Hold onto your seats, folks, because we’ve got an update on the Danny Masterson case! The former That 70s Show actor, who was found guilty last month of two counts of rape, is facing up to 30 years behind bars. And now, we finally have a sentencing date: August 4. Judge Charlaine Olemdo announced the news at a hearing downtown, a week after the jury delivered its partial verdict. Masterson is currently being held in custody in “administrative segregation” in the LA County Men’s Central Jail, and his defense lawyers have indicated they will appeal last week’s verdict. But as of today, no appeal has been filed.
The criminal trial panel was deadlocked on count 3 of the initial charges, which concerned Masterson’s former long-term girlfriend and ex-Scientologist Christina B a.k.a. Jane Doe #3. She testified in both the first trial and the retrial, and said in a statement released after the retrial verdict was made public last week: “I am devastated that he has dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me.”
At an evidentiary hearing this morning, Judge Olemdo told attorneys on both sides that she wanted a probation report by the opening week of August. As a part of that report, the judge told the assembled defense and LA District Attorney reps that Masterson was not to be interviewed as a part of said report.
In the previous trial, the jury was unable to come to a consensus on any of the trio of charges. But this time around, Masterson was found guilty of the “forceable rape” of two of the Jane Does, Jen B and N. Trout. However, the jury was “hopelessly deadlocked” on the third count involving Jane Doe #3.
Masterson’s sentencing hearing is sure to be a dramatic affair, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the proceedings. Stay tuned for more updates!The verdicts in this case were undoubtedly difficult for the jury to reach, and we respect their decision. We want to thank them for their service and acknowledge the importance of preventing sexual assault. Our commitment to educating the public on consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention remains unwavering. Together, we can create a safer and more just society for all.
The retrial of Masterson began on April 24 and concluded on May 12, with the defense calling no witnesses. The prosecution put explicit emphasis on Masterson allegedly spiking the drinks of his victims, who were all Scientologists at the time. Despite attempts by the defense to have all mention of Scientology eradicated from the proceedings, the prosecution sought to connect the jurors to a greater context of Masterson’s alleged misconduct.
After over five weeks of testimony, the first trial resulted in a deadlocked jury. This time, the jury of seven women and five men returned on May 19 to rewatch a 2017 video interview of Jane Doe #3. As the jury continued to deliberate, the defense went back to Judge Olmendo’s chambers to discuss an “issue.” Meanwhile, a highly anticipated evidentiary hearing proved to be a bit of a dud.
Despite the lack of public interest, the courtroom was packed with lawyers, including Masterson’s defense team, Deputy L.A. County District Attorneys, and former lawyers of the That ’70s Show. The civil suit against Masterson and the Church for harassment and intimidation was also present.In a virtual appearance, Goldstein, one of Masterson’s defense lawyers during the first rape trial, made an entrance. After a quick powwow between the judge and the legal eagles, they all agreed to reschedule the hearing for June 7th in the morning. Judge Olmedo’s reasoning was sound – it’s best to wait until after the retrial jury has reached a verdict, which most people assumed would have happened by now. Masterson and Podberesky were both MIA on Wednesday, but the show must go on!
