World · North America · 1 hr ago
California court upholds Danny Masterson's rape conviction and sentence
A California appeals court upheld Danny Masterson’s conviction on two counts of rape by force or fear.
The former That ’70s Show actor was convicted in 2023 over attacks in the early 2000s at his Hollywood Hills home and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
His lawyers argued that the trial had been unfair, including because jurors heard evidence about the Church of Scientology, which Masterson and the victims were connected to.
The judges said the evidence helped explain the victims’ actions and did not show bias against the church.
A jury had not reached a verdict on a third rape charge, and prosecutors later dropped it rather than retrying him.
Masterson’s attorneys plan to appeal to California’s Supreme Court, while he remains in prison; the ruling says he is not eligible for parole until 2042.
A California appeals court upheld Danny Masterson’s convictions for two counts of rape and his prison sentence.
A three-justice panel rejected his appeal and a separate petition for habeas corpus on Tuesday.
The 89-page ruling rejected arguments that the trial court mishandled evidence or showed bias toward Scientology.
Masterson was convicted in May 2023 and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
His lawyers said they would seek review by the California Supreme Court.
- Who
- Danny Masterson, a former That ’70s Show actor, and a three-justice California appeals court panel.
- What
- The court upheld Masterson’s two rape convictions and prison sentence, rejecting his appeal.
- When
- Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
- Where
- California. The two rapes for which Masterson was convicted took place at his Hollywood Hills home.
- Why
- The justices rejected his arguments that the trial court mishandled evidence or violated his rights.
Accusers
Church of Scientology
Aspect
Accusers
The accusers said church officials protected Masterson and discouraged them from contacting authorities.
Church of Scientology
The church denied that it discouraged the women from contacting authorities.
Aspect
Accusers
The accusers said they were involved with the church when the alleged crimes occurred.
Church of Scientology
The church said Masterson’s religion should not have been an issue in the case.
Allegations against Masterson first publicly surfaced during investigations into alleged misconduct within the Church of Scientology.
Masterson was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear.
Masterson’s first trial ended in a hung jury.
A jury found Masterson guilty of two rape counts; it did not reach a verdict on a third count.
Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
A California appeals court rejected Masterson’s appeal and habeas petition; his lawyers said they would seek review by the state Supreme Court.
- Convictions
- Two counts of rape by force or fear
- Sentence
- 30 years to life in prison
- Appeal ruling
- 89-page opinion by a three-justice panel
- Third charge
- Jury deadlocked; prosecutors decided not to retry the case
- Next legal step
- Masterson’s lawyers plan to seek review by the California Supreme Court
4 sources
Justiça mantém condenação de Danny Masterson a 30 anos de prisão por estupro
Danny Masterson's rape conviction and prison sentence upheld as court rejects his appeal
Danny Masterson Loses Rape Conviction Appeal, Vows to Take Fight to State Supreme Court
Court upholds Danny Masterson's rape conviction
What people are saying
All of these statements, viewed in context, evidence no animosity toward Scientology
Defendant fails to establish any abuse of discretion or First Amendment violation by the trial court.
Danny is serving a life sentence for crimes he did not commit. No one in California, not defendants and not victims who have actually been the victim of a sex crime, is safer by virtue of today’s unfortunate decision.
You relish in hurting women