Masterson’s 30-Year Rape Conviction Remains After Appeal

The actor’s appeal against his rape conviction has been denied, leaving his 30-year prison sentence in place. He was found guilty in 2023 of two counts of rape, with one charge dismissed. Masterson insisted the sex with all three accusers was consensual.

In December, he filed an appeal, questioning the credibility of the accusers and claiming he was not given a fair trial. The court found that the judge, Los Angeles superior court judge Charlaine F Olmedo, was not biased against Scientology. The appeals court rejected Masterson’s arguments in an 89-page ruling.

During the trial, prosecutors argued that Masterson used his role in Scientology to avoid accountability for the assaults. Prosecutors also argued that the accusers delayed reporting the incidents due to their fear of violating a Scientology rule against going to the police and being retaliated against. Two of the accusers testified that when they reported Masterson to Scientology officials, they were told they were not raped and were put through repeated interrogations.

The court allowed a former Scientologist, Claire Headley, to testify as an expert about the church’s beliefs and practices. The appeals court panel wrote that the jury was not asked to determine the truth or falsity of Scientology doctrine or beliefs.

Masterson’s lawyers called the decision an ‘unfortunate’ one and said they would appeal to the California supreme court. The church of Scientology issued a statement after Masterson was found guilty in 2023, calling the ‘testimony and descriptions of Scientology beliefs’ during the trial ‘uniformly false.’

The church said it has no policy prohibiting or discouraging members from reporting criminal conduct of anyone, Scientologists or not, to law enforcement.