Current:Home > StocksOliver James Montgomery-That ’70s Show Alum Danny Masterson Found Guilty of Rape -EquityExchange
Oliver James Montgomery-That ’70s Show Alum Danny Masterson Found Guilty of Rape
PredictIQ View
Date:2025-04-11 04:40:13
Danny Masterson's rape retrial has reached an end.
The Oliver James MontgomeryThat '70s Show alum was found guilty of two counts of rape by a Los Angeles jury on May 31, according to NBC News. The jury could not reach a verdict on the third count.
Masterson was arrested and charged on three charges of forcible rape in 2020. Prosecutors alleged that Masterson sexually assaulted three women—who they said the actor met through the Church of Scientology—at his Hollywood Hills home in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003.
Masterson, who previously pled not guilty to the charges, now faces up to 30 years behind bars, according to NBC News. He was taken away from the courtroom in handcuffs as his wife Bijou Phillips cried, per the outlet.
The ruling comes six months after a mistrial was declared in Masterson's case, in which the jury was unable to reach unanimous decisions for the three rape charges. His new trial began in April, with his three accusers—identified as Jane Doe #1, Jane Doe #2 and Jane Doe #3—giving emotional testimonies, according to the Associated Press.
Masterson did not testify during the retrial, according to NBC News.
In the wake of Masterson's guilty verdict, Jane Doe #2 said in a statement outside of courtroom that she was feeling a "complex array of emotions," including "relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness," per NBC News.
She continued, "I am disappointed that he was not convicted on all counts, but take great solace in the fact that he, the Church of Scientology, and others, will have to fully account for their abhorrent actions in civil court."
The women had previously accused the Church of Scientology of pressuring them into not speaking to police about their allegations. The church denied their claims in a May 31 statement obtained by E! News June 1, noting that the organization "has no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct of anyone—Scientologists or not—to law enforcement."
The statement continued, "There is not a scintilla of evidence supporting the scandalous allegations that the Church harassed the accusers."
Jane Doe #3, whose rape charge the jury did not reach a verdict on, said she felt "devastated" that Masterson "dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me."
Masterson is being held without bail and is due back in court on Aug. 4 for a hearing, according to the Associated Press. No sentencing date has been set.
E! News reached out to Masterson's lawyers for comment and has not heard back.
For free, confidential help, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or visit rainn.org.veryGood! (854)
Related
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- RHOSLC Reunion: The Rumors and Nastiness Continue in Dramatic Preview
- Timeline: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's hospitalization
- 3 people dead, including suspected gunman, in shooting at Cloquet, Minnesota hotel: Police
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Intensified Russian airstrikes are stretching Ukraine’s air defense resources, officials say
- Which was the best national championship team of the CFP era? We ranked all 10.
- Serbian authorities help evacuate cows and horses stuck on a river island in cold weather
- Why Sean "Diddy" Combs Is Being Given a Laptop in Jail Amid Witness Intimidation Fears
- Kevin Durant addresses Draymond Green's reaction to comments about Jusuf Nurkic incident
Ranking
- Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
- Marin Alsop to become Philadelphia Orchestra’s principal guest conductor next season
- Mexican authorities find the bodies of 9 men near pipeline. Fuel theft by gangs is widespread
- US Rep. Greg Pence of Indiana, former VP Mike Pence’s older brother, won’t seek reelection
- Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
- 'Poor Things' director praises Bruce Springsteen during Golden Globes acceptance speech: Watch
- Animal shelters are overwhelmed by abandoned dogs. Here's why.
- When will the IRS accept 2024 returns? Here's when you can start filing your taxes.
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Rays shortstop Wander Franco faces lesser charge as judge analyzes evidence in ongoing probe
Aftermath of Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel explosion: See the photos
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore proposes public safety measures
Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
Mean Girls’ Daniel Franzese Reveals Where He Thinks Damien Is Today
Driver crashes into White House exterior gate, Secret Service says
The best TV of early 2024: Here's what to watch in January