California Appeals Court Upholds Danny Masterson Rape Convictions and 30-Year Sentence Rejecting Scientology Bias Claims
What happened
A California appeals court upheld Danny Masterson's 2023 rape convictions and 30-year prison sentence, formally rejecting defense claims of judicial bias.
The Context
* The legal challenge: Masterson's defense argued in an 89-page appeal that the trial judge demonstrated hostility and improperly admitted testimony regarding institutional practices to explain delayed reporting by victims. * The appellate finding: A three-judge panel ruled that contextual evidence was admitted strictly for limited, non-doctrinal purposes regarding victim behavior, finding zero judicial animus. * The procedural history: Following a 2022 hung jury, the 2023 retrial resulted in Masterson's conviction on two counts of forcible rape stemming from incidents at his Hollywood Hills home in 2003.
The Number
— the full prison term reaffirmed by the court, signaling that complex evidentiary decisions made during high-stakes celebrity trials can withstand appellate scrutiny.
Takeaway
Masterson’s defense plans to petition the California Supreme Court, marking the final stage of state-level appeals for this landmark case.
International coverage from The Guardian's global desks.
"The Guardian is known for its progressive editorial stance and in-depth analysis."
— A47 Editor
Danny Masterson loses appeal against rape conviction after arguing judge was biased against Scientology
Danny Masterson, the actor best known for his role on That '70s Show, has lost his appeal against a rape conviction, meaning his 30-year prison sentence has been upheld. He was convicted in 2023 of two counts of rape against two women in 2003, both o...
Hollywood, film, television, and awards coverage.
"The Los Angeles Times is a major West Coast newspaper offering in-depth reporting with a liberal editorial tone and strong regional focus."
— A47 Editor
Danny Masterson, jailed star of 'That '70s Show,' loses rape conviction appeal
Danny Masterson, the actor known for playing Steven Hyde on the sitcom 'That '70s Show' and currently serving time in prison, lost his bid to overturn his two rape convictions after a three-judge panel of a California appeals court rejected his argum...
Conservative-leaning political and national coverage.
"The Washington Times is a conservative-leaning newspaper known for its political coverage and advocacy of right-of-center viewpoints."
— A47 Editor
Danny Masterson's 30-year sentence upheld after judges deny appeal of his rape conviction
Actor Danny Masterson, who was found guilty of rape in 2023, has been denied an appeal of his conviction, leaving his 30-year prison sentence in place. The ruling, reported by The Washington Times, marks the end of the appellate challenge to the verd...
Breaking entertainment industry news, casting, and box office.
"Deadline delivers fast, authoritative entertainment industry coverage."
— A47 Editor
Danny Masterson Fails To Get Double Rape Conviction Overturned; No Bias Against Scientology, Appeals Court Rules
A three-judge panel of the Second Appellate District ruled Tuesday that Danny Masterson's appeal of his rape convictions fails, affirming the judgment against him and rejecting his claim that the trial court was unfairly biased against Scientology, t...
Hollywood business, film/TV deals, awards, and industry analysis.
"Variety is a leading entertainment trade publication covering Hollywood, film, TV, and media business."
— A47 Editor
Danny Masterson Loses Appeal of Rape Conviction
An appeals court has denied Danny Masterson's appeal of his 2023 conviction on rape charges, upholding the verdict and his 30-year prison sentence. In an 89-page ruling, a three-judge panel rejected each of Masterson's arguments in turn, including th...