Actor Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after conviction for raping two women 20 years ago in 2003 while starring in “That ’70s Show,” according to the Los Angeles district attorney’s office.
“This has been a long and arduous road for the victims of Mr. Masterson,” said Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón in a statement to CBS News. “They not only survived his abuse, they also survived a system that is often not kind to victims.”
Masterson convicted of raping a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 and a 23-year-old woman later that year at his Hollywood Hills home.
CBS Los Angeles reports Masterson has been in custody since his conviction. No cameras were allowed in court during sentencing. The Associated Press states that Masterson wore a suit in court as his accusers addressed him directly.
“When you raped me, you stole from me,” said one of Masterson’s victims. “That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.”
“You are pathetic, disturbed, and completely violent,” she added. “The world is better off with you in prison.”
The other woman expressed regret for not reporting him sooner, saying, “I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with.”
Masterson declined to address the court and his lawyers claimed the encounters were consensual. He plans to appeal the conviction.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo told Masterson that he was not the victim and must come to terms with the consequences of his actions.
The jury did not reach a unanimous decision on a third count of rape. Prosecutors will not seek a new trial for that count.
Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller expressed satisfaction that Masterson’s accusers received justice.
Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón commended the bravery and strength of the victims.
It was revealed that Masterson and his accusers were all part of the Church of Scientology at the time. The women testified that they reported Masterson to church officials but were discouraged from going to the police.
Following Masterson’s conviction, a mistrial was declared last year when a different jury could not reach a unanimous verdict.
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