Summary
- Danny Masterson has been found guilty of attacking and assaulting two women almost two decades ago and will spend 30 years to life in prison.
- The victims were allowed to read impactful statements in court, expressing the harm they suffered due to Masterson's actions.
- Masterson's wife, Bijou Phillips, will now have the responsibility of raising their daughter, Fiona, following the sentencing.
Danny Masterson's fate was revealed today after he was found guilty of attacking and assaulting two women nearly two decades ago. That '70s Show star will be spending 30 years to life in prison.
The sentencing was handed down on Thursday morning by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo.
The women who were attacked by Masterson were allowed to read statements to the court before the sentencing was read. In their statements, they recalled what Masterson did to them and how they were affected by the trauma inflicted.
"When you [assaulted] me, you stole from me," one victim said in court. "That’s what [assault] is, a theft of the spirit. You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent. The world is better off with you in prison."
The other victim stated, "I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with. I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police."
Masterson's sentence is the harshest he could have received for the crimes committed. He will be eligible for parole in 25.5 years but could ultimately spend his life behind bars.
"Mr. Masterson, I know that you’re sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimized by a justice system that has failed you," Judge Olmedo said to Masterson. "But Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice, and choice. One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions, and their consequences."
These consequences are also now affecting Masterson's wife, Bijou Phillips and their young daughter.
Bijou Phillips And Christoper Masterson Were In Court During Sentencing
When the sentence was read, Phillips sat stoically in court behind a dark pair of sunglasses. This was vastly different to the reaction she had at the end of May when the Judge read the guilty verdicts in court. At that time, Phillips let out a loud cry that almost had her removed from the courtroom.
Phillips will now be responsible for raising Fiona, 9, the daughter she shares with Masterson.
Once the sentence was read, Phillips rushed out to a waiting car to avoid any run-ins with reporters.
Also in court was Masterson's mom and his brother, Christopher Masterson, who was wrapped up in the trial after one of the victims reached out to him when the allegations against Masterson began to surface.
Not surprisingly, Leah Remini was also present, given that she had been implicated as the "mastermind" behind the women coming forward with their claims against Masterson.
Leah Remini And The Church Of Scientology Had A Connection To The Victims
When the charges were first brought against Masterson, his representatives tried to claim that the only reason women were coming forward was at Remini's persistence. And that her involvement with the victims, who were part of The Church of Scientology when the assaults occurred, was only done to boost the ratings of her "anti-Scientology television series."
"We are aware of [the alleged victim’s] 16-year-old allegations. It was only after [the alleged victim] was in contact with Leah Remini that she made allegations of sexual assault by Mr. Masterson," the statement read. "The alleged incident occurred in the middle of their 6 year relationship, after which she continued to be his longtime girlfriend. Significantly, during their long relationship she made numerous inconsistent claims that she was previously [assaulted] by at least 3 other famous actors and musicians."
The statement went on to say, "When Danny ended the relationship she continued to pursue him, even making threats to beat up his current wife Bijou Phillips unless she left him. In fact, we are informed by the Church that the only demand [the alleged victim] made of the Church after Danny broke up with her was asking for their help to intervene so the breakup would not be permanent."
"We are aware also that approximately 14 years ago a woman referred to in the blog made allegations of sexual assault that the LADP interviewed numerous witnesses and determined the claim had no merit. Based on reading the anti-Scientology blog that posted this story, these false allegations appear to be motivated to boost Leah Remini’s anti-Scientology television series since [the alleged victim] only came forward after connecting with Leah Remini," the statement concluded.
Remini was in court to support the victims and did not make a statement after the courtroom was adjourned.
