‘That ’70 Show’ Star Danny Masterson Guilty Of Two Counts In Rape Retrial

A Los Angeles jury has found former “That ‘70s Show” actor Danny Masterson guilty of two counts of forcible rape in a retrial of a case linked to three women. However, the jury declared a mistrial on the third count against Jane Doe 3, following deliberations for six days, starting on May 17, before reaching a verdict on Wednesday. Masterson, 47, pleaded not guilty to three counts of felony rape. The reported incidents occurred between 2001 and 2003.

Masterson now faces a prison sentence of up to 30 years to life. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 4.

‘That ’70 Show’ Star Danny Masterson Guilty Of Two Counts In Rape Retrial

The first trial, held in November 2022, ended in a mistrial due to a deadlocked jury unable to reach a verdict. The three alleged victims were members of the Church of Scientology, as was Masterson. Initially, the women were reluctant to report the incidents to law enforcement, influenced by the church’s teachings that discouraged such actions. But they eventually left the church.

One of the women accused Masterson of forcefully pressing a pillow into her face during a rape incident in 2003. Jane Doe 3, romantically linked with Masterson at the time, alleged she was raped in her sleep in 2001. Both Jane Doe 3 and Jane Doe 2 are also plaintiffs in a related civil case against Masterson and the Church of Scientology.

Following the jury’s decision, Jane Doe 3 said in a statement that she was “devastated” by the mistrial on her count and added, “I thank the jury for its service, and while I’m encouraged that Danny Masterson will face some criminal punishment, I am devastated that he has dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me.”

Masterson, arrested in 2020, insisted each of the encounters was consensual. “That ’70s Show” was still on the air at the time of all three alleged rapes.

The statement made available through Jane Doe 3’s attorneys, Boies Schiller Flexner added, “Despite my disappointment in this outcome, I remain determined to secure justice, including in civil court, where I, along with my co-plaintiffs, will shine a light on how Scientology and other conspirators enabled and sought to cover up Masterson’s monstrous behavior.”

Jane Doe 2, represented by Boies Schiller Flexner, said she was also disappointed. “I am experiencing a complex array of emotions, relief, exhaustion, strength, and sadness, knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behavior. I am disappointed that he was not convicted on all counts, but I 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.”