Entertainment · October 27, 2026
Danny Masterson Loses Appeal on Rape Conviction, Court Upholds 30 Years to Life Sentence
A California appeals court has upheld Danny Masterson's 2023 rape convictions and his sentence of 30 years to life. A three-judge panel from the Second Appellate District rejected the actor's arguments that trial judge Charlaine Olmedo exhibited bias against Scientology or improperly allowed evidence regarding the church's internal workings and leader David Miscavige. Masterson's legal team, led by Cliff Gardner and Eric Gottlieb, criticized the ruling and announced plans to escalate the case to the California Supreme Court.
Read the original coverage
- DeadlineTrade
Danny Masterson's Appeal On Rape Convictions, Scientology In Trial Rejected
Read at Deadline ↗ - TMZTabloid
Danny Masterson's Attorneys Slam Court Over Rejected Rape Conviction Appeal
Read at TMZ ↗ - Rolling StoneMainstream
Danny Masterson Loses Rape Conviction Appeal, Vows to Take Fight to State Supreme Court
Read at Rolling Stone ↗ - Washington TimesMainstream
Danny Masterson's 30-year sentence upheld after judges deny appeal of his rape conviction
Read at Washington Times ↗ - Us WeeklyCelebrity
Danny Masterson Loses Appeal on Rape Conviction, Court Upholds 30 Years to Life Sentence
Read at Us Weekly ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- A three-judge appellate panel affirmed Danny Masterson's rape convictions and 30-year to life sentence.
- The appellate court issued an 89-page ruling rejecting claims of trial judge bias.
- The court ruled that evidence regarding Scientology was not inappropriately admitted during the trials.
- Masterson was convicted in 2023 of raping two women at his home in 2003.
Reported by only some outlets
- The appellate court noted that Masterson himself had previously requested to limit Scientology references due to negative public perception.
- Masterson’s appeal claimed the trial judge compared Scientology to white supremacists, gangs, and Satanists.
- The ruling addressed the admissibility of a settlement agreement between Masterson and one of the victims.
- Masterson's attorneys intend to seek a review from the California Supreme Court.
Confirmed
- California's Second Appellate District affirmed the judgment against Danny Masterson.
- The appellate panel consisted of three judges.
- The ruling rejected allegations that Judge Charlaine Olmedo was biased against Scientology.
- Masterson is currently serving a sentence of 30 years to life for two counts of forcible rape.
Reported
- The trial court permitted evidence of a settlement agreement between Masterson and one of the victims, J.B. (Deadline)
- The appellate court's ruling was 89 pages long. (Rolling Stone)
Rumor
- The appellate court ignored bombshell evidence in their decision. (Masterson's attorneys)
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