Danny Masterson, known for his role in the series, That ’70s Showwas sentenced to 30 years to life for the rape of two women in the early 2000s.
In May of this year Masterson was found guilty by a jury in Los Angeles in the USA of two out of three charges of rape.
Three women, all former members of the Church of Scientology, accused Masterson of sexual crimes. He is also known as a prominent member of this church.
The assaults allegedly took place between 2001 and 2003 in his Hollywood home. Prosecutors argued that this church threatened one of Masterson’s victims with suspension, forced her to accept money and sign a document promising not to talk about the incident.
Masterson’s victims had the opportunity to address him during the sentencing.
“I forgive you, your illness is no longer mine to bear,” said one of the women.
Masterson did not say a word during the sentencing. However, his wife, Bijou Phillips, broke down in tears after the judge announced Masterson’s sentence.
Since allegations about the involvement of the Church of Scientology in the rapes came to light, the church maintains that there is no evidence that they are and were not significantly involved in the court case.
Some of the victims have also disclosed that family members who still belong to the church have cut off all contact with them.
“Since I went to the police, I have been harassed and terrorized by the cult of Scientology on a daily basis – and it has been seven years now,” said one of the victims.
“But I don’t regret it.”
Masterson was accused of rape back in 2017, with official charges filed against him soon after.
Additional source: BBC News
