The majority of the three counts against Danny Masterson, 'The Ranch' alum were determined by the jury in his rape retrial today, resulting in a guilty verdict for the actor. Once the verdicts were announced and the jury dismissed, Judge Charlaine Olemdo considered Masterson to be a "flight risk." Despite his lawyers' pleas, the actor was apprehended and taken into custody, exhibiting a bewildered expression. The next hearing concerning motions in the case is scheduled for August 4, while a sentencing hearing has not yet been arranged.
On May 30, the 47-year-old actor was convicted of two rape charges that stemmed from a 2020 allegation of forcibly raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. Although Masterson had been out on a $3.3 million dollar bail, the That '70s Show alum was immediately handcuffed and transported to jail after the verdict. Masterson's immediate custody follows, a sentencing date to be determined at the August 4 hearing. He could face 30 years to life in a California state prison facility.
A gruesome affair
Facing a potential sentence of 15 years to life for each count he was found guilty of today, Masterson remained impassive as the verdicts were delivered. However, seated just a few feet away, his wife Bijou Phillips could be heard crying loudly on and off in the courtroom. Other family members and members of the actor's legal team openly wept as well. Following Masterson's removal, family members such as brother-in-law Billy Baldwin and friends remained in the courtroom, visibly shocked by the outcome.
Additionally, for the retrial, prosecutors shifted their focus to the allegation that Masterson had drugged his victims. They presented expert witnesses and directly informed the jury, rather than merely implying, that the "That '70s Show" star had administered intoxicants to manipulate his victims.
What were the charges against Danny Masterson?
Masterson was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear relating to separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. According to NBC News, the three women involved were members of the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is reportedly a member as well. They have been identified as Jane Doe #1, Jane Doe #2, and Jane Doe #3.
When was the retrial held?
Following the mistrial declaration of Masterson's rape trial on November 30, a retrial commenced at Los Angeles Superior Court on April 17, as reported by The Washington Post. Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson presented the closing arguments to the jury on May 16, according to Fox News.
What happens hereafter?
Only a handful of individuals from the general public appeared at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center this morning, but the courtroom of Judge Olmedo was filled with lawyers. Masterson's defense team, consisting of Cohen and Holley, attended, along with Deputy L.A. County District Attorneys Anson and Mueller. Interestingly, the previous attorneys of That '70s Show, Tom Mesereau and Sharon Applebaum, were present in the pews with their own legal representatives.
Following a brief discussion among the judge and the gathered attorneys, it was determined that the hearing would be rescheduled to the morning of June 7. Judge Olmedo's reasoning behind this decision was that it would be preferable to postpone the proceedings until after the retrial jury had reached a verdict—a situation that most people had assumed would have already occurred by now.
