Danny Masterson, the 47-year-old actor known for his role in “That 70s Show,” has filed an appeal against his rape conviction. Masterson was found guilty of raping two women 20 years ago in May. In September, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Court documents obtained by The Blast reveal that Masterson has formally raised an appeal against his punishment on November 3.
Masterson’s lawyer, Shawn Halley, had previously vowed to appeal the conviction and expressed confidence in overturning it. Halley stated that substantial errors occurred in the case, leading to verdicts that are not supported by the evidence. She emphasized that Masterson did not commit the crimes for which he has been convicted and expressed confidence in the appellate lawyers’ ability to overturn the convictions.
During the sentencing, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo told Masterson in Los Angeles Superior Court that he was “not the victim.” The judge emphasized that Masterson’s actions 20 years ago took away another person’s choice and voice, and that his actions were criminal.
The victims, both former members of the Church of Scientology, attended the hearing in Los Angeles. Following Masterson’s imprisonment, his wife Bijou Phillips filed for divorce. The couple agreed that Phillips would have legal and physical custody of their nine-year-old daughter, Fianna.
