Verdict: Masterson sentenced to 30 years in scandal

In November 2023, the verdict was delivered for American actor Danny Masterson, known from the hit sitcom 'That '70s Show,' in a Los Angeles courtroom, USA. He was found guilty of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. This high-profile case culminated when the former celebrity was led away in handcuffs. The trial uncovered dark secrets behind the scenes in both Hollywood and the Church of Scientology, including how fame was allegedly used to intimidate victims in a fight for justice that spanned two decades and evolved into a significant scandal.

Early assaults: Allegations of drugging, rape arise

As early as 2001, while Danny Masterson was at the height of his career as the rebellious Steven Hyde in 'That '70s Show,' the first of the assaults for which he was later convicted took place. According to prosecutors, he invited a 23-year-old woman to his Hollywood Hills home, where, by her account, she was drugged before he raped her. The woman, like Masterson, was a member of the Church of Scientology, and she later explained that the church's strict internal policies prevented her from reporting the assault to the police. Two years later, in April 2003, a similar scenario occurred with a 28-year-old woman, also a member of Scientology. She was allegedly drugged after Masterson invited her to his home under the pretext of discussing church teachings. The third charge, for which Masterson was acquitted in the second trial, came from a 23-year-old woman in October 2003, who stated that he used physical force against her.

Scientology's role: Internal justice protects Masterson

A central and controversial element of the case was the Church of Scientology's alleged involvement. All three women were or had been affiliated with the church, which reportedly enforced strict rules against members reporting each other to secular authorities. Instead, internal disputes and cases were to be handled through the church's own justice system. Several witnesses, including former members of Scientology, confirmed this practice in court. They explained that Danny Masterson, who came from a prominent Scientology family, allegedly enjoyed special protection due to his celebrity status and his position in the church. The victims testified about how church representatives allegedly attempted intimidation and threatened them with excommunication to prevent them from going to the police.

#MeToo breaks the silence: Reports against Masterson

It wasn't until 2017, over a decade after the alleged assaults, that the women broke their silence. Inspired by the global #MeToo movement and supported by former Scientology member Leah Remini, who had publicly criticized the church for its practices, they filed reports with the Los Angeles Police Department. This initiated an extensive investigation, which in June 2020 resulted in official charges against Danny Masterson for three counts of rape by force. Throughout the proceedings, Masterson pleaded not guilty and maintained that all sexual relations were consensual.

First trial: Charges, defense, hung jury, and mistrial

The first trial against Danny Masterson began in October 2022. The prosecution presented evidence and testimonies that supported the rape charges and highlighted the Church of Scientology's controversial role. The defense attempted to cast doubt on the victims' credibility, partly by pointing out minor inconsistencies in their long-standing accounts. After several days of intense deliberations, the jury could not reach a unanimous decision, resulting in a 'mistrial' in November 2022, a situation that temporarily paused the case.

Second trial: New strategy, witness, Masterson guilty

However, the California District Attorney's office quickly decided to retry the case. The second trial against Danny Masterson began in April 2023, with prosecutors having adjusted their strategy. They placed even greater emphasis on the Church of Scientology's internal structures and policies, presenting a former church official as a key witness. This witness confirmed the alleged preferential treatment and protection Masterson reportedly enjoyed. This time, the jury's deliberations lasted only a few hours. On May 31, 2023, Danny Masterson was found guilty of raping two of the three accusing women.

Sentencing: Victims testify, Masterson's life sentence

During the sentencing on September 7, 2023, the victims read heartbreaking testimonies. They described the lasting traumatic impact the assaults and subsequent intimidation had on their lives, careers, and mental health, underscoring the severe psychological distress such experiences can cause. Judge Charlaine Olmedo of the Los Angeles Superior Court highlighted the 'cold, calculating nature' of the crimes and sentenced Danny Masterson to two consecutive terms of 15 years to life. He has been incarcerated since May 2023 and was transferred in December to California Men's Colony, a state prison in California.

Appeal: Defense, victims fight, and grim aftermath

Danny Masterson and his defense team have appealed the verdict. They contest, among other things, that crucial evidence was allegedly omitted during the trial and that there was a general bias against Scientology. The defense also points out that several potential witnesses in Masterson's favor died before the trials could be conducted. This high-profile case has had enormous human costs for the victims, who have suffered from both the assaults and years of alleged harassment and intimidation by the Church of Scientology. A separate civil lawsuit against the church, filed by the victims, is still pending in the U.S. legal system. Danny Masterson's case and the ensuing scandal have become a grim example of how powerful individuals and institutional structures can allegedly protect abusers for decades, highlighting the long and difficult path victims often face to achieve justice.

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