The 'That '70s Show' actor has officially filed documents in an effort to overturn his conviction after he was found guilty of rape and sentenced to 30 years behind bars.
- November 8, 2023
AceShowbiz - Danny Masterson has lodged an appeal against his rape conviction. The 47-year-old actor was convicted of raping two women 20 years ago in May and in September, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison but on 3 November, court documents obtained by The Blast show he has formally raised an appeal against his punishment.
His lawyer, Shawn Halley, vowed to appeal and insisted she was confident Masterson's conviction would be overturned, shortly after the "That 70s Show" star was sentenced.
She said in a statement, "The errors which occurred in this case are substantial and unfortunately, led to verdicts which are not supported by the evidence. And 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."
Handing down a sentence, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo told the actor in Los Angeles Superior Court that he was "not the victim." The judge said, "Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person's choice and voice. Your actions 20 years ago today were criminal, and that's why you are here."
The victims - both of whom are former members of the Church of Scientology - attended the hearing in Los Angeles.
In the wake of Masterson going to jail, his wife Bijou Phillips - who had been by her spouse's side throughout court proceedings - filed for divorce. The actor subsequently agreed to give the 43-year-old singer-and-actress legal and physical custody of their nine-year-old daughter Fianna.
