Danny Masterson loses appeal of rape conviction - CBC

Danny Masterson speaks at an event in 2017 in Nashville. The actor, known for his role in That 70s Show, was denied an appeal of his 2023 rape convictions, upholding his 30-year prison sentence. (Anna Webber/Getty Images for Netflix)Social SharingDanny Masterson's appeal of his 2023 rape convictions was denied on Tuesday, upholding his 30-year prison sentence.

In the 89-page ruling viewed by CBC News, a panel of three judges rejected all of the actor's arguments, including his claim that the judge in his trial was biased against Scientology. 

The panel unanimously found that the 50-year-old did not demonstrate that the court made any errors that would warrant a new trial. 

Masterson, known for his role on That '70s Show, was convicted in 2023 of two counts of rape against two women in 2003, which was a retrial after the first trial ended with a deadlocked jury in 2022. The jury in 2023 wasn't able to reach a verdict on a count involving a third person who alleges she was raped in 2001. He is currently serving 30 years to life in prison.

The actor is a member of the Church of Scientology. At the time, his accusers were members as well and said they had blamed the church for their hesitancy in going to police about Masterson.

They testified at the time that when they reported him to Scientology officials they were told they were not raped, were put through ethics programs and were warned against going to law enforcement to report a member of such high standing.

Masterson stands with his lawyer Thomas Mesereau as he is arraigned on rape charges at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on Sept. 18, 2020, in Los Angeles. (Lucy Nicholson/Getty Images)

In the appeal, attorneys for Masterson argue that he was denied his First Amendment right of free exercise of religion and that a judge made several statements "lacking neutrality" and "with hostility" toward Scientology.

"Those statements, viewed in context, evidence no animus or departure from neutrality regarding Scientology," says the ruling by the panel of judges for the California Second District Court of Appeal. 

"The jury in his case was not asked to determine the truth or falsity of Scientology doctrine or beliefs," the appeals court wrote, adding that "admission of Scientology evidence for those purposes did not contravene the First Amendment."

The panel also rejected arguments about the statute of limitations and evidentiary rulings. It also denied a separate habeas corpus petition arguing Masterson didn't get an adequate defence.

CBC News reached out to representatives for Masterson but did not hear back at the time of publication.

In a statement to CBC News, Masterson's appellate attorneys Cliff Gardner and Eric Multhaup said they will seek review with the California Supreme Court and also pursue a separate petition.

If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911. For support in your area, you can look for crisis lines and local services via the Ending Sexual Violence Association of Canada database. ​​

Griffin Jaeger is a reporter and producer with CBC's entertainment unit. He also formerly hosted and produced content for The National’s digital platforms. You can reach him at griffin.jaeger@cbc.ca