Eric Weinberg, a former producer on Scrubs and Californication, will stand trial for 28 charges of rape and sexual assault, according to multiple outlets. Following several days of preliminary hearings at Los Angeles’ Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Judge Charlaine Olmedo set an arraignment set for June 4 and confirmed Weinberg would be put on trial for the charges, which also include sexual battery and using sexual force.
Variety reports that the preliminary hearing ran for more than two weeks in late April and early May, during which nine women gave testimony.
Variety reports that the preliminary hearing ran for more than two weeks in late April and early May, during which nine women gave testimony.
- 5/22/2024
- by Emily Zemler
- Rollingstone.com
Eric Weinberg, a former writer-producer on the medical sitcom “Scrubs,” was ordered on Tuesday to stand trial by a Los Angeles judge. He is facing 28 charges of rape and sexual assault from eight different accusers and could receive multiple life sentences if convicted, according to media reports.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo heard testimony from nine women at a preliminary two-week hearing that ended in early May. The women, who have only been identified as Jane Does, said they agreed to meet Weinberg as his house for modeling sessions that quickly became physical.
Four of the Jane Does testified that Weinberg choked them and one said, “I was afraid he was going to kill me.” Another said, “I just remember thinking I was going to die,” when Weinberg placed both hands on her throat.
Olmedo dismissed four other counts on Tuesday: three because of the statute of limitations and one due to lack of evidence.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo heard testimony from nine women at a preliminary two-week hearing that ended in early May. The women, who have only been identified as Jane Does, said they agreed to meet Weinberg as his house for modeling sessions that quickly became physical.
Four of the Jane Does testified that Weinberg choked them and one said, “I was afraid he was going to kill me.” Another said, “I just remember thinking I was going to die,” when Weinberg placed both hands on her throat.
Olmedo dismissed four other counts on Tuesday: three because of the statute of limitations and one due to lack of evidence.
- 5/22/2024
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
First arrested almost two years ago for rape and other sex crimes claims, former Scrubs producer Eric Weinberg today was finally ordered by an LA Judge to stand trial.
With an arraignment set for June 4, no trial date has been scheduled so far for the much-accused Weinberg.
The decision to take Weinberg and the over two dozen claims against him to trial was made Tuesday after days of preliminary hearings in front of Judge Charlaine Olmedo at Dtla’s Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. As well as rape, Weinbeeg is facing charges of sexual battery and using sexual force, among others
Denied bail and incarcerated in the downtown’s Twin Towers Correctional Facility since October 25, 2022, the one-time Californication EP will receive the equivalent of life in state prison if found guilty.
After listening to woman after woman describe the way Weinberg approached them with offers of taking photographs and...
With an arraignment set for June 4, no trial date has been scheduled so far for the much-accused Weinberg.
The decision to take Weinberg and the over two dozen claims against him to trial was made Tuesday after days of preliminary hearings in front of Judge Charlaine Olmedo at Dtla’s Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. As well as rape, Weinbeeg is facing charges of sexual battery and using sexual force, among others
Denied bail and incarcerated in the downtown’s Twin Towers Correctional Facility since October 25, 2022, the one-time Californication EP will receive the equivalent of life in state prison if found guilty.
After listening to woman after woman describe the way Weinberg approached them with offers of taking photographs and...
- 5/22/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Eric Weinberg, a veteran writer-producer on the TV show “Scrubs,” was ordered on Tuesday to stand trial on 28 charges of rape and sexual assault.
Weinberg, 63, who also wrote on “Californication” and “Politically Incorrect” with Bill Maher, faces multiple life sentences if convicted.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo heard testimony from nine women at a preliminary hearing that ran for more than two weeks in late April and early May. The women told similar stories of being approached by Weinberg in public places, where he asked if they were interested in modeling.
Many of the women testified that agreed to meet Weinberg at his home, where he would begin to take photos. At some point, the encounter would become sexual, as Weinberg either began to remove their clothing or groped himself.
Several of the women — identified in court as Jane Does — said they became terrified when they realized the photo shoot was just...
Weinberg, 63, who also wrote on “Californication” and “Politically Incorrect” with Bill Maher, faces multiple life sentences if convicted.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo heard testimony from nine women at a preliminary hearing that ran for more than two weeks in late April and early May. The women told similar stories of being approached by Weinberg in public places, where he asked if they were interested in modeling.
Many of the women testified that agreed to meet Weinberg at his home, where he would begin to take photos. At some point, the encounter would become sexual, as Weinberg either began to remove their clothing or groped himself.
Several of the women — identified in court as Jane Does — said they became terrified when they realized the photo shoot was just...
- 5/21/2024
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Danny Masterson, the former star of the TV series That 70’s Show, has been denied bail over concerns the actor would attempt to flee the country.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo said she denied Masterson bail mainly because of he is a flight risk.
“If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life,” Olmedo said. “In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful.”
Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce last month.
Masterson’s new lawyers, Clifford Gardner and Eric Multhaup, filed a motion requesting Masterson to be released to house arrest so he can be...
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo said she denied Masterson bail mainly because of he is a flight risk.
“If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life,” Olmedo said. “In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful.”
Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce last month.
Masterson’s new lawyers, Clifford Gardner and Eric Multhaup, filed a motion requesting Masterson to be released to house arrest so he can be...
- 1/26/2024
- by Zach Ament
- Uinterview
Convicted rapist Danny Masterson was denied bail pending appeal by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Wednesday.
“If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo wrote in an order (via Deadline).
Olmedo also referenced the divorce proceedings between Masterson and Bijou Phillips, who filed for divorce less than two weeks after the actor was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being found guilty of two counts of forcible rape.
“If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo wrote in an order (via Deadline).
Olmedo also referenced the divorce proceedings between Masterson and Bijou Phillips, who filed for divorce less than two weeks after the actor was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being found guilty of two counts of forcible rape.
- 1/25/2024
- by Charisma Madarang
- Rollingstone.com
A judge for the Los Angeles Superior Court has denied “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson bail pending appeal, stating the former actor has “every incentive to flee.”
“If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo in an order on Wednesday.
Olmedo highlighted her decision is in part rooted in the possibility that the actor could take off on the run if granted bail, as he no longer has a spouse to go home to. Masterson and his wife Bijou Phillips are in the process of divorcing after 12 years of marriage. Phillips submitted the filing two weeks after Masterson was convicted in May 2023.
“In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to...
“If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo in an order on Wednesday.
Olmedo highlighted her decision is in part rooted in the possibility that the actor could take off on the run if granted bail, as he no longer has a spouse to go home to. Masterson and his wife Bijou Phillips are in the process of divorcing after 12 years of marriage. Phillips submitted the filing two weeks after Masterson was convicted in May 2023.
“In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to...
- 1/25/2024
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
A Los Angeles Superior Court judge today denied bail pending appeal to convicted rapist Danny Masterson with worries the That 70s Show actor could make a run for it.
“If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life,” wrote Judge Charlaine Olmedo in an order Wednesday. “In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful,” the judge added in reference to the ongoing divorce proceedings between Masterson and Bijou Phillips.
Transferred to North Kern State Prison in late December, the 47-year-old Masterson is currently serving a 30-year to life sentence on dual rape convictions. Under present Golden State statutes, he...
“If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life,” wrote Judge Charlaine Olmedo in an order Wednesday. “In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful,” the judge added in reference to the ongoing divorce proceedings between Masterson and Bijou Phillips.
Transferred to North Kern State Prison in late December, the 47-year-old Masterson is currently serving a 30-year to life sentence on dual rape convictions. Under present Golden State statutes, he...
- 1/24/2024
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The judge who oversaw Danny Masterson’s rape conviction is demanding answers regarding what happened to nine firearms the “That ’70s Show” actor was supposed to surrender.
Masterson was convicted in May of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Long before his trials began, Judge Charlaine Olmedo ordered him to relinquish his collection of 10 guns – but are still unaccounted-for.
Masterson’s lawyer told a judge Monday morning that one gun was destroyed years ago, while the whereabouts of the others are uncertain, legal affairs reporter Meghann Cuniff reported. The former Law and Crime and Orange County Register reporter tweeted news and quotes from court, where Kate Mangels was representing the actor.
“I can represent that they’re not in his possession, custody or control and have not been since prior to the 2020 order,” Mangels said. “In 2020, Mr. Masterson surrendered all firearms in his possession to...
Masterson was convicted in May of raping two women and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Long before his trials began, Judge Charlaine Olmedo ordered him to relinquish his collection of 10 guns – but are still unaccounted-for.
Masterson’s lawyer told a judge Monday morning that one gun was destroyed years ago, while the whereabouts of the others are uncertain, legal affairs reporter Meghann Cuniff reported. The former Law and Crime and Orange County Register reporter tweeted news and quotes from court, where Kate Mangels was representing the actor.
“I can represent that they’re not in his possession, custody or control and have not been since prior to the 2020 order,” Mangels said. “In 2020, Mr. Masterson surrendered all firearms in his possession to...
- 11/13/2023
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Convicted rapist Danny Masterson failed to turn over nine of 23 guns after his felony arrest three years ago – and two of the Jane Does whose allegations led to his criminal charges tell Rolling Stone they’re “scared” and want answers.
The Jane Does attended a court hearing in Los Angeles on Monday, where Judge Charlaine Olmedo gave Masterson’s camp until December 7 to provide proof the weapons have been found and secured. If Masterson’s lawyers fail, Judge Olmedo said she’ll order a search and seizure.
One of the...
The Jane Does attended a court hearing in Los Angeles on Monday, where Judge Charlaine Olmedo gave Masterson’s camp until December 7 to provide proof the weapons have been found and secured. If Masterson’s lawyers fail, Judge Olmedo said she’ll order a search and seizure.
One of the...
- 11/13/2023
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
“Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here.”
While awaiting the sentencing of Danny Masterson on Thursday morning, those words from Judge Charlaine Olmedo broke through mounting courtroom tension. The conviction on two counts of forcible rape left only two possible sentences: 15 years to life or 30 years to life in prison. Masterson’s defense team, Phil Cohen and Shawn Holley, attempted to argue for the lesser sentence emphasizing what the loss of many years could mean for the defendant. Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller turned their argument on its face when he reminded the Judge of what the Jane Does had already lost over the past 20 years, stressing the constant retraumatization that comes with seeking justice as well as the witness’ complete devastation on the stand nearly two decades after being assaulted.
Survivors of rape need not only survive the assault, they must survive living in its aftermath. It is...
While awaiting the sentencing of Danny Masterson on Thursday morning, those words from Judge Charlaine Olmedo broke through mounting courtroom tension. The conviction on two counts of forcible rape left only two possible sentences: 15 years to life or 30 years to life in prison. Masterson’s defense team, Phil Cohen and Shawn Holley, attempted to argue for the lesser sentence emphasizing what the loss of many years could mean for the defendant. Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller turned their argument on its face when he reminded the Judge of what the Jane Does had already lost over the past 20 years, stressing the constant retraumatization that comes with seeking justice as well as the witness’ complete devastation on the stand nearly two decades after being assaulted.
Survivors of rape need not only survive the assault, they must survive living in its aftermath. It is...
- 9/13/2023
- by Jessica Barth
- The Wrap
Chrissie Bixler outed herself as one of Danny Masterson’s victims in November 2017. She joined actress Bobette Riales and two anonymous women in filing a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology in 2019, and on Saturday posted a series of interviews with Ashton Kutcher in which he revealed Masterson bet him $10 to French kiss a then-14-year-old Mila Kunis when Kutcher was 19.
By the time the first episode of “That ’70s Show” aired, putting together Kutcher and Kunis as then-fictional love interests, Kutcher was 20.
One of the clips is from a 2002 episode of “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” where Kutcher and Kunis appeared together. Kutcher admitted to O’Donnell that he and Kunis were told they would be kissing a lot, and he wondered if “this is slightly illegal” due to Kunis’ age.
The actress then revealed that Masterson bet Kutcher $10 if he French kissed her when the pair had their...
By the time the first episode of “That ’70s Show” aired, putting together Kutcher and Kunis as then-fictional love interests, Kutcher was 20.
One of the clips is from a 2002 episode of “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” where Kutcher and Kunis appeared together. Kutcher admitted to O’Donnell that he and Kunis were told they would be kissing a lot, and he wondered if “this is slightly illegal” due to Kunis’ age.
The actress then revealed that Masterson bet Kutcher $10 if he French kissed her when the pair had their...
- 9/11/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Before Danny Masterson’s sentence, friends and loved ones of Masterson wrote to the court seeking leniency.
Fifty letters were written in support of Masterson, including former co-stars Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Debra Jo Rupp, and Kurtwood Smith, who vouched for Masterson despite his sentence on two counts of rape.
Kutcher called Masterson a “role model” and “a person that is consistently there for you when you need him.”
Kutcher says that in the 25 years he has known Masterson, “Danny has been nothing but a positive influence on me. He’s an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being.” Kutcher and Masterson have been friends for over 20 years, starting from being co-stars on That ’70s Show. Kutcher often cites their friendship in his letter to claim how “kind and courteous” Masterson is.
Kutcher acknowledged Masterson’s guilty verdict on two charges of rape.
‘While I’m aware that the judgment has...
Fifty letters were written in support of Masterson, including former co-stars Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Debra Jo Rupp, and Kurtwood Smith, who vouched for Masterson despite his sentence on two counts of rape.
Kutcher called Masterson a “role model” and “a person that is consistently there for you when you need him.”
Kutcher says that in the 25 years he has known Masterson, “Danny has been nothing but a positive influence on me. He’s an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being.” Kutcher and Masterson have been friends for over 20 years, starting from being co-stars on That ’70s Show. Kutcher often cites their friendship in his letter to claim how “kind and courteous” Masterson is.
Kutcher acknowledged Masterson’s guilty verdict on two charges of rape.
‘While I’m aware that the judgment has...
- 9/10/2023
- by Chazzel Ferbol
- Uinterview
Finding themselves in hot water in the aftermath of Danny Masterson’s sentencing on charges of rape, his “That ’70s Show” costars and real-life couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have apologized for writing letters supporting Masterson’s character and requesting leniency from the judge.
In a video posted to Instagram on Saturday, Kutcher explained that the “character letters,” as he called them, were written at Masterson’s family’s request.
Kunis said, “The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury’s ruling.”
“We support victims,” she added.
Danny Masterson was sentenced Thursday to the maximum 30-years-to-life in prison for raping two women in 2001 and 2003.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk)
More than 50 people wrote letters in support of Masterson, including Debra Jo Rupp, who played Kitty on “That ’70s Show,” and Kurtwood Smith,...
In a video posted to Instagram on Saturday, Kutcher explained that the “character letters,” as he called them, were written at Masterson’s family’s request.
Kunis said, “The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury’s ruling.”
“We support victims,” she added.
Danny Masterson was sentenced Thursday to the maximum 30-years-to-life in prison for raping two women in 2001 and 2003.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk)
More than 50 people wrote letters in support of Masterson, including Debra Jo Rupp, who played Kitty on “That ’70s Show,” and Kurtwood Smith,...
- 9/9/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
The judge overseeing Danny Masterson’s criminal case handed the actor the maximum allowable sentence, resisting calls from nearly 50 of his family, friends and colleagues to allow him to serve his prison term concurrently rather than consecutively.
Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp and David Trainer — all of whom worked alongside Masterson in That ’70s Show — wrote to the court as character references urging Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo to offer Masterson leniency in letters dated between July and August, after he was convicted in May. They mostly touted his commitment to discouraging the use of drugs.
Masterson on Thursday was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Though she had the choice to restrict his sentence to 15 years to life, Olmedo declined to do so.
Masterson will be eligible for parole in roughly 25 years, when he’s 72 years old.
In his letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter,...
Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp and David Trainer — all of whom worked alongside Masterson in That ’70s Show — wrote to the court as character references urging Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo to offer Masterson leniency in letters dated between July and August, after he was convicted in May. They mostly touted his commitment to discouraging the use of drugs.
Masterson on Thursday was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Though she had the choice to restrict his sentence to 15 years to life, Olmedo declined to do so.
Masterson will be eligible for parole in roughly 25 years, when he’s 72 years old.
In his letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
That ’70s Show star Danny Masterson was sentenced to thirty years in prison yesterday after being found guilty of two counts of sexual assault. Prior to the sentencing, more than fifty people wrote letters to Judge Charlaine Olmedo to voice their support for Danny Masterson and to urge for a lesser sentence. Two of the people who wrote letters were Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, who starred alongside Masterson on That ’70s Show.
Danny Masterson’s defence was asking for 15 years to life, so everyone who wrote letters to Judge Olmedo likely knew that he would at least be serving that time.
Ashton Kutcher counted Masterson as a friend and role model in his letter. “As a role model, Danny has consistently been an excellent one,” Kutcher wrote. “I attribute not falling into the typical Hollywood life of drugs directly to Danny. Any time that we were to meet someone...
Danny Masterson’s defence was asking for 15 years to life, so everyone who wrote letters to Judge Olmedo likely knew that he would at least be serving that time.
Ashton Kutcher counted Masterson as a friend and role model in his letter. “As a role model, Danny has consistently been an excellent one,” Kutcher wrote. “I attribute not falling into the typical Hollywood life of drugs directly to Danny. Any time that we were to meet someone...
- 9/8/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
When allegations of rape against Danny Masterson cost him his TV show and Hollywood career in 2017, he bought land in the Santa Ynez Valley (setting for the movie “Sideways”) and started a vineyard, toiling “long days on the land” to make it a profitable venture, his wife Bijou Phillips said.
Phillips, the “Almost Famous” and horror film actress who has been married to Masterson since 2011, made the disclosure in a letter to Judge Charlaine Olmedo, one of many that was included in a defense memorandum asking for sentencing leniency.
Despite heartfelt pleas from Masterson’s “That ’70s Show” castmates Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and others, Olmedo sentenced Masterson to the maximum 30 years to life in prison this week.
Parts of the letters obtained by TheWrap were redacted, including entire passages from Phillips’ letter. But it acknowledges that she had gone through some kind of major health issue; a separate letter,...
Phillips, the “Almost Famous” and horror film actress who has been married to Masterson since 2011, made the disclosure in a letter to Judge Charlaine Olmedo, one of many that was included in a defense memorandum asking for sentencing leniency.
Despite heartfelt pleas from Masterson’s “That ’70s Show” castmates Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and others, Olmedo sentenced Masterson to the maximum 30 years to life in prison this week.
Parts of the letters obtained by TheWrap were redacted, including entire passages from Phillips’ letter. But it acknowledges that she had gone through some kind of major health issue; a separate letter,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Having publicly hoped earlier this year that Danny Masterson would be found “innocent” of rape charges in his retrial, Ashton Kutcher also sought to convince the judge in his That 70s Show co-star’s case of what a great guy the defendant is.
“Not only is he a good friend to me I’ve witnessed him be a good friend to others and the kind of brother others would be lucky to have,” Kutcher wrote Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo late last month as Masterson awaited sentencing on being found guilty of two counts of rape this spring. “As a role model, Danny has consistently been an excellent one. I attribute not falling into the typical Hollywood life of drugs directly to Danny,” Kutcher said as one of many high profile names like Mila Kunis advocating on Masterson’s behalf.
On September 7, 47-year-old Masterson was sentenced to 30 years behind bars by Judge Olmedo.
“Not only is he a good friend to me I’ve witnessed him be a good friend to others and the kind of brother others would be lucky to have,” Kutcher wrote Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo late last month as Masterson awaited sentencing on being found guilty of two counts of rape this spring. “As a role model, Danny has consistently been an excellent one. I attribute not falling into the typical Hollywood life of drugs directly to Danny,” Kutcher said as one of many high profile names like Mila Kunis advocating on Masterson’s behalf.
On September 7, 47-year-old Masterson was sentenced to 30 years behind bars by Judge Olmedo.
- 9/8/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and other friends, family members and “That ’70s Show” castmates sent heartfelt letters seeking leniency for Danny Masterson, describing him as a strictly drug-free devoted family man – though the judge wound up giving him the maximum sentence of 30 years to life anyway.
Masterson was convicted in May on two counts of forcible rape for separate assaults alleged by two women around 2013. A first trial late last year resulted in a hung jury, but prosecutors re-tried the case and were more prepared to support the victims’ claims that they had been drugged prior to being attacked this time around.
Notably, the letters to Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo, from former castmates, professional collaborators and wife Bijou Phillips repeatedly highlight Masterson’s drug-free lifestyle – Kutcher even credits his friend for keeping drugs out of the question as the group of young actors rose to fame together.
Kutcher and Kunis,...
Masterson was convicted in May on two counts of forcible rape for separate assaults alleged by two women around 2013. A first trial late last year resulted in a hung jury, but prosecutors re-tried the case and were more prepared to support the victims’ claims that they had been drugged prior to being attacked this time around.
Notably, the letters to Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo, from former castmates, professional collaborators and wife Bijou Phillips repeatedly highlight Masterson’s drug-free lifestyle – Kutcher even credits his friend for keeping drugs out of the question as the group of young actors rose to fame together.
Kutcher and Kunis,...
- 9/8/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Actress Leah Remini, best known for her role in the series ‘King of Queens’ has spoken out about the sentencing of Danny Masterson for rape, saying that justice is finally served. The ‘That 70’s Show’ star was sentenced to 30 years imprisonment following two counts of rape, after he was found guilty, proceeded to rip the actor a new one.
Taking to X, she wrote: “I am relieved that this dangerous rapist will be off the streets and unable to violently assault and rape women with the help of Scientology, a multi-billion-dollar criminal organisation with tax-exempt status. Hearing the survivors read their victim impact statements aloud in court while the man who raped them and some of the very Scientologists who terrorised them over two decades were just a few feet away displayed a level of bravery that I am in awe of.”
“The women who survived Danny’s predation fought tirelessly for justice.
Taking to X, she wrote: “I am relieved that this dangerous rapist will be off the streets and unable to violently assault and rape women with the help of Scientology, a multi-billion-dollar criminal organisation with tax-exempt status. Hearing the survivors read their victim impact statements aloud in court while the man who raped them and some of the very Scientologists who terrorised them over two decades were just a few feet away displayed a level of bravery that I am in awe of.”
“The women who survived Danny’s predation fought tirelessly for justice.
- 9/8/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
US actor Danny Masterson has been sentenced to serve 30 years to life in prison for raping two women, the media reported. Masterson starred on ‘That 70’s Show’, a TV series that was airing at the time of his crimes in the early 2000s, The BBC reported on Thursday.
Prosecutors argued Masterson, 47, had relied on his status as a prominent Scientologist to avoid accountability.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed the victims of his crimes to read impact statements in court ahead of his sentencing.
Prominent former Scientologist and actress Leah Remini attended Thursday’s sentencing hearing and comforted the women before and after they delivered their statements.
“I wished I had reported him earlier to the police,” one of the women said, according to US media.
Another woman told Masterson: “I forgive you. Your sickness is no longer mine to bear,” according to Reuters.
Masterson remained silent throughout the hearing, The BBC reported.
Prosecutors argued Masterson, 47, had relied on his status as a prominent Scientologist to avoid accountability.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed the victims of his crimes to read impact statements in court ahead of his sentencing.
Prominent former Scientologist and actress Leah Remini attended Thursday’s sentencing hearing and comforted the women before and after they delivered their statements.
“I wished I had reported him earlier to the police,” one of the women said, according to US media.
Another woman told Masterson: “I forgive you. Your sickness is no longer mine to bear,” according to Reuters.
Masterson remained silent throughout the hearing, The BBC reported.
- 9/8/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Already engaged in a lawsuit of her own against Scientology, Leah Remini lambasted the Church today following the sentencing of prominent Scientologist Danny Masterson to 30 years in prison on rape convictions.
Calling the David Miscavige-led organization “a multibillion-dollar criminal organization with tax-exempt status,” the former King of Queens star and ex-Scientologist took to social media to center on the Church’s alleged “cover-up” of Masterson’s crimes and others.
“For over two decades, Danny Masterson avoided accountability for his crimes,” Remini tweeted Thursday (see her full statement below). “While Danny was the only one sentenced, his conviction and sentence are indictments against Scientology, its operatives, and its criminal leader, David Miscavige.”
Remini, who has battled with the Church of Scientology for years, was in the packed Los Angeles courtroom today as Masterson received his sentence. At one point, as the court was taking a short break before sentencing, Remini...
Calling the David Miscavige-led organization “a multibillion-dollar criminal organization with tax-exempt status,” the former King of Queens star and ex-Scientologist took to social media to center on the Church’s alleged “cover-up” of Masterson’s crimes and others.
“For over two decades, Danny Masterson avoided accountability for his crimes,” Remini tweeted Thursday (see her full statement below). “While Danny was the only one sentenced, his conviction and sentence are indictments against Scientology, its operatives, and its criminal leader, David Miscavige.”
Remini, who has battled with the Church of Scientology for years, was in the packed Los Angeles courtroom today as Masterson received his sentence. At one point, as the court was taking a short break before sentencing, Remini...
- 9/7/2023
- by Dominic Patten and Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Former sitcom star and high-profile member of the Church of Scientology Danny Masterson has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for violent crimes a jury says he committed during the height of his "That 70's Show" fame, per Variety. The actor was sentenced today on charges of forcible rape stemming back to the early 2000s; he was found guilty on two of the counts, while the jury reportedly ended up deadlocked on a third charge.
Masterson was once known for playing Steven Hyde, an anti-authority teen stoner and fan-favorite character on the long-running sitcom "That '70s Show." His other credits include movies like "Yes Man" and "Dracula 2000" and roles on sitcoms like "Men at Work" and "The Ranch" (the latter a Netflix series that reunited Masterson with former "'70s Show" costar Ashton Kutcher before he was fired in 2017). It was Masterson's fame that his victims and prosecutors in...
Masterson was once known for playing Steven Hyde, an anti-authority teen stoner and fan-favorite character on the long-running sitcom "That '70s Show." His other credits include movies like "Yes Man" and "Dracula 2000" and roles on sitcoms like "Men at Work" and "The Ranch" (the latter a Netflix series that reunited Masterson with former "'70s Show" costar Ashton Kutcher before he was fired in 2017). It was Masterson's fame that his victims and prosecutors in...
- 9/7/2023
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
A judge sentenced “That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson to 30 years to life in prison Thursday for the rapes of two women two decades ago.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the sentence to the 47-year-old Masterson after hearing statements from the women about the trauma they experienced and the suffering caused by the disturbing memories in the years since.
The actor, who has been in custody since May, sat in court wearing a suit. Masterson watched the women without visible reaction as they spoke.
“When you raped me, you stole from me,” said one woman who Masterson was convicted of raping in 2003. “That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.”
Read More: ‘That ‘70s Show’ Actor Danny Masterson Could Get Decades In Prison At Sentencing For 2 Rapes
“You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent,” she said. “The world is better off with you in prison.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the sentence to the 47-year-old Masterson after hearing statements from the women about the trauma they experienced and the suffering caused by the disturbing memories in the years since.
The actor, who has been in custody since May, sat in court wearing a suit. Masterson watched the women without visible reaction as they spoke.
“When you raped me, you stole from me,” said one woman who Masterson was convicted of raping in 2003. “That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.”
Read More: ‘That ‘70s Show’ Actor Danny Masterson Could Get Decades In Prison At Sentencing For 2 Rapes
“You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent,” she said. “The world is better off with you in prison.
- 9/7/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Danny Masterson was sentenced on Thursday to 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women in the early 2000s, after a trial that drew widespread attention due to allegations that the Church of Scientology dissuaded his accusers from reporting the sexual assaults.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the sentence after denying a motion from Masterson, known for his role on That ’70s Show, for a new trial and hearing statements from accusers of how his actions impacted their lives.
The decision caps one of the most high-profile cases of the #MeToo movement and marks one of the few instances a major figure in Hollywood will serve time behind bars for sex crimes that occurred a significant period of time before a criminal case was filed over the allegations. Masterson was charged in June 2020 following a three-year investigation that was initiated when three...
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo handed down the sentence after denying a motion from Masterson, known for his role on That ’70s Show, for a new trial and hearing statements from accusers of how his actions impacted their lives.
The decision caps one of the most high-profile cases of the #MeToo movement and marks one of the few instances a major figure in Hollywood will serve time behind bars for sex crimes that occurred a significant period of time before a criminal case was filed over the allegations. Masterson was charged in June 2020 following a three-year investigation that was initiated when three...
- 9/7/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Danny Masterson was sentenced Thursday to the maximum 30-years-to-life in prison for raping two women in 2001 and 2003.
Masterson, 47, will be eligible for parole after 25½ years but can be held in prison for life. He did not visibly react to the sentencing from the judge. Masterson had earlier waived his right to speak at the sentencing hearing.
The former “That ’70s Show” star was found guilty of the two charges in May. At the time, the jury could not agree on a third count of rape brought by another Jane Doe, which would have upped his potential sentence to 40 years-to-life.
The first rape victim, Chrissy B, said in a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing that the actor called her “stupid, untalented, embarrassing, trash.”
Masterson, who will get credit for the 115 days he has already served, has been in custody since his conviction after being deemed a flight risk. He...
Masterson, 47, will be eligible for parole after 25½ years but can be held in prison for life. He did not visibly react to the sentencing from the judge. Masterson had earlier waived his right to speak at the sentencing hearing.
The former “That ’70s Show” star was found guilty of the two charges in May. At the time, the jury could not agree on a third count of rape brought by another Jane Doe, which would have upped his potential sentence to 40 years-to-life.
The first rape victim, Chrissy B, said in a victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing that the actor called her “stupid, untalented, embarrassing, trash.”
Masterson, who will get credit for the 115 days he has already served, has been in custody since his conviction after being deemed a flight risk. He...
- 9/7/2023
- by Kelly Hartog
- The Wrap
Updated with defense statement: Danny Masterson was sentenced this morning to 30 years to life in prison for multiple rapes.
As the one-time That ’70s Show actor was for both of his trials on the criminal charges, Masterson was present in court today for the sentencing from Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo. Permitted to address the court, Masterson chose not to speak Thursday — though he did confer with defense lawyer Phillip Cohen just before sentencing began.
Speaking to Masterson directly of a “criminal justice system that you feel has failed you,” Judge Olmedo told him that “you are not the victim here … your actions 20 years ago were criminal.” Masterson was informed that because of his sentence, he will have to register as a sex offender upon parole or release — which the ex-network star told the court he understood.
Given the maximum sentence allocated under the law, Masterson was taken...
As the one-time That ’70s Show actor was for both of his trials on the criminal charges, Masterson was present in court today for the sentencing from Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo. Permitted to address the court, Masterson chose not to speak Thursday — though he did confer with defense lawyer Phillip Cohen just before sentencing began.
Speaking to Masterson directly of a “criminal justice system that you feel has failed you,” Judge Olmedo told him that “you are not the victim here … your actions 20 years ago were criminal.” Masterson was informed that because of his sentence, he will have to register as a sex offender upon parole or release — which the ex-network star told the court he understood.
Given the maximum sentence allocated under the law, Masterson was taken...
- 9/7/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
“That ’70s Show” star Danny Masterson could get as much as 30 years to life in prison at his sentencing Thursday for the rapes of two women two decades ago.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo is set to sentence the 47-year-old actor after ruling on a defense motion for a new trial that she’s very likely to reject, and after hearing impact statements from the victims.
Read More: Danny Masterson Found Guilty On 2 Counts Of Rape, ‘That ’70s Show’ Actor Facing 30 Years In Prison
A jury of seven women and five men found Masterson guilty of two counts on May 31 after seven days of deliberations. Both attacks took place in Masterson’s Hollywood-area home in 2003, when he was at the height of his fame on the Fox network sitcom “That ’70s Show.”
The jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on a third count, an allegation that...
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo is set to sentence the 47-year-old actor after ruling on a defense motion for a new trial that she’s very likely to reject, and after hearing impact statements from the victims.
Read More: Danny Masterson Found Guilty On 2 Counts Of Rape, ‘That ’70s Show’ Actor Facing 30 Years In Prison
A jury of seven women and five men found Masterson guilty of two counts on May 31 after seven days of deliberations. Both attacks took place in Masterson’s Hollywood-area home in 2003, when he was at the height of his fame on the Fox network sitcom “That ’70s Show.”
The jury could not reach a unanimous verdict on a third count, an allegation that...
- 9/7/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Tom Mesereau and Sharon Appelbaum, Danny Masterson’s previous lawyers before they were ousted from the actor’s defense team, have been sanctioned for leaking confidential discovery material to the Church of Scientology.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Wednesday found that Meseareau and Applebaum shared criminal discovery related to claims from Masterson’s accusers that they are being stalked and harassed. That discovery was shared with Vicki Podberesky, an attorney defending the church in a civil suit from the women who used the information to lodge a complaint against the lead prosecutors in the trial, alleging they were soliciting false testimony to convict Masterson.
In the order, Olmedo also concluded that the church’s complaint was “demonstrably false.”
Before Masterson was convicted in May of raping two women at his Los Angeles home in the early 2000s, with the jury failing to reach a decision on another...
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Wednesday found that Meseareau and Applebaum shared criminal discovery related to claims from Masterson’s accusers that they are being stalked and harassed. That discovery was shared with Vicki Podberesky, an attorney defending the church in a civil suit from the women who used the information to lodge a complaint against the lead prosecutors in the trial, alleging they were soliciting false testimony to convict Masterson.
In the order, Olmedo also concluded that the church’s complaint was “demonstrably false.”
Before Masterson was convicted in May of raping two women at his Los Angeles home in the early 2000s, with the jury failing to reach a decision on another...
- 6/7/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
On the morning of April 25, testimony began in the second rape trial of That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson after an initial trial ended last November in a hung jury and mistrial.
The first witness on the stand was one of Masterson’s alleged victims, Jane Doe 3, who had been in a relationship with Masterson between 1996 and 2002.
Deputy Da Reinhold Mueller asked her how she was feeling.
“Not great,” she said.
When Mueller asked what might be causing her concern about testifying, she said, “I’m scared.”
“What are you scared of?...
The first witness on the stand was one of Masterson’s alleged victims, Jane Doe 3, who had been in a relationship with Masterson between 1996 and 2002.
Deputy Da Reinhold Mueller asked her how she was feeling.
“Not great,” she said.
When Mueller asked what might be causing her concern about testifying, she said, “I’m scared.”
“What are you scared of?...
- 6/6/2023
- by Tony Ortega
- Rollingstone.com
While he awaits sentencing following his rape conviction, Danny Masterson will be kept in “administrative segregation” for his safety.
TMZ on Saturday reported that the “That ’70s Show” star is being kept away from general population at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail while he’s locked up behind bars and awaiting sentencing.
According to the outlet, citing law enforcement sources, “administrative segregation” is the same unit where disgraced NFL star O.J. Simpson and Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight were kept during their respective cases.
Masterson, 47, on Wednesday was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape against two women who were also former members of the Church of Scientology, of which the actor is also a member.
After the verdict was read, Masterson’s wife, actress Bijou Phillips, let out a wail, prompting Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo to reprimand the actress and tell her to keep...
TMZ on Saturday reported that the “That ’70s Show” star is being kept away from general population at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail while he’s locked up behind bars and awaiting sentencing.
According to the outlet, citing law enforcement sources, “administrative segregation” is the same unit where disgraced NFL star O.J. Simpson and Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight were kept during their respective cases.
Masterson, 47, on Wednesday was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape against two women who were also former members of the Church of Scientology, of which the actor is also a member.
After the verdict was read, Masterson’s wife, actress Bijou Phillips, let out a wail, prompting Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo to reprimand the actress and tell her to keep...
- 6/3/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
The three women who accused Danny Masterson of raping them at his Los Angeles home in the early 2000s each said the same thing: The actor gave them a drink that quickly made them feel disoriented before he raped them.
In the first trial, which ended in a hung jury in November, prosecutors weren’t allowed to argue outright that Masterson drugged his accusers. They could only hint that was his method of assault through testimony from the women, who said the amount they drank didn’t line up with their memory loss or the degree to which they felt intoxicated.
That changed in Masterson’s retrial. L.A. Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo gave prosecutors free rein to tell jurors that the actor drugged the women in what may have been the key difference-maker that netted the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office a conviction in one of the...
In the first trial, which ended in a hung jury in November, prosecutors weren’t allowed to argue outright that Masterson drugged his accusers. They could only hint that was his method of assault through testimony from the women, who said the amount they drank didn’t line up with their memory loss or the degree to which they felt intoxicated.
That changed in Masterson’s retrial. L.A. Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo gave prosecutors free rein to tell jurors that the actor drugged the women in what may have been the key difference-maker that netted the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office a conviction in one of the...
- 6/2/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Danny Masterson was found guilty Wednesday of raping two women in the early 2000s, and will face up to 30 years in prison. After eight days of deliberation, the jury said it was deadlocked on another charge brought by a third Jane Doe.
Masterson was immediately taken into custody and faces 30 years to life in a California state prison facility once sentencing is set at an Aug. 4 hearing. His wife, the actress Bijou Phillips, wailed loudly from the gallery and began to cry, prompting the judge to ask her to keep her composure as the father of their 9-year-old daughter was handcuffed and led away.
After the lunch break, much of Masterson’s family had gathered outside the courtroom, indicating that a decision could be near. When Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo took the bench, she said: “The court received a note after 11 a.m., reading, ‘We have come to a decision...
Masterson was immediately taken into custody and faces 30 years to life in a California state prison facility once sentencing is set at an Aug. 4 hearing. His wife, the actress Bijou Phillips, wailed loudly from the gallery and began to cry, prompting the judge to ask her to keep her composure as the father of their 9-year-old daughter was handcuffed and led away.
After the lunch break, much of Masterson’s family had gathered outside the courtroom, indicating that a decision could be near. When Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo took the bench, she said: “The court received a note after 11 a.m., reading, ‘We have come to a decision...
- 5/31/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
A jury of seven women and five men began deliberating Wednesday in the rape re-trial of Danny Masterson, and are all but assured to render the final word on the fate of the “That ’70s Show” actor accused of drugging and raping three women in separate but similar incidents at his Hollywood Hills home in the early 2000s.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller delivered the conclusion to his closing argument Monday, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo delivered instructions to the panel, and they were under way. Masterson’s defense team delivered its entire closing argument Wednesday, focusing on inconsistencies in the stories of each of the three victims, all former Scientologists, and suggesting they were in cahoots to lash out at the church and win a separate civil lawsuit.
Los Angeles prosecutors chose to re-try Masterson after a hung jury and mistrial last November. This time around, prosecutors focused...
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller delivered the conclusion to his closing argument Monday, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo delivered instructions to the panel, and they were under way. Masterson’s defense team delivered its entire closing argument Wednesday, focusing on inconsistencies in the stories of each of the three victims, all former Scientologists, and suggesting they were in cahoots to lash out at the church and win a separate civil lawsuit.
Los Angeles prosecutors chose to re-try Masterson after a hung jury and mistrial last November. This time around, prosecutors focused...
- 5/17/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
Three weeks after opening statements began, Danny Masterson’s rape retrial rested today. Yet, with the former That 70’s Show actor once again facing a trio of sexual assault charges and potentially years behind bars, the Church of Scientology is back in the courtroom spotlight.
After the prosecution ended its case early Friday and the defense called no witnesses, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo said closing arguments would start Tuesday. That could see the jury deliberating behind closed doors by Wednesday and a verdict in the following days.
However, partially overshadowing those deliberations might be a very serious sharing of information.
Somehow a lawyer representing the David Miscavige-led church, which is not a defendant in this criminal case, has come into possession of a large swath of the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office’s discovery material in this matter. Going off like a legal landmine, the...
After the prosecution ended its case early Friday and the defense called no witnesses, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo said closing arguments would start Tuesday. That could see the jury deliberating behind closed doors by Wednesday and a verdict in the following days.
However, partially overshadowing those deliberations might be a very serious sharing of information.
Somehow a lawyer representing the David Miscavige-led church, which is not a defendant in this criminal case, has come into possession of a large swath of the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office’s discovery material in this matter. Going off like a legal landmine, the...
- 5/12/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
A man acknowledged as the husband of one of the alleged victims in the rape re-trial of Danny Masterson was admonished Friday by the Los Angeles judge for intensely staring at the former “That ’70s Show” star, who once again chose not to testify on his own behalf.
The prosecution and defense both rested their respective cases Friday, and closing arguments were expected to begin Tuesday, lasting a day or two before the new jury gets the case. Late last year, the original jury was hung on all three counts of rape and a mistrial declared, but the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office felt it had learned enough from the experience to attempt a re-trial.
As lawyers for both sides were mopping up some matters to close their cases, the Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo addressed a situation that had been discussed behind the scenes:
“There’s a man in the front row that Mr.
The prosecution and defense both rested their respective cases Friday, and closing arguments were expected to begin Tuesday, lasting a day or two before the new jury gets the case. Late last year, the original jury was hung on all three counts of rape and a mistrial declared, but the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office felt it had learned enough from the experience to attempt a re-trial.
As lawyers for both sides were mopping up some matters to close their cases, the Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo addressed a situation that had been discussed behind the scenes:
“There’s a man in the front row that Mr.
- 5/12/2023
- by Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
After a mistrial was declared with a hung jury last year, Danny Masterson’s second rape trial began with a more aggressive and pointed approach from the prosecution who repeatedly told the new jury that they will present evidence that proves the former star of “That 70’s Show” drugged women before he forcibly raped them.
“The evidence will show they were drugged,” said Los Angeles deputy district attorney Reinhold Mueller in his opening statement on Monday, speaking of the four women who will testify against Masterson during the trial. “The symptoms that they’re going to describe,” Mueller told the jury, will include “lightheadedness, loss of vision, loss of motor skills, loss of strength, inability to control their body, vaginal pain, anal pain, all occurring after the defendant had given them an alcoholic beverage and all occurring within a matter of minutes.”
Speaking of one of the Jane Doe’s,...
“The evidence will show they were drugged,” said Los Angeles deputy district attorney Reinhold Mueller in his opening statement on Monday, speaking of the four women who will testify against Masterson during the trial. “The symptoms that they’re going to describe,” Mueller told the jury, will include “lightheadedness, loss of vision, loss of motor skills, loss of strength, inability to control their body, vaginal pain, anal pain, all occurring after the defendant had given them an alcoholic beverage and all occurring within a matter of minutes.”
Speaking of one of the Jane Doe’s,...
- 4/24/2023
- by Elizabeth Wagmeister
- Variety Film + TV
Updated, 3:08 Pm: “Please don’t ever tell me to hold on,” Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo snapped at Danny Masterson’s lead lawyer Phillip Cohen in a remarkable moment Monday afternoon over the defense’s opening statements in Masterson’s rape retrial.
With the jury sent out of the courtroom suddenly less than half an hour into Cohen’s remarks, Olmedo made it clear to all in the full courtroom that this trial was not going to be run like the last one last year.
“The court is not going to allow the parties to go into the weeds,” the judge said sternly to both the defense and the prosecution Monday as the same problems that slowed down the previous five-week trial began to emerge. Pledging no sidebars and other occasions that could eat up time in the retrial, Olmedo got to a place today that it...
With the jury sent out of the courtroom suddenly less than half an hour into Cohen’s remarks, Olmedo made it clear to all in the full courtroom that this trial was not going to be run like the last one last year.
“The court is not going to allow the parties to go into the weeds,” the judge said sternly to both the defense and the prosecution Monday as the same problems that slowed down the previous five-week trial began to emerge. Pledging no sidebars and other occasions that could eat up time in the retrial, Olmedo got to a place today that it...
- 4/24/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Danny Masterson’s retrial on charges that he raped three women will start on April 11, a Los Angeles judge has ruled. The decision comes after a mistrial was declared in November after the jurors said they were “hopelessly deadlocked.”
In January, judge Charlaine Olmedo rejected Masterson’s request that she dismiss the case. Defense attorney Philip K. Cohen had argued a reasonable jury wouldn’t be able to return a conviction based on the same evidence. He stressed jurors favored acquittal on each of the charges: 10 to two, eight to four and seven to five.
Olmedo moved the start of the trial from March 27 to April 11 to accommodate witnesses. The three Jane Does, all former Scientologists, are expected to testify again.
The prosecution will use a new strategy at trial with less of a focus on the Church of Scientology’s role in manipulating the Jane Does into not reporting their rapes to law enforcement,...
In January, judge Charlaine Olmedo rejected Masterson’s request that she dismiss the case. Defense attorney Philip K. Cohen had argued a reasonable jury wouldn’t be able to return a conviction based on the same evidence. He stressed jurors favored acquittal on each of the charges: 10 to two, eight to four and seven to five.
Olmedo moved the start of the trial from March 27 to April 11 to accommodate witnesses. The three Jane Does, all former Scientologists, are expected to testify again.
The prosecution will use a new strategy at trial with less of a focus on the Church of Scientology’s role in manipulating the Jane Does into not reporting their rapes to law enforcement,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor Danny Masterson will face a retrial on charges he forcibly raped three women at his home in the Hollywood Hills between 2001 and 2003, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced Tuesday.
The decision comes after a jury hopelessly deadlocked on the charges at a trial that ended in November.
Masterson, best known for his role on the sitcom That ’70s Show, appeared in court as his defense lawyer Philip Cohen asked the court to dismiss the three counts based on the argument that “no reasonable jury” could return a conviction based on...
The decision comes after a jury hopelessly deadlocked on the charges at a trial that ended in November.
Masterson, best known for his role on the sitcom That ’70s Show, appeared in court as his defense lawyer Philip Cohen asked the court to dismiss the three counts based on the argument that “no reasonable jury” could return a conviction based on...
- 1/10/2023
- by Nancy Dillon
- Rollingstone.com
Prosecutors intend to re-try Danny Masterson on rape charges, the Los Angeles District Attorney said Tuesday after a judge rejected the “That ’70s Show” star’s request for a dismissal.
Masterson’s first trial ended in a hung jury late last year when the panel failed to reach unanimity on any of the three charges of rape. The vote totals, revealed after a mistrial was declared, showed the jury skewing toward acquittal – so the Da’s decision to re-try the case with a new jury comes as something of a surprise.
An April 3 trial date was set, but it was agreed that prospective jurors would begin filtering in March 29. For now, Masterson is free, with some restrictions, on 3 million bond.
Three women – who all said they met Masterson through the Church of Scientology in the early 2000s – testified over a handful of weeks beginning in October that a forceful and...
Masterson’s first trial ended in a hung jury late last year when the panel failed to reach unanimity on any of the three charges of rape. The vote totals, revealed after a mistrial was declared, showed the jury skewing toward acquittal – so the Da’s decision to re-try the case with a new jury comes as something of a surprise.
An April 3 trial date was set, but it was agreed that prospective jurors would begin filtering in March 29. For now, Masterson is free, with some restrictions, on 3 million bond.
Three women – who all said they met Masterson through the Church of Scientology in the early 2000s – testified over a handful of weeks beginning in October that a forceful and...
- 1/10/2023
- by Kelly Hartog and Josh Dickey
- The Wrap
A Los Angeles judge ruled Tuesday that Danny Masterson will have to stand trial again on a trio of rape charges.
With the That ‘70s Show alum in the downtown courtroom today, Judge Charlaine Olmedo rejected a defense motion to dismiss the case and formally set March 29 as the start of a second trial with jury selection. After the first trial was declared a mistrial on November 30, the Los Angeles Superior Court judge had penciled in a March 27 date.
Ending weeks of hesitancy, L.A. County Deputy District Attorneys Reinhold Mueller and Ariel Anson said near the beginning of today’s session that they would indeed prosecute a second trial.
Just under two months after the first trial resulted in a hung jury and mistrial, today’s hearing in the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center follows a January 5 filing by Masterson attorneys Phillip K. Cohen and Karen Goldstein asking...
With the That ‘70s Show alum in the downtown courtroom today, Judge Charlaine Olmedo rejected a defense motion to dismiss the case and formally set March 29 as the start of a second trial with jury selection. After the first trial was declared a mistrial on November 30, the Los Angeles Superior Court judge had penciled in a March 27 date.
Ending weeks of hesitancy, L.A. County Deputy District Attorneys Reinhold Mueller and Ariel Anson said near the beginning of today’s session that they would indeed prosecute a second trial.
Just under two months after the first trial resulted in a hung jury and mistrial, today’s hearing in the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center follows a January 5 filing by Masterson attorneys Phillip K. Cohen and Karen Goldstein asking...
- 1/10/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Prosecutors announced on Tuesday that they will pursue a second trial against Danny Masterson, after a jury deadlocked on three rape charges at the actor’s first trial in November.
Masterson, 46, is accused of forcibly raping three women at his home in the Hollywood Hills from 2001 to 2003. He was a star of the Fox sitcom “That ’70s Show” at the time.
“Our office has decided to retry this case,” Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller told the court.
Though they could not reach a verdict, the jurors leaned toward acquittal, with votes of 10-2, 8-4 and 7-5 on the three counts.
Mueller argued that the jury ignored supporting testimony in the case.
“Not giving these victims another chance with a jury who can sit there and consider all of the evidence — win, lose or draw –- that would be an injustice,” Mueller said.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a defense request to dismiss the case.
Masterson, 46, is accused of forcibly raping three women at his home in the Hollywood Hills from 2001 to 2003. He was a star of the Fox sitcom “That ’70s Show” at the time.
“Our office has decided to retry this case,” Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller told the court.
Though they could not reach a verdict, the jurors leaned toward acquittal, with votes of 10-2, 8-4 and 7-5 on the three counts.
Mueller argued that the jury ignored supporting testimony in the case.
“Not giving these victims another chance with a jury who can sit there and consider all of the evidence — win, lose or draw –- that would be an injustice,” Mueller said.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied a defense request to dismiss the case.
- 1/10/2023
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
Throughout Danny Masterson’s rape trial last year, defense lawyers sought repeatedly to have almost all mention of the Church of Scientology and “the prosecution’s insinuations of drugging” drinks scratched out of the courtroom proceedings.
With a second criminal trial poised to start later this year against the That ‘70s Show star after getting a hung jury on November 30, a newly filed motion to dismiss all counts makes it very clear the defense now views neither Masterson’s controversial faith nor his beverage selection as points of contention. As the 16-page document pinpoints, it’s the Jane Does and the law of averages so to speak.
“The jury focused on the most relevant evidence -the testimony and prior statements of the Jane Does – and a strong majority reasonably concluded that this critical evidence established reasonable doubt,” states the filing in LA Superior Court today. “The contradictory nature of their...
With a second criminal trial poised to start later this year against the That ‘70s Show star after getting a hung jury on November 30, a newly filed motion to dismiss all counts makes it very clear the defense now views neither Masterson’s controversial faith nor his beverage selection as points of contention. As the 16-page document pinpoints, it’s the Jane Does and the law of averages so to speak.
“The jury focused on the most relevant evidence -the testimony and prior statements of the Jane Does – and a strong majority reasonably concluded that this critical evidence established reasonable doubt,” states the filing in LA Superior Court today. “The contradictory nature of their...
- 1/6/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
A judge declared a mistrial Wednesday at the rape trial of “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson after jurors, who were leaning strongly toward acquitting him, deadlocked following the monthlong trial in which the Church of Scientology played a supporting role.
Prosecutors said Masterson raped three women, including a former girlfriend, in his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003 and the church dissuaded them from going public for years. Masterson, 46, pleaded not guilty and his lawyer said the acts were all consensual.
“I find the jurors hopelessly deadlocked,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo declared after the jury foreman said there was nothing the court could do to move them closer to reaching a unanimous decision. She set a March date for a retrial in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Olmedo had ordered jurors to take Thanksgiving week off and keep deliberating after they said on Nov. 18 that they could not reach a consensus. A...
Prosecutors said Masterson raped three women, including a former girlfriend, in his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003 and the church dissuaded them from going public for years. Masterson, 46, pleaded not guilty and his lawyer said the acts were all consensual.
“I find the jurors hopelessly deadlocked,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo declared after the jury foreman said there was nothing the court could do to move them closer to reaching a unanimous decision. She set a March date for a retrial in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Olmedo had ordered jurors to take Thanksgiving week off and keep deliberating after they said on Nov. 18 that they could not reach a consensus. A...
- 12/1/2022
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
Actor Danny Masterson‘s sexual assault trial was declared a mistrial on Wednesday, with the jury unable to reach a unanimous verdict on three criminal counts after several days of deliberations.
The jurors informed L.A. Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Wednesday afternoon that they were “deeply divided” and could not reach a verdict, per our sister site Deadline, and the judge shortly thereafter formally declared a mistrial. Masterson faced up to 45 years in prison if found guilty on all counts.
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The jurors informed L.A. Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Wednesday afternoon that they were “deeply divided” and could not reach a verdict, per our sister site Deadline, and the judge shortly thereafter formally declared a mistrial. Masterson faced up to 45 years in prison if found guilty on all counts.
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- 11/30/2022
- by Rebecca Iannucci
- TVLine.com
Click here to read the full article.
A Los Angeles judge declared a mistrial Wednesday in Danny Masterson’s rape trial after the jury said they are at an impasse on a trio of charges in one of the most high-profile criminal cases of the #MeToo movement.
“I find the jury is hopelessly deadlocked,” said Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo. “Therefore, I do declare a mistrial.”
The jury favored acquittal on each of the charges: 10 to two, eight to four and seven to five. It held four votes Wednesday and three yesterday.
Olmedo read a letter from the jury: “After thorough and considerable discussion, it is clear that we as jurors are adamant about maintaining our individual positions on each of the three counts.”
Three women whose allegations were at the center of the trial testified that they were raped by Masterson, as did a fourth accuser, though...
A Los Angeles judge declared a mistrial Wednesday in Danny Masterson’s rape trial after the jury said they are at an impasse on a trio of charges in one of the most high-profile criminal cases of the #MeToo movement.
“I find the jury is hopelessly deadlocked,” said Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo. “Therefore, I do declare a mistrial.”
The jury favored acquittal on each of the charges: 10 to two, eight to four and seven to five. It held four votes Wednesday and three yesterday.
Olmedo read a letter from the jury: “After thorough and considerable discussion, it is clear that we as jurors are adamant about maintaining our individual positions on each of the three counts.”
Three women whose allegations were at the center of the trial testified that they were raped by Masterson, as did a fourth accuser, though...
- 11/30/2022
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Updated with retrial date, plus Jane Does and defense lawyer statement: Danny Masterson’s trial for forcible rape has been declared a mistrial.
The jury in the former That ’70s Show star’s trial say they were unable to reach a verdict on any of the three criminal counts that Masterson faced.
The six-man/six-woman panel informed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Wednesday afternoon that they were stuck. “After thorough and considerable discussion, it is clear that we as jurors are adamant about maintaining our individual positions on each of the three counts,” the jurors said in a letter read aloud by Olmedo. Soon after, the judge formally declared a mistrial, something the defense has sought almost since Day 1 of testimony back in late October.
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The jury in the former That ’70s Show star’s trial say they were unable to reach a verdict on any of the three criminal counts that Masterson faced.
The six-man/six-woman panel informed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Wednesday afternoon that they were stuck. “After thorough and considerable discussion, it is clear that we as jurors are adamant about maintaining our individual positions on each of the three counts,” the jurors said in a letter read aloud by Olmedo. Soon after, the judge formally declared a mistrial, something the defense has sought almost since Day 1 of testimony back in late October.
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- 11/30/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
The judge in the Danny Masterson rape trial declared a hung jury on Wednesday, after the jurors said they could not reach a verdict on any of the charges.
In a note to Judge Charlaine Olmedo, the jurors said that “we are not even close to coming to a unanimous decision on any count, and are convinced this will not change.”
Masterson, the former star of “That ’70s Show,” was charged with three counts of forcible rape relating to incidents involving three women from 2001 to 2003. The charges carried a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
The jury foreman informed the judge that they had taken seven votes over the last two days, and remained deadlocked on each charge. The split was two for guilty and 10 for not guilty on Count 1; four for guilty and eight for not guilty on Count 2; and five for guilty and seven for not...
In a note to Judge Charlaine Olmedo, the jurors said that “we are not even close to coming to a unanimous decision on any count, and are convinced this will not change.”
Masterson, the former star of “That ’70s Show,” was charged with three counts of forcible rape relating to incidents involving three women from 2001 to 2003. The charges carried a potential sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
The jury foreman informed the judge that they had taken seven votes over the last two days, and remained deadlocked on each charge. The split was two for guilty and 10 for not guilty on Count 1; four for guilty and eight for not guilty on Count 2; and five for guilty and seven for not...
- 11/30/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
The jury in the Danny Masterson rape trial was told Monday to start its deliberations from scratch on Monday, after two members of the panel were excused due to testing positive for Covid-19.
The jury had informed Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Nov. 18 that it was unable to reach a verdict on any of three charges of forcible rape. That announcement came after nearly three days of deliberations. Olmedo ordered the jurors to return Monday and continue to deliberate.
Two of the jurors informed the court on Sunday that they had tested positive for Covid-19 and were experiencing symptoms, Olmedo said in court on Monday morning. She replaced those jurors with two alternates, and informed the new panel that they must start their deliberations all over again, “as if the earlier deliberations had not taken place.”
The jury had been made up of seven women and five men. It is now six men and six women.
The jury had informed Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Nov. 18 that it was unable to reach a verdict on any of three charges of forcible rape. That announcement came after nearly three days of deliberations. Olmedo ordered the jurors to return Monday and continue to deliberate.
Two of the jurors informed the court on Sunday that they had tested positive for Covid-19 and were experiencing symptoms, Olmedo said in court on Monday morning. She replaced those jurors with two alternates, and informed the new panel that they must start their deliberations all over again, “as if the earlier deliberations had not taken place.”
The jury had been made up of seven women and five men. It is now six men and six women.
- 11/28/2022
- by Gene Maddaus
- Variety Film + TV
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