Danny Masterson, former “That ’70s Show” actor, appeals his 30-year rape conviction, citing an unfair trial tainted by Scientology references and witness bias.
Appeal Cites Fundamental Flaws in Trial
Danny Masterson, the former star of “That”s Show,” is fighting back against his 30-year prison sentence for rape. His legal team has filed a substantial 242-page appeal, arguing that the actor did not receive a fair trial. The appeal contends that the inclusion of Scientology doctrine and practices in the proceedings unfairly prejudiced the jury against Masterson.
Danny Masterson Slams Victims, D.A.’s Office In Rape Conviction Appeal Over Scientology Inclusion In Trials, Alleged Quashed Evidence & Moneyhttps://t.co/Ru1sa3nrq2
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) December 20, 2024
Central to the appeal is the claim that the trial was tainted by inappropriate references to Scientology, which Masterson’s lawyers argue should have been excluded from the proceedings. The defense team posits that these references created an atmosphere of bias against the actor, effectively turning the trial into what they describe as a legal attack on the Church of Scientology rather than an impartial examination of the rape allegations.
Danny Masterson Appeals Rape Conviction, Claims Court Allowed 'Fundamental Flaws' in Case 'To the Detriment of the Defense' https://t.co/Lk2BFLRtNe
— People (@people) December 19, 2024
Allegations of Witness Bias and Financial Motives
Masterson’s defense has raised concerns about the credibility of the witnesses, mainly focusing on their potential financial motivations. The appeal highlights the existence of a concurrent civil lawsuit filed by the victims against Masterson and the Church of Scientology, alleging harassment after they reported the assaults. According to the defense, this creates a conflict of interest that should have been more thoroughly examined during the trial.
“The trial court’s ruling is irreconcilable, with more than a century of California law recognizing the common sense principle that a witness’s financial stake in the trial’s outcome is relevant to credibility”—the appeal.
The defense argues that the jury’s view was skewed by the plaintiffs’ narratives and the exclusion of potentially exculpatory evidence. They contend that these factors, combined with certain rulings by the judge, prevented Masterson from receiving a fair trial.
Scientology’s Role in the Case
The Church of Scientology has been a contentious element throughout the legal proceedings. While the organization maintains that it was not a party to the case, its practices and beliefs have been interwoven with the testimonies and allegations. The victims claimed that Scientology’s prohibition against reporting fellow members was a factor in their delayed accusations against Masterson.
“The Church was not a party to this case, and religion did not belong in this proceeding as Supreme Court precedent has maintained for centuries.” The Church of Scientology.
The appeal argues that the inclusion of Scientology-related testimony and evidence unfairly prejudiced the jury against Masterson, effectively putting the church on trial alongside the actor. This, the defense contends, diverted attention from the actual evidence related to the rape charges.
Looking Ahead
As Masterson serves his sentence at California’s Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, his legal team is pursuing multiple avenues to challenge the conviction. In addition to the current appeal, Masterson’s habeas lawyer is preparing a separate petition to address what they perceive as additional defects in the trial process.
“The appeal represents only one part of Danny’s challenge to his convictions. Danny’s habeas lawyer will follow up on the opening brief with a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus documenting additional defects in the trial process.” Menendez brothers lawyer Gardner.
The outcome of this appeal could have significant implications for Masterson and how cases involving high-profile individuals and controversial organizations are handled in the future. As the legal battle continues, it remains to be seen whether Masterson’s arguments will sway the appellate court and potentially lead to a new trial or a reduction in his sentence.
Sources:
https://deadline.com/2024/12/danny-masterson-rape-case-scientology-1236238149/
https://globalnews.ca/news/10925852/danny-masterson-appeal-2023-rape-conviction/