Danny Masterson Charged with Three Counts of Rape "By Force or Fear" *GUILTY 2 of 3*

Danny Masterson Charged with Raping Three Women "By Force or Fear"

If convicted on all counts, the That '70s Show actor could get 45 years to life in prison.

www.vanityfair.com

Danny Masterson Charged with Three Counts of Rape "By Force or Fear"
If convicted on all counts, the That '70s Show actor could face 45 years to life in prison.
By Anthony Breznican
June 17, 2020


Actor Danny Masterson has long been accused of acts of sexual violence, and on Wednesday the That ’70s Show actor was finally arrested after being charged with the rapes of three women in separate incidents dating back to 2001 and 2003.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey's office charged the 44-year-old with three counts of "rape by force or fear." "If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a possible maximum sentence of 45 years to life in state prison," the district attorney's office said in a statement.

The complaint accuses him of raping a 23-year-old woman in 2001. He is also charged with committing two other assaults in 2003, one against a 28-year-old woman in April, and another against a 23-year-old woman between October and December of that year.



The case will be prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller of the Sex Crimes Division, who stated that all of the alleged rapes occurred at the actor's Hollywood Hills home.

Prosecutors noted that they declined to file sexual assault charges against Masterson in two other cases, "one for insufficient evidence and the other based upon the statute of limitations for the crime alleged."


Masterson has been held on $3.3 million bail. He is represented by defense attorney Thomas Mesereau, who previously represented Bill Cosby, Michael Jackson and Mike Tyson against sex crime charges. In a statement to the Associated Press, Mesereau insisted that Masterson is innocent.

“We’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify," the attorney said. “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,” Mesereau said. “The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”

The criminal complaint doesn't name the victims, but the timeline of the accusations matches those of four women who accused Masterson of sexual assault in 2016 and 2017 as part of the #MeToo movement. Last year, they sued Masterson, along with the Church of Scientology, to which he belongs, alleging that the powerful and secretive organization stalked and intimidated them for coming forward with their police reports. Masterson and Scientology officials all denied wrongdoing.

Masterson responded to the suit with a statement: “This is beyond ridiculous. I’m not going to fight my ex-girlfriend in the media like she’s been baiting me to do for more than two years. I will beat her in court—and look forward to it because the public will finally be able [to] learn the truth and see how I’ve been railroaded by this woman. And once her lawsuit is thrown out, I intend to sue her and the others who jumped on the bandwagon for the damage they caused me and my family.”

In the lawsuit, the women each claim Masterson forced himself on them or took advantage of them when they were intoxicated and unable to consent.

Masterson is set to be arraigned on Sept. 18.

 

[Guess Who]

Well, we simply do not agree on this. "At any point" is a totally unreasonable standard. A woman who has willingly removed her clothes and placed herself in a man's bed has given consent, period.

Again I'll ask: What crime have they committed? It's not illegal to be powerful or influential. If they've committed crimes, I agree that the DA should take action. What crimes are you alleging?

BBM.. Wow. Just, wow. I can't believe people just don't get what the word "No" means.

 

[GrandmaBear]

For some reason, the phrase take a cold shower keeps coming to mind. It is sad to think some believe men have such little control over their OWN bodies and choices yet have the right to violate someone else's. Sounds like one heck of an excuse to me. Men will be men?

Gee imagine the strip clubs if such a reaction over a naked woman, they must be having to keep them off of the stage from attacking every single stripper, every man in the place who sees an undressed woman...

Oh my imagine the nudist colonies/beaches... Is it the same in other countries too? Men gone wild, naked women...

I guess the sexes are quite different. If I see a hot guy in a Speedo, I can control myself... Even nude... Oh my. I am not exactly running over there knocking him to the ground and straddling him... Oh the unbridled lust...

I generally don't make such outrageous sexist remarks, however, considering some of the ones made here above already, I think this fits...

(This post is purposely over the top...)

 

[SleutherLou]

I'm not sure why you take offense with it. That's what the law you quoted spells out, and that's precisely what I'm saying. A woman who willingly goes alone to a man's hotel room/bedroom/dorm room and gets in bed with him is fulfilling every legal definition of consent. You're just stating the obvious. Of course, acting under threat is not consent. We all know and agree with that.For what reason? What crime have they committed?

Help me out here,what exactly is the woman consenting to once she has willingly climbed naked into a mans bed?, if I sleep naked next to my husband every night is it implied that he can do whatever he wants to me whenever he feels like it?, if he sleeps naked next to me am I permitted to do the same?, should either of us check to see if the other is feeling frisky or just jump on and go for it?, what about if I dont want to have sex but I know that my husband won't be happy if I say no and life will be harder for me in the coming days if I dont and giving in is the lesser of two evils, is that ok?,is that consent?.
I have a friend who is not a big fan of sex,she actively avoids her husband until he is asleep,she does however sleep naked, always has done. Her husband enjoys telling people that he "got lucky" sometimes because she had drunk so much she was practically passed out so he took his chance,he sees it as getting lucky, I and most peope we know see it as rape!, she didnt say no,but he knows she would have if if she weren't barely conscious but she was willingly naked in his bed,is that implied consent to you??

 

[GrandmaBear]

Help me out here,what exactly is the woman consenting to once she has willingly climbed naked into a mans bed?, if I sleep naked next to my husband every night is it implied that he can do whatever he wants to me whenever he feels like it?, if he sleeps naked next to me am I permitted to do the same?, should either of us check to see if the other is feeling frisky or just jump on and go for it?, what about if I dont want to have sex but I know that my husband won't be happy if I say no and life will be harder for me in the coming days if I dont and giving in is the lesser of two evils, is that ok?,is that consent?.
I have a friend who is not a big fan of sex,she actively avoids her husband until he is asleep,she does however sleep naked, always has done. Her husband enjoys telling people that he "got lucky" sometimes because she had drunk so much she was practically passed out so he took his chance,he sees it as getting lucky, I and most people we know see it as rape!, she didnt say no,but he knows she would have if if she weren't barely conscious but she was willingly naked in his bed,is that implied consent to you??

Great points. I could share many similar ones. Rape in a marriage is very difficult to prove, hence why no women or almost any come forward... It is still rape however. NO ONE has the right to do something to someone else's own body unless in self defense. Imo.

And quite honestly if a woman gets naked in your motel room and climbs in your bed, there may quite possibly be a few here and there who are up to no good, and a man with a brain cell would get her out of there, or never had her there to begin with, especially one rich or powered. Their safest bet in such positions is marriage and fidelity as dull as that may sound. Imo.

Harvey Weinstein is a PIG. Strip away his power and treat him like the common criminal he is and he is a big blubbering poor me baby who can dish it but can't take it.

This world has gone so far backwards, if it ever even truly went forward, that it is not even funny.

Imho.

 

[kdg411]

"At any point" is a totally unreasonable standard. A woman who has willingly removed her clothes and placed herself in a man's bed has given consent, period.

Where did you find any documentation that states that, in this case, these women willingly removed their clothes? Maybe I missed that detail.

A woman can withdraw her consent even after penetration and any use of force after this is considered rape.

 

[Howell]

Help me out here,what exactly is the woman consenting to once she has willingly climbed naked into a mans bed?, if I sleep naked next to my husband every night is it implied that he can do whatever he wants to me whenever he feels like it?, if he sleeps naked next to me am I permitted to do the same?, should either of us check to see if the other is feeling frisky or just jump on and go for it?, what about if I dont want to have sex but I know that my husband won't be happy if I say no and life will be harder for me in the coming days if I dont and giving in is the lesser of two evils, is that ok?,is that consent?.
I have a friend who is not a big fan of sex,she actively avoids her husband until he is asleep,she does however sleep naked, always has done. Her husband enjoys telling people that he "got lucky" sometimes because she had drunk so much she was practically passed out so he took his chance,he sees it as getting lucky, I and most peope we know see it as rape!, she didnt say no,but he knows she would have if if she weren't barely conscious but she was willingly naked in his bed,is that implied consent to you??

The concept of "marital rape" introduces a totally different dynamic to the conversation. The situation you're describing though, I would not call rape.

 

[Howell]

Where did you find any documentation that states that, in this case, these women willingly removed their clothes? Maybe I missed that detail.

I was speaking generally, I wasn't referring specifically to this case.

A woman can withdraw her consent even after penetration and any use of force after this is considered rape.

I understand that's what the law states in many jurisdictions, but I disagree with it. By that standard, a woman who has taken a number of affirmative actions and consented to everything for hours beforehand can suddenly decide to revoke consent in the middle of a sex act, and if the man continues, he's now a "rapist". Therefore, legally, he's equal to a stranger who grabs a woman off of a dark street and forces himself upon her. They're both rapists. They're both guilty of the same crime. No, I can not agree with that.

 

[kdg411]

The concept of "marital rape" introduces a totally different dynamic to the conversation. The situation you're describing though, I would not call rape.

To add, most US States haven't revised their criminal code to define marital rape. If I'm not mistaken South Carolina has one of the strictest codes which stipulates that the wife must report the incident within 30 days & the most time the husband could spend behind bars is 10 years; versus if they weren't married he could be sentenced up to 30 years. Again, it comes down to a jury's determination of credibility.

In the case with Danny Masterson, I'm still waiting to read about the specific charges against him.

 

[SleutherLou]

The concept of "marital rape" introduces a totally different dynamic to the conversation. The situation you're describing though, I would not call rape.

What would you call it?

 

[Guess Who]

What would you call it?

yes, because non consent is non consent, no matter the dynamic.

 

[Howell]

To add, most US States haven't revised their criminal code to define marital rape. If I'm not mistaken South Carolina has one of the strictest codes which stipulates that the wife must report the incident within 30 days & the most time the husband could spend behind bars is 10 years; versus if they weren't married he could be sentenced up to 30 years. Again, it comes down to a jury's determination of credibility.

In the case with Danny Masterson, I'm still waiting to read about the specific charges against him.

I'm doing the same, waiting for all of the facts to come out, as there's surely a lot of information we don't know yet. He may very well be a rapist who needs to go to prison. He might also just be a notable guy with a vindictive ex-girlfriend. This was literally 15+ years ago, but I'm keeping an open mind.

 

[Howell]

What would you call it?

A man having sex with his wife.

 

[sfr826]

Well, we simply do not agree on this. "At any point" is a totally unreasonable standard. A woman who has willingly removed her clothes and placed herself in a man's bed has given consent, period.

Again I'll ask: What crime have they committed? It's not illegal to be powerful or influential. If they've committed crimes, I agree that the DA should take action. What crimes are you alleging?

Church of Scientology members have stalked and harassed Danny Masterson's victims. They have also poisoned and killed the victims' dogs.

The concept of "marital rape" introduces a totally different dynamic to the conversation. The situation you're describing though, I would not call rape.

Rape is about lack of consent. Heavily intoxicated and unconscious people cannot consent. So yes, it is rape.

I was speaking generally, I wasn't referring specifically to this case.I understand that's what the law states in many jurisdictions, but I disagree with it. By that standard, a woman who has taken a number of affirmative actions and consented to everything for hours beforehand can suddenly decide to revoke consent in the middle of a sex act, and if the man continues, he's now a "rapist". Therefore, legally, he's equal to a stranger who grabs a woman off of a dark street and forces himself upon her. They're both rapists. They're both guilty of the same crime. No, I can not agree with that.

So if a woman is uncomfortable and in pain during sexual activity, it's okay for the man to continue? It is important for both partners to respect each other's boundaries and be aware of what the other person needs/wants. The motivation for rape is power and control. If someone deliberately ignores their partner's physical and psychological pain (and their bodily autonomy), then they are displaying sadistic tendencies. In my opinion, it is akin to the "stranger who grabs a woman off of a dark street and forces himself upon her." The endgame (power and control) is the same for both perpetrators. Many serial rapists/killers, who target strangers, also rape their wives/girlfriends.

I'm doing the same, waiting for all of the facts to come out, as there's surely a lot of information we don't know yet. He may very well be a rapist who needs to go to prison. He might also just be a notable guy with a vindictive ex-girlfriend. This was literally 15+ years ago, but I'm keeping an open mind.

At least seven women have accused Danny Masterson of sexual assault. Only two of the victims are ex-girlfriends.

 

[Howell]

Church of Scientology members have stalked and harassed Danny Masterson's victims. They have also poisoned and killed the victims' dogs.

Well again, if there's evidence of a crime committed by a member of the church, that should be presented to the DA's office. I'm in full support of criminals being charged for crimes they've committed. I'm not sure what more you want me to say on that.

Rape is about lack of consent. Heavily intoxicated and unconscious people cannot consent. So yes, it is rape.

This is where we disagree. Intoxicated people can consent, and they often do. They might regret that consent later, but that doesn't make their sexual partner a rapist.

So if a woman is uncomfortable and in pain during sexual activity, it's okay for the man to continue? It is important for both partners to respect each other's boundaries and be aware of what the other person needs/wants. The motivation for rape is power and control. If someone deliberately ignores their partner's physical and psychological pain (and their bodily autonomy), then they are displaying sadistic tendencies. In my opinion, it is akin to the "stranger who grabs a woman off of a dark street and forces himself upon her." The endgame (power and control) is the same for both perpetrators. Many serial rapists/killers, who target strangers, also rape their wives/girlfriends.

I really don't need you to repeat the nonsense you were fed in your college class about "respecting boundaries" and "bodily autonomy". If you don't intend to have sex with a man, don't go alone to his hotel room. Don't take your clothes off. Don't get in bed with him. Just leave if you don't want to be there. But don't come to me 15 years later after that encounter and tell me that you're a "rape victim"; I'm not buying it.

At least seven women have accused Danny Masterson of sexual assault. Only two of the victims are ex-girlfriends.

Again, we'll see what comes out in court. Maybe he's guilty of rape, I don't know.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Well again, if there's evidence of a crime committed by a member of the church, that should be presented to the DA's office. I'm in full support of criminals being charged for crimes they've committed. I'm not sure what more you want me to say on that. This is where we disagree. Intoxicated people can consent, and they often do. They might regret that consent later, but that doesn't make their sexual partner a rapist.
I really don't need you to repeat the nonsense you were fed in your college class about "respecting boundaries" and "bodily autonomy". If you don't intend to have sex with a man, don't go alone to his hotel room. Don't take your clothes off. Don't get in bed with him. Just leave if you don't want to be there. But don't come to me 15 years later after that encounter and tell me that you're a "rape victim"; I'm not buying it. Again, we'll see what comes out in court. Maybe he's guilty of rape, I don't know.

Correct me if I am wrong, but if I have it correctly with some of your remarks on other threads, you don't necessarily disagree what the law IS but you disagree that some of the laws are what they are... I don't think it fits with everything you have argued but I feel often your beef is with the laws, not the people here necessarily. I don't agree with all laws but when one knows something is law, one should watch out for breaking same...

I will likely never agree that each and every case is the same (that is not at you but my general belief always)... I do not like 100 percent one way anything mostly... Just me.

I am not enamored these days one bit with our justice system in many cases... I don't mean this type of case, I mean any and all. Ideally, a court exists to make the determination if a case goes forward and has merit.... Ideally a case is not charged unless prosecutors feel there is enough to do so... The word there is "ideally"...

 

[Cousin Dupree]

I have a friend who got into bed with a woman, made out with her, she hardened him and then just before entering her she said: "If you do this it will be rape." So he stopped and left at that moment. I know the guy well and he would never intimidate a woman. This was just her playing games, IMO, but he had to stop because that's how it works.

 

[Howell]

I have a friend who got into bed with a woman, made out with her, she hardened him and then just before entering her she said: "If you do this it will be rape." So he stopped and left at that moment. I know the guy well and he would never intimidate a woman. This was just her playing games, IMO, but he had to stop because that's how it works.

It sure sounds like she fulfilled all of the requirements of consent:
“Consent” is defined to mean positive cooperation in act or attitude pursuant to the exercise of free will. The person must act freely and voluntarily and have knowledge of the nature of the act or transaction involved. California Penal Code § 261.6.

Or maybe one of you is going to argue that because she was only 23, she didn't really know what she was doing...

So if your friend had continued, you honestly think it's fair to consider him a "rapist"? And therefore you would consider her a "rape victim"? That's just absurd to me.

 

[GrandmaBear]

It sure sounds like she fulfilled all of the requirements of consent:
“Consent” is defined to mean positive cooperation in act or attitude pursuant to the exercise of free will. The person must act freely and voluntarily and have knowledge of the nature of the act or transaction involved. California Penal Code § 261.6.

Or maybe one of you is going to argue that because she was only 23, she didn't really know what she was doing...

So if your friend had continued, you honestly think it's fair to consider him a "rapist"? And therefore you would consider her a "rape victim"? That's just absurd to me.

Not to jump in here but I do see your point. This is why rape victims such as "this" woman who led on right to that point though are judged by a jury and often the public... They don't always "win" by a long shot...

Like everything, some abuse the laws and/or use them and then there are true victims who do not deserve to be treated like the ones that do...

There are people who fake work comp injuries on their FIRST day on a job, then there are those that are legitimately injured but get treated as if all are "fakers"... Not a perfect example but for instance, those that cry wolf, help ruin it for those who truly were raped...

What you said far above is probably not far from what is going to happen. A consent form is probably going to have to be signed to have sex. It will probably take at least two witnesses to assure that no person that signed was coerced or under the influence, etc.

It does go the same way especially with men in power, with money, sports stars, famouse, etc.... DON'T take that chance... You got a female who you welcomed or who got in your motel room? Don't know much about her, just met her, don't truly know her age? Call the hotel concierge, desk, you name it and have her removed with witnesses and put in a cab.

Again, I guess that is what a judge and jury is for... To decide the "merits" of a case... Ideally...

 

[Cousin Dupree]

Not to jump in here but I do see your point. This is why rape victims such as "this" woman who led on right to that point though are judged by a jury and often the public... They don't always "win" by a long shot...

Like everything, some abuse the laws and/or use them and then there are true victims who do not deserve to be treated like the ones that do...

There are people who fake work comp injuries on their FIRST day on a job, then there are those that are legitimately injured but get treated as if all are "fakers"... Not a perfect example but for instance, those that cry wolf, help ruin it for those who truly were raped...

What you said far above is probably not far from what is going to happen. A consent form is probably going to have to be signed to have sex. It will probably take at least two witnesses to assure that no person that signed was coerced or under the influence, etc.

It does go the same way especially with men in power, with money, sports stars, famouse, etc.... DON'T take that chance... You got a female who you welcomed or who got in your motel room? Don't know much about her, just met her, don't truly know her age? Call the hotel concierge, desk, you name it and have her removed with witnesses and put in a cab.

Again, I guess that is what a judge and jury is for... To decide the "merits" of a case... Ideally...

Rape victims lives don't seem to matter much either. A woman I know was raped so horribly she lay on the bed crying for ten straight hours before calling the police. Long story short it was a bench trial. The guy admitted in open court that he enjoyed hurting women. I don't remember the exact sentence he was given because he was found guilty, but it wasn't much. I'm thinking six months in county, thousand dollar fine and some community work. She was put through much worse than that and will have to deal with it the rest of her life. I told her that her bravery made it harder for him to get a slap on the wrist again. If he's charged again he'll probably get a much harsher sentence. There is no guarantee though.

The rapist at Stanford got a slap on the wrist. It's getting better, but there is just so much that makes a woman not want to report it.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Rape victims lives don't seem to matter much either. A woman I know was raped so horribly she lay on the bed crying for ten straight hours before calling the police. Long story short it was a bench trial. The guy admitted in open court that he enjoyed hurting women. I don't remember the exact sentence he was given because he was found guilty, but it wasn't much. I'm thinking six months in county, thousand dollar fine and some community work. She was put through much worse than that and will have to deal with it the rest of her life. I told her that her bravery made it harder for him to get a slap on the wrist again. If he's charged again he'll probably get a much harsher sentence. There is no guarantee though.

The rapist at Stanford got a slap on the wrist. It's getting better, but there is just so much that makes a woman not want to report it.

I so agree and it is not just rape it is also domestic abuse or assault of a female. I don't know that I feel it is getting better. I feel in some ways this country never came forward and in fact is slipping backwards if it ever did come that far...

For one thing, and this is a fact, even aside from it being females, making something a domestic etc. instead of assault or battery keeps crime figures down in statistics. In my home area they often end up a disorderly!!! But it is not just females and rape and domestic either. States keep murder figures down the same way. They cut a deal, etc. charge more lightly and all of a sudden the homicide rate is down in a huge city... This is a fact.

Tricks are also played that way with things like unemployment numbers. It is one reason I am not a big fan of statistics. They can be played any which way the "interest" of the parties behind them want them to look...

As a female and I think most can identify, I can look back to this day at this old age and remember how shocked I was to find as I hit let's say 12 and older (more actually but probably when those instincts started but I was so naive), to find men my dad's age who were always friends or known to us basically looking at me differently or in later years with knowing the words, "hitting" on me... I was disgusted... I won't go further into it and thank goodness never had anything happen but I know of some who did.... Some of these people still think their ****** don't stick and are disgusting families. Try babysitting at 12 or 13, you learn real quick who treats their wife like **** and which "father" gives you a creepy feeling as he drives you home after babysitting.

The men will be men world still exists and courthouses and little towns are still in many ways heavily weighted with old men. I truly do not mean to sound sexist and I sure did not mean to sidetrack but it has always went on, still does and I am not sure much has really changed for the better. The Harvey Weinsteins and Jeffrey Epsteins, thank goodness, notice is being taken and they are big names but it goes on on a smaller scale everywhere.

i am sorry to hear you knew someone who was raped that brutally. I had the hell beaten out of me once. ONCE. There never was another chance, I did NOT stay. I found it was looked at as a disorderly or something and I was so close to death... And I threw a FIT. And lived in FEAR. A story for another day... Yep my same old little local county... I can document all of it... I DID MY RESEARCH. I FOUND HIS PRIOR **** in other states. Etc.

I suppose I had better stop... Sorry.

ETA: I also found out which male friends of my dad and men in our little hick community were GOOD MEN and would NEVER act such a way. My dad was one. My best friend's dad was another. The family who was closest to us growing up, their dad was another. We were "daughters" of friends not something you take interest in when they grow up or are growing up...