Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape

globalnews.ca:

That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison on Thursday for raping two women.

The decision came after a Los Angeles jury found Masterson, 47, guilty of two of three counts of forcible rape during a retrial in May.

Jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict on the third count, which alleged Masterson raped a longtime girlfriend. The third count was declared a mistrial and has been dismissed by prosecutors, who said they will not retry the charges.

As Masterson’s sentence was being read aloud in the courtroom, Judge Charlaine Olmedo had harsh words for the once-beloved actor.

“Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s choice and voice,” Olmedo said. “Your actions 20 years ago today were criminal, and that’s why you are here.”

The judge allowed all three women in the trial — identified as Jane Doe 1, 2 and 3 —to give victim impact statements at the sentencing.

Two of the victims read their statements aloud. The third, Masterson’s former girlfriend, had hers read by a prosecutor, according to journalist Meghann Cuniff, who was present at the sentencing hearing.

Jane Doe 1 told the courtroom she hoped Masterson would be handed a life sentence. She said she regrets not reporting him to police sooner than she did.

“You relish in hurting women. It is your addiction. It is without question your favourite thing to do,” said Jane Doe 2.

She said she forgives Masterson and encouraged him to “learn something” and “read books” while in prison.

In the statement provided by Masterson’s ex-girlfriend, she said she now suffers from several debilitating ailments, including anxiety, as a result of his abuse.

Masterson’s lawyer told the judge the