California Appeals Court Rejects Danny Masterson’s Rape Conviction Challenge

Key points

• The 2nd District Court of Appeal issued an 89-page unanimous ruling affirming Masterson’s convictions for raping two women in 2003.
• The court rejected arguments that the trial court exhibited bias against the Church of Scientology or that the statute of limitations had expired.
• Masterson’s attorneys claim the court ignored 'extraordinary new evidence' suggesting the sexual encounters were consensual.
• The defense plans to petition the California Supreme Court and pursue habeas corpus relief.
• Masterson is serving his sentence at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo and is not eligible for parole until 2042.

Background

Masterson was convicted in May 2023 after a 2022 trial ended in a mistrial. The case involved allegations from three women, with the jury deadlocking on the third charge. The archive notes that this latest appeal follows a series of legal challenges, including a 2025 motion alleging anti-Scientology bias and ineffective assistance of counsel.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and the Los Angeles Times report that the appeals court unanimously upheld the convictions, finding no errors in the lower court’s proceedings. In contrast, Yahoo and the defense team, represented by attorneys Cliff Gardner and Eric Multhaup, argue the ruling is fundamentally flawed. They claim the court ignored exculpatory evidence, including statements from the accusers describing the encounters as consensual or positive, and criticized the court’s 'cursory treatment' of their habeas corpus petition. While the court viewed evidence regarding the Church of Scientology as relevant to the victims' behavior, the defense maintains this evidence demonstrated a lack of neutrality.

Why it matters

The ruling solidifies Masterson’s 30-year sentence and rejects his final state-level appeal before potential Supreme Court review. It highlights ongoing disputes over the intersection of religious institutions and sexual assault reporting, as well as the legal battles surrounding high-profile celebrity convictions.

What to watch

Masterson’s legal team will file a petition with the California Supreme Court for review. They also intend to pursue additional legal actions, including habeas corpus proceedings, to challenge the convictions based on excluded evidence.