That '70s Show star Danny Masterson handed 30 to life prison sentence

Danny Masterson, one of the stars of That ‘70s Show, has been sentenced to 30 year to life in prison for rape charges.

Best known for his role as Steven Hyde in That ‘70s Show, Danny Masterson, 47, has been involved in a lengthy criminal court case and has been charged with two counts of forcible rape.

The counts date back to 2001 and 2003, when Masterson was accused of raping three women in his home in the Hollywood Hills. Masterson underwent an initial first trial which ended in November 2022, when the jury was unable to reach a decision on some of the allegations.

The second trial was more successful, resulting in a conviction on two forcible rape charges in May 2023.

Danny Masterson repeatedly pleaded innocence throughout the trial, and a motion from his legal team for a retrial was put forward but was swiftly denied. Yesterday a final decision was made and Masterson has now been charged with two counts and will serve 15 years for each one, adding up to 30 years of prison time.

Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo delivered the sentence in court, saying: "Mr. Masterson, I know that you're sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimized by a justice system that has failed you … But Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person's voice, and choice. One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions, and their consequences."

While Masterson will be eligible for parole after 25 years, it’s likely he’ll be forced to serve out his sentence in its entirety, and even if he was released, he’d be classified as a registered sex offender for life.

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