Danny Masterson, known for his role in “That ’70s Show,” received a sentence of 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women that occurred two decades ago.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo delivered the sentence after hearing statements from the two victims, during which they shared their experiences of trauma and suffering caused by rapes.
Masterson had been in custody since May and appeared in court wearing a suit. During the proceedings, he watched the women as they spoke without displaying a visible reaction. This sentencing marked a significant legal development in the case and was a response to the serious charges against him.
“When you raped me, you stole from me,” said one woman who Masterson was convicted of raping in 2003. “That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.”
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“You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent,” she said. “The world is better off with you in prison.”
The other woman Masterson was found guilty of raping said he “has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused.” She told the judge, “I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with. I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police.”
Danny Masterson chose not to address the court before his sentencing and showed no visible reaction after the judge’s decision was delivered.
“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,” Olmedo told Masterson before handing down the sentence. “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.”
According to the Associated Press, the defense sought to have sentences for the two convictions run simultaneously, and asked for a sentence of 15 years to life. The prosecution asked for the full 30 years to life sentence Masterson was eligible for.
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“It’s his life that will be impacted by what you decide today,” Masterson’s lawyer Shawn Holley told the judge before the sentencing. “And the life of his 9-year-old daughter, who means the world to him, and to whom he means the world.”
“He has lived an exemplary life, he has been an extraordinary father, husband, brother, son, co-worker and community servant,” Holley said.
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