Danny Masterson loses appeal against rape conviction after arguing judge was biased against Scientology
Summary
A California appeals court upheld Danny Masterson’s rape convictions and 30-year prison sentence, rejecting his arguments that the trial judge was biased against Scientology and that other trial rulings were improper. His lawyers said they plan to appeal to the California Supreme Court.Key Facts
- Masterson was convicted in 2023 of raping two women in 2003.
- A separate charge involving a third woman and an alleged 2001 rape was quashed.
- A three-judge appeals panel found no evidence that the trial judge showed bias against Scientology.
- The panel said evidence about Scientology was admitted to address the case and did not violate the First Amendment.
- The panel also rejected Masterson’s arguments about the statute of limitations, evidence and adequacy of his defense.
- Prosecutors argued that the women delayed reporting the assaults because they feared consequences under Scientology rules.
- Masterson’s lawyers called the ruling unfortunate and said they would appeal to the California Supreme Court.
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