Danny Masterson, star of That '70s Show, gets 30 years in prison for multiple rapes

Danny Masterson has been convicted and sentenced to 30 years in prison for the rape of two women in 2003 when he was at the height of his fame from his role as Steven Hyde on That '70s Show. He was also accused of similarly raping his then-girlfriend, though in that case, the jury could not reach a verdict.

Testimony from the women recounts Masterson drugging them, making them woozy or causing them to pass out, before violently raping them at his Hollywood home.

The women shared their stories in a courtroom with 47-year-old Masterson present, who did not have a visible reaction to their horrific recounting of events. "When you raped me, you stole from me," said one of the women. "That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit."

The other woman told the judge in her statement that Masterson "has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused" in the twenty years that have passed since the attack. She continued, "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."

Prosecutors argued that Masterson had used his influence as part of the Church of Scientology to silence the women's stories, the women being part of the Church as well. They testified that any attempts to tell Church officials about what he had done were met with gaslighting and/or threats and that they didn't feel safe going to the police at the time of the attacks.

When convicting, Judge Charlaine Olmedo had this message for Masterson. "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. But 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 will not be eligible for parole until he is 77 years old.

For help or advice about rape, sexual assault or domestic abuse, visit the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre website, or call the National 24-hour helpline at 1800 77 8888.