Actor Danny Masterson, aged 47, famously known for his role in “That ’70s Show,” has begun serving his prison sentence for two rape convictions in a California state facility, North Kern State Prison.
The authorities made public the first photograph of Masterson that was taken in prison. The mugshot depicted him wearing an orange prison garb with long hair and a beard.
Convicted in June for raping two women in his Los Angeles residence in 2003, Masterson received a 30-year to life sentence in September. Following the sentencing, his wife, actor Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce after nearly 12 years of marriage.
Throughout the post-sentencing hearings held in the Los Angeles County jail, issues were addressed, including the surrender of Masterson’s firearms, some of which required locating.
Masterson will not be eligible for parole for more than 25 years after his current sentence has been served. The lawyers for Masterson have stated that they intend to file an appeal against the conviction.
The trial
In May, a jury comprising seven women and five men found him guilty on two rape counts, failing to reach a unanimous verdict on a third count involving an allegation of raping a longtime girlfriend.
Survivors of Masterson’s assaults delivered impactful statements during the trial. One survivor emphasized the profound impact of rape, describing it as a “theft of the spirit” and deeming Masterson “pathetic, disturbed, and completely violent.”
Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo, during the September sentencing, addressed Masterson directly, stating that despite his claims of innocence, he was not the victim and needed to confront the consequences of his actions from two decades ago.
Masterson’s attorney, Shawn Holley, portrayed his client’s life as exemplary, citing his roles as a father, husband, brother, son, coworker, and community servant. The imposed 30-year sentence, the maximum allowable by law, allows for parole eligibility after 25 and a half years but permits potential lifelong incarceration.
Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/celebrities/2023/12/27/danny-masterson-starts-prison-sentence-rape-conviction/72043038007/
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/minglemediatv/ | Red Carpet Report on Mingle Media TV rights reserved