Danny Masterson found guilty on two rape counts

That '70s Show's star might serve 30 years. He left court handcuffed. Three former Scientologist women accused the actor of sexual abuse at his Hollywood home from 2001-03.

Masterson was accused of evading responsibility by using his Scientologist status. After a week, the seven-woman, five-man jury deadlocked at 8-4 on a third count.

Masterson's wife, actress and model Bijou Phillips, cried as he left. Family and friends were stoic. In December 2022, a previous jury couldn't decide.

Prosecutors retried Masterson and the court accepted fresh evidence that had been prohibited from the previous trial.

The actor was not charged with injecting drugs his victims, but the jury heard that he dosed them before raping them.

Masterson and his accusers were Scientologists. Several women stated they waited years to disclose the rape to authorities because Church of Scientology leaders discouraged them.

Prosecutors say Scientology executives threatened one victim with expulsion unless she signed a non-disclosure agreement and got $400,000 (£320,000).

The defense focused on the "Jane Does"' discrepancies and claimed desire for "revenge" on their former Church to discredit them.

Because there was no proof of force or aggression, the defense maintained that the prosecution relied mainly on drugging testimony. Masterson's attorneys unsuccessfully sought a mistrial.

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