Danny Masterson loses rape conviction appeal: Why the Scientology argument failed
A California appeals panel upheld the actor’s conviction and 30-year sentence, rejecting his challenge to the trial’s use of Scientology evidence.
Danny Masterson’s rape conviction and 30-year prison sentence stand after a California appeals panel denied his appeal on October 27, 2026, Variety reported. The decision keeps in place the 2023 verdict against the former That ’70s Show actor, who was convicted of raping two women at his Hollywood Hills home.
The three-judge panel rejected Masterson’s claim that the trial judge was biased against Scientology. In its 89-page ruling, the panel said Judge Charlaine Olmedo’s statements showed ‘no animus or departure from neutrality regarding Scientology,’ according to Variety.
Why Scientology evidence was part of the appeal
Masterson’s lawyers argued that Olmedo’s remarks and rulings about Scientology infringed his First Amendment rights. At trial, a former Scientologist testified about the faith’s beliefs and practices. Prosecutors argued that the women, who had belonged to the church and later left it, delayed reporting the assaults or identifying them as rape because they feared retaliation for going to the police, Variety reported.
The appeals panel said jurors were not asked to decide whether Scientology beliefs were true or false. It found that admitting the evidence for its stated purposes did not violate the First Amendment. Deadline also reported that the panel rejected a challenge concerning a settlement agreement involving one of the women.
What the ruling means for Masterson’s sentence
The panel also rejected arguments about the statute of limitations and other evidence rulings, Variety reported. Deadline said it dismissed Masterson’s contention that the combined effect of alleged errors deprived him of due process and a fair trial. Separately, the panel summarily denied a habeas corpus petition claiming he had received an inadequate defense.
The convictions concern two women who said Masterson raped them in 2003. Jurors could not reach a verdict on a third count involving a former girlfriend’s allegation from 2001, Variety reported. Neither Masterson’s attorneys nor representatives of the Church of Scientology responded to Deadline’s request for comment on the appellate ruling.
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Sources and context
- Danny Masterson Loses Appeal of Rape ConvictionVariety
- Danny Masterson's Appeal On Rape Convictions, Scientology In Trial RejectedDeadline
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.