Wednesday, May 8, 2024

’90s TV Star Sentenced To Decades In Prison

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Disgraced actor has learned his fate: 30 years to life. The former sitcom star will spend at least the next 30 years behind bars after being convicted of raping two women.

Between 1998 and 2006, Masterson was one of the biggest stars on television, where he played Steven Hyde on “That '70s Show,” alongside Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis.

Masterson drugged at least two women to gain control over their bodies “over and over and over again.” For nearly two decades, he used his prominence in the to pressure his victims into not reporting their attacks to police. The women he abused were Scientologists at the time.

Per NBC News:

Masterson, 47, was hit with the punishment four months after he was convicted on two of the three rape counts he faced at his retrial in Los Angeles.

The once popular sitcom star, who did not take the stand at either of his trials, has repeatedly denied sexually assaulting the women.

Masterson had been charged with raping three women — identified at trial as Jane Doe #1, Jane Doe #2 and Jane Doe #3 — between 2001 to 2003.

Masterson's first trial ended in November 2022 with a mistrial, with jurors leaning toward acquittal. His second trial ended with the actor being convicted of raping Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2 but not Jane Doe #3.

Both trials painted the Church of Scientology in an unflattering light, bringing unwanted attention and further scrutiny to an organization widely considered a dangerous and manipulative cult.

During the proceedings, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo clarified Scientology wasn't on trial. However, she let witnesses testify that church officials pressured them into not holding Masterson accountable.

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Patrick Houck
Patrick Houck
Patrick Houck is an avid political enthusiast based out of the Washington, D.C. metro area. His expertise is in campaigns and the use of targeted messaging to persuade voters. When not combing through the latest news, you can find him enjoying the company of family and friends or pursuing his love of photography.

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