Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde on the comedy show That ’70s Show‘, will spend 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in 2003. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo gave the sentence on Thursday after listening to the victims’ statements and denying a defense request for a new trial.
Masterson, 47, was found guilty in June on two charges of rape by force or fear, after a month-long second trial. The jury was deadlocked on a third charge related to another woman who said Masterson raped her in 2001. Masterson insisted that he was innocent and that he had sex with the women with their consent.
The case was notable for its link to the Church of Scientology, which Masterson is a high-profile member of. The victims, who were also members of the church when the rapes happened, said that the church pressured and harassed them to stay quiet about their accusations. The church rejected any claims of interference or misconduct in the case.
The victims, who were only called Christina B. and Jen B. in court, talked about the pain and damage they suffered because of Masterson’s actions. They said he took their spirit, broke their trust, and never apologized for his crimes. They also expressed their gratitude to the prosecutors, the jury, and the judge for bringing justice.
Masterson did not say anything before he was sentenced and did not show any emotion when the judge announced her decision. His wife, actor Bijou Phillips, was in court and looked tearful during the hearing. His lawyer, Thomas Mesereau, said he would appeal the verdict and the sentence.
Masterson became famous in the late 1990s and early 2000s as one of the main actors of That ’70s Show, which aired for eight seasons on Fox. He also starred in other shows and movies, such as The Ranch, Men at Work, Yes Man, and Dracula 2000. He was fired from The Ranch in 2017 after the rape allegations came out.
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