Danny Masterson's rape conviction appeal rejected, 30-year sentence upheld
A California appeals court rejected Danny Masterson's appeal of his 2023 rape conviction and upheld his 30-year-to-life prison sentence.
A three-judge panel in California unanimously denied the actor's appeal in an 89-page ruling. Masterson failed to show the lower court made errors warranting a new trial.
Masterson starred in That '70s Show and later appeared in Netflix's The Ranch. He was convicted in 2023 of raping two women after his first trial ended in a deadlocked jury.
The appeals court rejected claims that his convictions violated the statute of limitations, that evidence was unfairly excluded, and that the judge showed bias against his religion. Masterson is a prominent member of the Church of Scientology.
His accusers are former members who said church officials told them what happened was not rape. They also said church policies prevented them from going to police.
Masterson, 50, is serving his sentence in California. He will not be eligible for parole for more than 20 years.
His lawyers said they would seek review at the California Supreme Court.
- 30 years to life
- Prison sentence
- More than 20 years away
- Parole eligibility
- Two women
- Rape victims
- 89 pages
- Decision length
Why it mattersThe upheld conviction affirms the jury's finding and removes a major legal hurdle; further appeals are unlikely to succeed.
AustraliaNo direct impact on Australia, though the case has drawn international attention and resonates with former Scientology members globally.
Corroborated bytheguardian.com
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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