Danny Masterson Convicted of Rape After Retrial, Faces 30 Years in Prison

Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde in That ’70s Show, has been convicted of rape and could spend the rest of his life in jail. 

The actor was absent from the recent spin-off series, That ’90s Show, and was accused of raping three women in his home in Hollywood Hills between 2001 and 2003. Danny was arrested in 2020 and faced a trial, but the jury could not reach a verdict, and a mistrial was declared.

However, the retrial of Danny Masterson has come to a concrete conclusion. 

According to Deadline, the actor was found guilty of two counts of rape and could face up to 30 years in prison. Masterson showed no emotion as he heard the verdict, but he looked stunned as he was handcuffed and escorted out of the courtroom. His wife, Bijou Phillips, sobbed uncontrollably, and his brother-in-law and fellow actor, Billy Baldwin, also looked devastated by the outcome.

Danny Masterson Convicted of Rape After Retrial, Faces 30 Years in Prison
Danny Masterson in That ’70s Show (1998)

The retrial of Danny Masterson was different from the first trial that resulted in a hung jury last year. The prosecutors focused more on Masterson’s involvement with the Church of Scientology and how that influenced his behavior in the case. The actor, a devout Scientologist, allegedly drugged the drinks of his victims, who were also members of Scientology at the time. 

The prosecutors repeatedly pointed out Scientology’s alleged policies and practices that discourage victims from reporting rape to the authorities.

The retrial also faced a deadlock on one of the counts, just like the first trial. The jury could not agree on the third count, which involves a woman who was in a long-term relationship with the actor. 

The retrial, however, had a different outcome on the other two counts, of which Masterson was found guilty. Each count carries a 15-year prison term. The case will continue with a motion hearing on August 4, but the date for the sentence hearing is still unknown.

Masterson’s fate now hangs in the balance as he awaits his sentencing and the resolution of the third count.

Epic Dope Staff

Epic Dope Staff

Our talented team of Freelance writers - Always on the lookout - pour their energies into a wide range of topics bringing to our audience what they crave - fun up-to-date news, reviews, fan theories and much much more.

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