‘That ‘70s Show’ star Danny Masterson found guilty of two rape counts, is led from court in handcuffs
The Hindu
A jury found “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson guilty of two out of three counts of rape on May 31 in a Los Angeles retrial in which the Church of Scientology played a central role.
A jury found “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson guilty of two out of three counts of rape on May 31 in a Los Angeles retrial in which the Church of Scientology played a central role.
The jury of seven women and five men reached the verdict after deliberating for seven days spread over two weeks. They could not reach a verdict on the third count, that alleged Masterson raped a longtime girlfriend. They had voted 8-4 in favor of conviction.
Masterson was led from the courtroom in handcuffs, and will be held without bail until he is sentenced. No sentencing date has yet been set, but the judge told Masterson and his lawyers to return to court Aug. 4 for a hearing. The 47-year-old actor could face 30 years to life in prison.
His wife, actor and model Bijou Phillips, wept as he was led away. Other family and friends sat stone-faced.
“I am experiencing a complex array of emotions — relief, exhaustion, strength, sadness — knowing that my abuser, Danny Masterson, will face accountability for his criminal behaviour,” one of the women, whom Masterson was convicted of raping at his home in 2003, said in a statement.
The woman, whose count left the jury deadlocked, said in the statement: “While I’m encouraged that Danny Masterson will face some criminal punishment, I am devastated that he has dodged criminal accountability for his heinous conduct against me.”
Prosecutors declined to speak to reporters as they left the courthouse Wednesday. A spokesperson for Masterson had no immediate comment.
National Press Day (November 16) was last week, and, as an entertainment journalist, I decided to base this column on a topic that is as personal as it is relevant — films on journalism and journalists. Journalism’s evolution has been depicted throughout the last 100-odd years thanks to pop culture, and the life and work of journalists have made for a wealth of memorable cinema.