Overview
- A three-judge panel of the California Court of Appeal rejected Danny Masterson’s appeal in an 89-page opinion issued Tuesday and left his 2023 conviction and 30-year prison term intact.
- The court dismissed defense claims of judicial error and flawed police work, finding no single mistake or combination of mistakes that deprived Masterson of a fair trial.
- Judges ruled that factual testimony about the parties’ positions and internal practices within the Church of Scientology could be considered by the jury without resolving religious doctrine or violating the First Amendment.
- Trial record and reporting show the two accusers were Scientology members who said the organization discouraged or allegedly threatened them against going to police, a point prosecutors used to explain delayed reporting.
- Masterson continues to deny the allegations and his lawyers have said they may seek further review, which could include asking California’s highest court to take the case.