OPINION | This article contains the author's opinion.
After being convicted of rape, Hollywood actor Danny Masterson received a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.
His wife, actor and model Bijou Phillips, was present during the sentencing to support her husband.
Masterson was found guilty on two counts of forcible rape, while a third charge resulted in a hung jury.
BREAKING: Hollywood celebrity Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for r*ping two woman at his home in Hollywood Hills.
Hollywood: Scum of the Earth.
Masterson, who starred in "That '70s Show" and is a member of the Church of Scientology, allegedly… pic.twitter.com/fb8wOQU6I6
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 7, 2023
Masterson starred in “That ’70s Show” and is a member of the controversial Church of Scientology.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo sentenced Masterson to 15 years to life for each count.
This sentence represents the maximum allowed by law.
He will become eligible for parole after serving 25 1/2 years.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said, “This has been a long and arduous road for the victims of Mr. Masterson. They not only survived his abuse, they also survived a system that is often not kind to victims.”
He added, “I applaud their courage for coming forward and participating in this process. My hope is that this sentence will somehow bring them peace and that their bravery will be an example to others.”
“I also want to thank the entire trial team. This was a very difficult case but due to their hard work, experience and commitment, justice was finally served today. One of my top priorities is to ensure that Los Angeles will no longer be a hunting ground for Hollywood elite who feel entitled to prey on women.”
Masterson’s legal team emphasized that the 47-year-old intends to appeal the court’s ruling.
“For the past several months a team of the top appellate lawyers in the country has been reviewing transcripts of the trial. They have identified a number of significant evidentiary and constitutional issues which they will address in briefs to both the state and federal courts,” Masterson’s lawyer, Shawn Holley, said.
“The errors that occurred in this case are substantial and, unfortunately, led to verdicts that were not supported by the evidence. And though we have great respect for the jury in this case and for our system of justice overall, sometimes they get it wrong. And that’s what happened here.”
Holley said, “Mr. Masterson did not commit the crimes for which he has been convicted and we, and the appellate lawyers, the best and the brightest in the country, are confident that these convictions will be overturned.”
“Niesha and Chrissie have displayed tremendous strength and bravery, by coming forward to law enforcement and participating directly in two grueling criminal trials.” Alison Anderson, the attorney for Jane Does 2 and 3 and a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP said.
“Despite persistent harassment, obstruction and intimidation, these courageous women helped hold a ruthless sexual predator accountable today, and they are not stopping there. They are eager to soon tell the fuller story of how Scientology and its enablers tried desperately to keep them from coming forward.”