Appeals Court Affirms Masterson's 30-Year Rape Sentence

A California appellate panel ruled Tuesday that Danny Masterson's conviction for rape stands, ending the actor's latest legal bid to overturn his verdict. The three-justice panel from the 2nd District Court of Appeal denied the defense's request to reverse the conviction, which has resulted in a state prison sentence of 30 years to life.

Masterson, 50, was found guilty on May 31, 2023, of two counts of rape by force or fear. Prosecutors argued the attacks occurred in the early 2000s at the actor's Hollywood Hills home. The jury in that retrial deadlocked on a third charge involving a former longtime girlfriend. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office subsequently dismissed that count rather than retrying the actor.

The defense argued that the trial court should have reversed the verdict for nearly a dozen reasons. These arguments included a delay in prosecuting one charge and the jury hearing evidence about the Church of Scientology. The appellate court disagreed in its 89-page opinion. The justices determined that evidence regarding Scientology was relevant to understanding the victims' behavior, their interactions with Masterson, and their delay in reporting the crimes to law enforcement.

The panel also rejected claims that the trial judge showed hostility toward the religion. The opinion stated that the judge's comments, viewed in context, showed no animus or departure from neutrality. In September 2023, Judge Charlaine Olmedo sentenced Masterson and ordered him to register as a sex offender for life upon release. She noted that the victims reported the assaults to someone shortly after they happened.

During sentencing, the two victims addressed the actor directly. One woman, identified as Jane Doe 2, told Masterson that the world is safer with him behind bars. She said she forgives him and that his sickness is no longer her burden. The other victim, Jane Doe 1, said she wished she had reported the actor to Los Angeles police sooner. An ex-girlfriend, represented by a statement read by Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson, described entering the relationship as an extremely naive 18-year-old.

Masterson's attorney Shawn Holley stated that a team of appellate lawyers has reviewed the trial transcripts. Holley said the team identified evidentiary and constitutional issues that will be addressed in briefs to state and federal courts. The defense attorney expressed confidence that the convictions will be overturned. The prosecution's closing argument had urged the jury to hold Masterson accountable, pointing to the alleged drugging and rape of the victims.

The Church of Scientology issued a statement criticizing the prosecution's characterizations of the church. The organization stated that its policy explicitly demands members abide by all laws. It denied allegations of harassment against the women, calling those claims cynical fictions. Masterson is currently incarcerated at California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo.