Danny Masterson, the former star of “That ’70s Show,” has formally appealed his 2023 rape conviction, asserting that significant procedural errors during his trial compromised its fairness. In a comprehensive 246-page document filed on December 18, 2024, his attorney, Cliff Gardner, contends that the court’s decisions adversely influenced the jury’s perception and excluded critical exculpatory evidence.
Masterson, 48, was convicted in May 2023 of raping two women in 2003 and subsequently sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. The conviction followed a retrial after the initial proceedings ended in a hung jury. Gardner emphasized two primary issues in the appeal: the presence of judicial rulings that skewed the jury’s view and the omission of substantial exculpatory evidence. He stated, “The trial was rife with erroneous judicial rulings that skewed the jury’s view of the evidence against him.”
The defense team plans to file a Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus, aiming to document additional defects in the trial process. Gardner expressed confidence in Masterson’s eventual exoneration, urging the public to “stay tuned as we work toward Danny’s complete exoneration.”
Since his sentencing, Masterson has been incarcerated at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo. His wife, Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce shortly after his imprisonment.
The appeal process is expected to be extensive, with the defense seeking a new trial. Legal experts note that overturning such convictions is challenging, requiring compelling evidence of significant trial errors. As the case progresses, it continues to draw public attention, reflecting broader societal concerns about the handling of sexual assault allegations within the judicial system.
You May Also Like: Jocelyn Wildenstein: The Enigmatic ‘Catwoman’
