Danny Masterson remained stony-faced in court on Thursday when one of his victims blasted him as “pathetic, disturbed and completely violent”.
The That 70s Show actor was sentenced to 30 years in prison following his trial where he stood accused of raping two women in his Hollywood home in 2003. One of his accusers spoke passionately in the court room before he was sentenced.
She said: “When you raped me, you stole from me. That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.” She went on to call him “pathetic, disturbed, and completely violent,” in her victim impact statement before adding: “The world is better off with you in prison. You relish in hurting women. It is your addiction. It is without question your favourite thing to do.
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“Life is precious and fragile. Find your heart… Learn something. Read books. Listen to the brightness of nothing and get well.” Despite her obvious trauma she also told him “I forgive you.” Meanwhile, the shamed actor's wife looked on appearing totally distraught as his 30 year conviction was handed down.
Masterson's second victim expressed her regret at not coming forward sooner as she told Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo how he "has not shown an ounce of remorse" for the pain he caused.
“I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with,” she said, as she expressed her remorse for not reporting the crime earlier. I am so sorry and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police.”
The prosecuting team told the court how Masterson had used both his fame and his prominence in the Church of Scientology to try and avoid responsibility for his crimes. The Church Of Scientology meanwhile denied any wrongdoing and any claims of harassing the victims in a statement that said they have “no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct to anyone – Scientologists or not – to law enforcement.”
However, both women told the court that when they had told Scientology officials they had been assaulted by Masterson they were told they had not been raped and were put on an ethics program. They also told the court they were warned against reporting the crimes to the police because of Masterson being a high-ranking member of the church.
One of the victims told reporters outside the court following the hearing on Thursday: “I lost everything. I lost my religion. I lost my ability to contact anyone I’d known or loved my entire life. I didn’t exist outside the Scientology world, I had to start my life over at 29. It seemed the world I knew didn’t want me to live."
Following the sentencing she also said: “I don’t have to carry your shame around with me anymore. Now you have to hold that shame. You have to sit in a cell and hold it.”
If you have been affected by this story, contact Rape Crisis England & Wales for free confidential support and information on 08088029999 or their website or 08088010302 if you're calling from Scotland.
You can contact the Domestic and Sexual Abuse helpline on 0808 802 1414 if you are in Ireland.
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