Actor Danny Masterson has been denied bail by the judge, who believes he has a strong motivation to flee:
Court records show that Danny Masterson, known for “That ’70s Show,” had a bail review hearing in Los Angeles. According to Judge Charlaine Olmedo’s order on Wednesday, she believes Masterson could try to escape and considers him a “flight risk.” This information comes from reports by entertainment outlets The Wrap and Deadline, which obtained court documents in the case.
Danny Masterson is facing accusations of raping three women between 2001 and 2003. Arrested in June 2020, he pleaded not guilty and was released on a $3.3 million bail. Despite a mistrial in one proceeding in 2022, in May of the following year, Masterson was convicted on two out of three rape charges in a retrial.
Danny Masterson is currently serving a 30-year to life sentence and might be eligible for parole in 20 years. His lawyers sought bail, claiming there’s important evidence that could help him, but this evidence is sealed, connected to statements Masterson provided to the LAPD.
In her order, Judge Olmedo mentioned that if Danny Masterson’s conviction and sentence stand after appeal, he could stay in custody for many years or even the rest of his life. She noted that since Masterson doesn’t have a wife waiting for him, he might be tempted to escape and not return to serve the rest of his lengthy sentence in state prison if his appeal is unsuccessful.
According to Masterson’s lawyers, he is open to abiding by any rules set by the court that would allow him to be at home with his family and provide financial support. This could involve measures like house arrest or participating in an electronic monitoring program overseen by the probation department.
Shortly after Danny Masterson was sentenced, his wife Bijou Phillips filed for divorce in September. In the subsequent month, Masterson requested legal and physical custody of their 9-year-old daughter, Fianna, to be granted to Phillips, with visitation rights for himself. These details were revealed in documents filed with the Santa Barbara Superior Court.
Danny Masterson is now in a California state prison, serving a sentence of 30 years to life:
In late December, Danny Masterson began serving his 30-year-to-life prison sentence at North Kern State Prison, following a decision by Judge Olmedo on September 7. In May, a jury found him guilty of raping two women in his Los Angeles home in 2003, but they couldn’t reach a verdict on the third count, which involved an alleged rape of a longtime girlfriend.
During the sentencing, Judge Olmedo addressed Masterson, acknowledging his claims of innocence but emphasized that he is not the victim. She stated, “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.”
The civil suit against Danny Masterson:
The civil suit against Danny Masterson involves four individuals who, like Masterson, were members of the Church of Scientology. Reporting sexual assaults to the police led to their expulsion from the Church and a subsequent aggressive harassment campaign known as Fair Game. The harassment included stalking, invasion of privacy, and causing emotional distress. One person reported her dog mysteriously dying, while another mentioned a broken window in her daughter’s room.
Masterson responded by stating he wouldn’t engage in a media battle but expressed confidence in winning in court. He also indicated plans to sue the plaintiffs later. Additionally, one person involved reported their pet being poisoned by Scientologists in response to accusations against Masterson. The civil case is currently on hold until the criminal case concludes.