Danny Masterson loses appeal as judge called 'neutral' on Scientology

Danny Masterson has lost his appeal against his rape conviction, confirming his 30-year prison sentence. According to the Guardian ^[1], the actor was found guilty in 2023 of raping two women, while a third charge was quashed.

The California court of appeal panel rejected arguments that the trial judge, Charlaine F Olmedo, was biased against Scientology. The ruling stated her statements showed "no animus or departure from neutrality regarding Scientology" during the proceedings ^[1].

Masterson, best known for That '70s Show, insisted all sexual encounters were consensual. His legal team had argued that the court improperly intruded on church doctrine by allowing expert testimony about Scientology’s stance on police reporting. The appeals panel dismissed this, noting the jury was not asked to determine the truth of religious beliefs ^[1].

Prosecutors had argued that Masterson used his prominent position in the Church of Scientology to avoid accountability. The plaintiffs, who were also Scientologists at the time, testified they delayed reporting due to fear of retaliation and excommunication. One accuser stated she was shunned after going to the police ^[1].

The church previously issued a statement claiming trial testimony about its policies was "uniformly false," asserting it does not discourage members from reporting crimes ^[1].

Masterson’s lawyers, Cliff Gardner and Eric Multhaup, described the decision as "unfortunate" and confirmed they intend to appeal to the California Supreme Court. The panel also rejected claims regarding the statute of limitations and evidentiary rulings ^[1].

Support for those affected by sexual abuse is available through organisations such as Rainn in the US and Rape Crisis in the UK ^[1].