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Actor Danny Masterson Sentenced 30 Years in Prison for Two Rapes

The actor of television series Men at Work and The Ranch has been convicted of raping two women, who were both former members of the Church of Scientology. By: Theng Min Yee

Found guilty in May of raping two women, actor Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. All of the crimes reportedly took place at Masterson’s home, with the women alleging that Masterson drugged and raped them in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. After a long, arduous legal trial, Masterson was convicted of his crimes on 7 September. According to sources, Masterson’s family members, including his wife Bijou Phillips, were in the courtroom during the sentencing.

In their impact statements, the victims claimed that the Church of Scientologist sought to protect the 47-year-old actor and Scientologist, forcing them to remain silent about the abuse. The victims were also advised by Scientology members to not contact law enforcement.

“You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent,” one of his victims said to Masterson during the court hearing, “The world is better off with you in prison.”

Addressing Masterson, Judge Charlaine Olmedo said, “Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice and choice. Your actions 20 years ago were criminal, and that is why you are here."

Masterson’s defence attorney Shawn Holley revealed that he will be appealing to overturn the verdict. “Though we have great respect for the jury in this case and for our system of justice overall, sometimes they get it wrong. And that's what happened here. Mr. Masterson did not commit the crimes for which he has been convicted and we--and the appellate lawyers — the best and the brightest in the country — are confident that these convictions will be overturned,” Holley said.

Since the allegations emerged, Masterson was cancelled from Netflix series The Ranch. His agency has also cut ties with him.

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