Scientology, Appeal
Los Angeles: So, Danny Masterson is making headlines again. He’s appealing his 2023 rape conviction, saying he didn’t get a fair shake in court. His lawyers are really pushing back on the credibility of the women who accused him.
In a big 244-page document filed in California, his lawyers argued that while no trial is perfect, it should at least be fair. They believe Masterson didn’t get that, and they want the conviction tossed out.
Back in May, he was found guilty of raping two women back in 2003. He got a hefty 30-year sentence. The trial was pretty intense, with prosecutors claiming that Masterson used his ties to Scientology to dodge responsibility.
Masterson has always maintained he’s innocent, insisting that everything was consensual. The Church of Scientology also jumped in, saying the trial’s portrayal of their beliefs was totally off-base.
His lawyers are saying that the trial included some Scientology stuff that shouldn’t have been there and that the women gave false evidence. They also think the court messed up by not letting in evidence that could show the women had a financial motive in the case.
Interestingly, there’s a civil suit from the same women against Masterson and the church, claiming harassment after they reported the assaults. That case is set to go to trial in 2025, so it looks like this saga isn’t over yet.