In a long-awaited verdict, actor Danny Masterson has been found guilty of rape and sentenced to 30 years in prison. The decision came today after a tumultuous legal battle that spanned several years, ultimately resulting in Masterson’s conviction on two of the three charges against him. The jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision on the third charge. With this verdict, Masterson’s career is effectively over, and the likelihood of a comeback seems virtually nonexistent.

Masterson gained fame in the late 1990s for his role as the affable stoner Hyde in the hit TV series “That ’70s Show.” However, he chose not to reprise his character (or, more accurately, was not invited to do so) when the spin-off series “That ’90s Show” premiered last year. Masterson also faced professional consequences when he was fired from the Netflix series “The Ranch” in 2017 following the public disclosure of rape allegations against him.

The Los Angeles prosecutor’s office issued a statement after the verdict was delivered, stating:

“This has been a long and arduous road for the victims of Mr. Masterson. They not only survived his abuse, they also survived a system that is often not kind to victims.”

The case against Masterson has been closely watched, given the broader societal conversation about sexual assault and the #MeToo movement. The verdict is seen as a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their actions and provide justice for survivors.

While Masterson’s legal battles may have come to an end, the impact of this case on the broader discourse surrounding sexual misconduct and the entertainment industry’s handling of such allegations is likely to endure.

Source: APNews