Gregory Robinson
A judge has declared a mistrial after jurors were unable to reach a verdict in the trial of Danny Masterson, who was charged with three rapes.
The 46-year-old That ‘70s Show actor was charged with raping three women at his home in the Hollywood Hills between 2001 and 2003.
Masterson pleaded not guilty.
A jury consisting of six women and six men informed Judge Charlaine Olmedo on Wednesday (30 November) that they were ‘hopelessly deadlocked’ after deliberating a verdict just before Thanksgiving. They returned to deliberations on Monday (28 November) to try and reach a decision.
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Judge Olmedo read aloud a note from the jurors which said: “We are not even close to coming to a unanimous decision on any of the three counts and are convinced this will not change.”
When asked how many ballots the jurors took, the male foreman said they took three on Tuesday and four on Wednesday.
After the judge declared a mistrial, another hearing was scheduled for 6 March, 2023 and 27 March, 2023 for Masterson to stand trial for a second time.
Jane Doe 2, Jane Doe 3 and Jane Doe 3’s husband issued a joint statement after the mistrial declaration which said: “We would first like to thank the jury for its public service.
"We are obviously disappointed that, at least for the time being, Daniel Masterson has evaded criminal accountability for his deplorable acts.
“However, we are collectively resolved to continue our fight for justice, including in civil court, where we have alleged that Mr. Masterson, along with the Church of Scientology, its leader David Miscavige, and others conspired to systematically stalk, harass, and intimidate us when we sought to shed light on Mr. Masterson's actions.
“This legal fight is far from over, and it is critical that we reckon with Scientology's alleged role in covering up reports of abuse and threatening victims.”
Scientology was discussed through most days of the trial as Masterson is a scientologist and the three Jane Does are all ex-Scientologists.
Masterson’s lawyer, Philip Cohen said all the acts were consensual.
All three women who testified said the reason they delayed reporting Masterson to the police was due to fear of retribution from the Church of Scientology.
Masterson is best known for his role as Steven Hyde in That '70s Show between 1998 and 2006. He also starred in the Netflix sitcom The Ranch alongside fellow That '70s Show alum Ashton Kutcher.