Danny Masterson Loses Appeal, 30-Year Rape Sentence Upheld by California Court

Actor Danny Masterson, best known for his role on “That ’70s Show,” has lost his appeal of his 2023 rape conviction, with a California appeals court affirming both the verdict and his 30-year prison sentence. In an 89-page ruling, a three-judge panel systematically rejected each of Masterson’s arguments, including his claim that the trial judge was biased against the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a member. The court found no reversible error in the proceedings, keeping the former sitcom star behind bars. Masterson was convicted in May 2023 on two counts of forcible rape involving two women, with a third count resulting in a hung jury. The case drew widespread attention due to Masterson’s celebrity status and the involvement of Scientology, which victims alleged attempted to silence them. This appellate decision marks a significant legal setback for Masterson, who has maintained his innocence, and reinforces the convictions that followed years of investigation. The ruling underscores the challenges high-profile defendants face in overturning jury verdicts, particularly when claims of judicial bias are not substantiated by the record. Masterson’s legal team may still seek review from the California Supreme Court, but for now, his 30-year sentence stands as a landmark outcome in the #MeToo era.