Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison for raping two women
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following his conviction in May of raping two women.
On Thursday, September 7, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F Olmedo handed down the sentence to the 'That 70's Show' actor after hearing the emotional victim statements from the survivors, reported Daily Mail.
Masterson, 47, found guilty of raping victims Jen B and N Trout in his Hollywood-area home back in 2003, was sentenced to 15 years for each count, which will be served consecutively.
Victims deliver impact statement as judge addresses Danny Masterson
As the Los Angeles courtroom gathered to witness the 47-year-old actor's sentencing, the two women Masterson was convicted of assaulting delivered their victim impact statement.
“When you raped me, you stole from me. That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit," said the actor's 2003 victim.
"You are pathetic, disturbed, and completely violent. The world is better off with you in prison," she stated.
The second victim also expressed her relief at witnessing justice being served as she stated that she knew Masterson "belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with."
"I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police," she added.
Danny Masterson's wife Bijou Philips appeared grief-stricken during his sentencing
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Masterson's wife Bijou Philips and other family members were present in the courtroom when the judge handed down the sentence.
"Mr Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice and choice. Your actions 20 years ago were criminal, and that is why you are here," said Judge Charlaine Olmedo who addressed the actor.
In 2020, Masterson, who was removed from the Netflix series 'The Ranch' following the allegations, was charged with raping three women.
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The assault took place in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003 at Masterson's home. In January 2021, the actor pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
Who is Shawn Holley?
In a statement to People following the verdict, Masterson's defense lawyer Shawn Holley claimed that he would appeal.
"For the past several months, a team of the top appellate lawyers in the country has been reviewing the transcripts of the trial," read Holley's statement.
"They have identified a number of significant evidentiary and constitutional issues which they will address in briefs to both state and federal appellate courts."
"The errors which occurred in this case are substantial and unfortunately, led to verdicts which are not supported by the evidence," the statement continued.
"And though we have great respect for the jury in this case and for our system of justice overall, sometimes they get it wrong. And that's what happened here."
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"Mr Masterson did not commit the crimes for which he has been convicted and we and the appellate lawyers — the best and the brightest in the country — are confident that these convictions will be overturned," the statement concluded.