‘That ‘70s Show’ actor Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison

“That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday for raping two women at the height of his celebrity two decades ago.

Masterson, 47, was found guilty of raping victims Jen B. and N. Trout in his Hollywood-area home back in 2003, when he enjoyed fame as part of the main cast of Fox’s hit sitcom.

Prosecutors alleged that Masterson used his celebrity and prominence in the Church of Scientology — where his victims were also members — to skirt the law and avoid accountability.

The victims testified that they were given drinks by Masterson that made them pass out, and he proceeded to violently rape them. Prosecutors said N. Trout was raped so viciously that she threw up in her mouth and begged Masterson to at least use a condom.

When the women reported Masterson to Scientology officials, they were told they were not raped and were put through an ethics program.

They told the court that Scientology officials also warned them not to report the crime to the police because Masterson was such a high-ranking member of the church.

 Danny Masterson was convicted of raping two women in 2003.
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Masterson was part of the main cast of Fox's hit sitcom That '70s Show.
Masterson was part of the main cast of Fox’s hit sitcom “That ’70s Show.”
FOX Image Collection via Getty Images

Although a jury found Masterson guilty of two counts of rape following an initial deadlocked vote, the panel could not reach a unanimous verdict on a third count alleging Masterson also assaulted his longtime girlfriend Christina Bixler.

Masterson has denied any wrongdoing but did not testify in court, nor did his lawyers call any witnesses to the stand.

Instead, the defense argued that the sexual acts were consensual, and accused the women of coordinating stories to discredit the former Hollywood star.


Masterson allegedly used his high-standing within the Church of Scientology to avoid accountability for two decades.
Masterson allegedly used his standing within the Church of Scientology to avoid accountability for two decades.
Getty Images

Masterson at the Los Angeles court house in May when a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape.
Masterson at the Los Angeles courthouse in May when a jury found him guilty of two counts of rape.
TNS

Masterson was never charged with any counts of drugging, and with no toxicology evidence to back up the women’s story, the issue will likely play a factor in Masterson’s plan to appeal the verdict.

The Church of Scientology also issued a statement labeling the women’s testimony “uniformly false.”

“The Church has no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct of anyone — Scientologists or not — to law enforcement,” the statement said.

With Post wires

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