Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life in prison

LOS ANGELES – “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson was sentenced Thursday to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in his Hollywood Hills home more than two decades ago.

Masterson, 47, was sentenced four months after he was convicted on two of the three rape counts he faced at his retrial in Los Angeles.

The once-popular sitcom star, who has not taken the stand at any of his trials, has repeatedly denied sexually abusing the women.

Masterson was accused of raping three women between 2001 and 2003 – identified in the trial as Jane Doe #1, Jane Doe #2 and Jane Doe #3.

Masterson’s first trial ended in a mistrial in November 2022, with the jury seeking an acquittal. His second trial ended with the actor being convicted of raping Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2, but not Jane Doe #3.

All three accusers are former members of the Church of Scientology, to which Masterson still belongs.

Both trials drew unwanted attention to the controversial church, which the women accuse of trying to cover up the allegations.

At the retrial, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo emphasized that Scientology was not a defendant. But she had witnesses testify that church officials pressured her not to talk to police about the rape allegations.

Scientology spokeswoman Karin Pouw has repeatedly denied these allegations, insisting that church teaching requires members to “abide by all laws of the land.”

Angela Yang reported from Los Angeles. Corky Siemaszko reported from New York City.