Danny Masterson, who was convicted in May of raping two women, has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for his crimes, PEOPLE confirms.
Before Masterson was sentenced, the two women he was convicted of raping gave victim impact statements.
“When you raped me, you stole from me,” said Masterson’s 2003 victim,the Associated Press reported. “That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.”
“You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent,” she said. “The world is better off with you in prison.”
The other victim told the court that she “knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with,” according to AP.
“I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police," she said.
According toVariety, Masterson’s family members, including his wifeBijou Phillips, were in the courtroom during the sentencing.
Lalo Yasky/Getty
Varietyreported that Judge Charlaine Olmedo addressed Masterson, saying, “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.”
Masterson was charged in 2020 with forcibly raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. Hepleaded not guiltyto all three charges in January 2021.
Danny Masterson.LUCY NICHOLSON/POOL/AFP via Getty
LUCY NICHOLSON/POOL/AFP via Getty
All of the crimes occurred at Masterson’s home, prosecutors said, andall three accusers took the standto detail their allegations in May 2021 in a preliminary hearing.
Masterson was initially tried for the allegations in late 2022, but amistrial was calledafter jurors were unable to come to a unanimous verdict. Ten of 12 of jurors wanted to find Masterson not guilty based on the evidence presented.
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Many of the allegations against Masterson first surfaced in March 2017 when the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division confirmed an investigation was taking place into sexual assault allegations against the actor. In November 2017,HuffPostreported that a fourth woman had accused Masterson of raping her in the early 2000s.
After the allegations came to light, Masterson was removed from the Netflix seriesThe Ranch— which he appeared in alongside formerThat ’70s ShowcostarAshton Kutcher. United Talent Agency also cut ties with the actor.
Masterson’s defense attorney Shawn Holley said in a statement to PEOPLE after the verdict that he will appeal.
“For the past several months, a team of the top appellate lawyers in the country has been reviewing the transcripts of the trial. 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 statement said.
In a statement to PEOPLE following the verdict, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said, “This has been a long and arduous road for the victims of Mr. Masterson. They not only survived his abuse, they also survived a system that is often not kind to victims. I applaud their courage for coming forward and participating in this process. My hope is that this sentence will somehow bring them peace and that their bravery will be an example to others. I also want to thank the entire trial team. This was a very difficult case but due to their hard work, experience and commitment, justice was finally served today. One of my top priorities is to ensure that Los Angeles will no longer be a hunting ground for Hollywood elite who feel entitled to prey on women.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.
source: people.com
