Danny Masterson's Fate Sealed: Rape Conviction Appeal Denied

An appeals court has upheld the 2023 conviction and 30-year prison sentence of Danny Masterson, the former star of “That 70s Show,” following his appeal on rape charges. In an 89-page ruling, a three-judge panel meticulously rejected each of Masterson’s arguments, confirming the original verdict.

Masterson was found guilty in 2023 of raping two women at his Hollywood Hills home in 2003. Jurors were unable to reach a verdict on a third count involving a former girlfriend who alleged she was also raped in 2001. His appellate attorneys, Cliff Gardner and Eric Multhaup, had argued that the trial judge, Charlaine Olmedo, exhibited bias against Scientology through various remarks and adverse rulings, thereby infringing upon Masterson’s First Amendment rights.

However, the appeals panel found no evidence of “animus or departure from neutrality regarding Scientology” in Judge Olmedo’s statements. During the trial, a former Scientologist was permitted to testify as an expert on the faith’s beliefs and practices. The prosecution contended that the victims, all former members of the church, delayed reporting the incidents or classifying them as rape due to fear of retaliation for violating a Scientology rule against involving the police. Masterson’s lawyers objected to this, claiming on appeal that the court had improperly delved into the interpretation of church doctrine.

The appeals court countered this argument, concluding that “The jury in this case was not asked to determine the truth or falsity of Scientology doctrine or beliefs.” It clarified that the religious evidence was introduced for specific, permissible purposes and therefore “did not contravene the First Amendment.” The panel also summarily dismissed other arguments made by the defense, including those related to the statute of limitations, evidentiary rulings, and a separate habeas corpus petition alleging an inadequate defense.

Despite the appeals court’s firm decision, Masterson’s appellate attorneys have announced their intention to appeal to the California Supreme Court, in addition to pursuing a separate habeas petition. Cliff Gardner stated, “Danny is serving a life sentence for crimes he did not commit. No one in California – not defendants and not victims who have actually been the victim of a sex crime – is safer by virtue of today’s unfortunate decision.”