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BUZZ: Danny Masterson found guilty of two counts of rape in retrial

BUZZ: Danny Masterson found guilty of two counts of rape in retrial

Danny Masterson was found guilty of rape Wednesday.

The Los Angeles jury agreed on two of the three counts he was charged with but was deadlocked on the third, according to TMZ.

The “That’s ’70s Show” alum faced more than 40 years in prison for all three charges, so it is unclear how much time he will now spend behind bars for just the two counts.

Following the verdict, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón released a statement, expressing “gratitude” to the three women who “came forward and bravely shared their experiences.”

“Their courage and strength have been an inspiration to us all,” Gascón added. “While we are disappointed that the jury did not convict on all counts, we respect their decision. The verdicts handed down by the jury in this case were undoubtedly a difficult one to reach and we thank the jurors for their service.

Danny Masterson in court.
Danny Masterson was found guilty of rape.
Getty Images

The district attorney concluded his statement by saying that they “will continue to educate the public on the importance of consent, healthy relationships, and bystander intervention.”

“We believe that by working together, we can create a safer and more just society for all.”

Masterson’s attorney did not immediately return Page Six’s request for comment.

His sentencing will take place at a later date.

Danny Masterson in court with his lawyer.
The actor was accused of raping three different women from 2001 to 2003.
Getty Images

In June 2020, Masterson, 47, was charged with raping three different women.

He was accused of raping a 23-year-old in the winter of 2001, a 28-year-old in April 2003 and another 23-year-old around the fall and winter of 2003, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

In January 2021, Masterson pleaded not guilty to all of the alleged crimes.

Danny Masterson walking outside of court.
Masterson’s accusers claimed they pulled his hair to stop him from raping them.
KAT / MEGA

“Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year-old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out,” lawyer Tom Mesereau said on behalf of his client at the time.

“The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”

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During a preliminary hearing leading up to the trial, a woman, who identified herself as Jen B., testified that she woke up to Masterson raping her.

 “The first thing I recall is grabbing his hair to pull him off,” she claimed in her testimony.

The actor’s ex, who only identified herself in court as Christine B., then also testified that she, too, had to pull the “Ranch” alum’s hair to get him off of her.

Danny Masterson posing with a jean outfit.
Masterson starred on “That ’70s Show” from 1998 to 2006.
Getty Images for CMT

“He has these rules, ‘no touch hair rule,’ ‘no touch face rule.’ He had this thing about his hair, so I knew if I pulled it really, really hard, he would get off me,” she said during the preliminary hearing.

After the case went to trial, the jury could not declare whether Masterson was innocent or guilty and so they declared it a mistrial in November 2022.

However, in the second trial, The Post reports that Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo allowed more evidence to be heard, including testimony that Masterson had drugged his victims before sexually assaulting them, aiding the jury’s decision.

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