After being convicted of raping two women, Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison on September 7. Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo judge gave the "That 70s Show" actor the maximum sentence of 15 years for both counts of rape. Originally, the defense had requested the sentences to run concurrently, but Olmedo decided to have Masterson serve them consecutively. "Your actions 20 years ago took away another person's voice, and choice," the judge said at the sentencing, per the Associated Press. Masterson also faced a rape charge from a third woman — a former girlfriend — but the jury was deadlocked on that count.
All three women were members of the Church of Scientology when the attacks took place in the early 2000s, and claimed that when they told church officials about Masterson's actions they were shunned and harassed by the church. One victim, identified as Jen B., said the church even turned her mother against her. "She texted me and told me to never contact her again," Jen B. said, per the Los Angeles Times. "I have been terrorized, harassed and had my privacy invaded daily by the cult of Scientology for almost 7 years now," the other victim, identified as N. Trout, said. The church denied those claims.
Masterson's wife Bijou Phillips was present and tearful during the sentencing. Less than two weeks later, Phillips filed for divorce on September 19 seeking full custody of their daughter and spousal support.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
