Danny Masterson’s rape conviction signals progress, but much work remains

National Actor Danny Masterson Found Guilty of Rape in Retrial

The retrial of actor Danny Masterson, a former star of “That ’70s Show,” concluded on May 31, 2023, with the jury finding him guilty of two counts of rape. The trial was held in Los Angeles and lasted for two weeks.

The Charges and Verdict

Masterson was accused of forcibly raping three women in his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. The prosecution argued that he drugged the women’s drinks to make them easier to assault. Masterson was convicted of two counts of rape, and the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the third count.

Masterson, who did not testify, faces up to 30 years in prison. He was led from the courtroom in handcuffs, and his wife, Bijou Phillips, wept as he was taken away.

The Role of the Church of Scientology

The Church of Scientology was a central figure in the trial. All three accusers, as well as Masterson, were members of the church at the time of the alleged rapes. Prosecutors argued that Masterson used his position in the church to avoid consequences for his actions. The defense attempted to discredit the accusers by highlighting changes and inconsistencies in their stories over time, which they argued showed signs of coordination between them.

Leah Remini, a former member of the church and its highest-profile critic, was present at the trial and comforted one of the accusers during closing arguments. The Church of Scientology denied having any policy that forbids members from going to secular authorities.

The Testimony

The testimony in the case was graphic and emotional. Two women who knew Masterson from social circles within the church testified that he gave them drinks that made them woozy or caused them to pass out before he raped them in 2003. The third accuser, Masterson’s then-girlfriend, said she awoke to find him raping her and had to pull his hair to make him stop.

The issue of drugging played a significant role in the retrial. Prosecutors attempted to argue that Masterson drugged the women to take away their ability to consent, but he was not charged with any counts of drugging, and there is no toxicology evidence to support the assertion. Masterson’s attorney asked for a mistrial because of the issue’s inclusion, but the motion was denied.

The Philosophical Discussion

The Masterson case raises important questions about power dynamics and accountability when it comes to sexual assault. Masterson’s prominence and status within the Church of Scientology allowed him to avoid consequences for decades, according to prosecutors. The accusers reported the alleged rapes to church officials, but were told they were not raped and were put through ethics programs themselves.

The case also highlights the trauma that sexual assault survivors endure and the challenges they face in seeking justice. The women in this case reported the rapes to the church, but were warned against going to law enforcement to report a member of such high standing. This response from the church may have contributed to the delay in reporting the rapes to secular authorities, as the accusers testified that they felt intimidated by some members in the room.

The Editorial and Advice

The guilty verdict in the Masterson case is a step forward for justice for sexual assault survivors. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that survivors can report assaults with confidence that they will be taken seriously and that their abusers will be held accountable. The power dynamics at play in this case underscore the need for institutions to have robust systems in place for reporting and addressing sexual assault allegations. This is especially important when the abuser is someone in a position of power.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, there are resources available to help. The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) and provides free, confidential support to survivors 24/7.