Danny Masterson’s rape victim speaks out after sentencing
One of Danny Masterson’s rape victims — anonymously identified throughout the trial as Jane Doe No. 1 — has spoken out for the first time since the sitcom actor’s conviction.
On Thursday, September 8th, first That 70’s show Star was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women two decades ago.
Jane Doe #1 has since responded to the actor’s sentencing, saying it “seemed like justice to me.”
Speak with NBC News On Monday (September 11), the woman said she didn’t think the sentence handed down by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo was “outrageous.”
“It was nothing special and nothing less,” she said, adding that it was “what the law required.”
Before handing down the sentence against Masterson, Judge Olmedo addressed him in court and said, “Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s choice and voice. Your actions 20 years ago today were criminal and that is why you are here.”
Jane Doe #1 praised the judge’s “amazing words,” telling the outlet, “That was optional and she chose to do it.” … I felt like I was heard, I really felt heard by her words to him.”
Masterson, pictured in court in 2020, was sentenced to 30 years in prison
(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
The woman’s comments came after Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis apologized in their character letters for vouching for Masterson’s “extraordinary character” and asked the judge for leniency.
Panning Kutcher and Kunis’ “offensive” and “hurtful” video, Jane Doe #1 previously said: “My hope is that they learn radical responsibility and the importance of self-education to learn when to keep their privilege in check – particularly Ashton, who claims to work with victims of sex crimes. As for Mila, all I can think of is ‘Time’s Up.’
Time’s Up is an advocacy group that raises money to support victims of sexual harassment. It was founded in response to Hollywood’s #MeToo movement.
In addition to Jane Doe #1, Masterson was also convicted of raping Jane Doe #2 in May. He was initially accused of rape by a third victim, Jane Doe No. 3, his former long-term girlfriend. However, the jury of five women and three men was unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the third point.
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After his sentencing, Jane Doe No. 2 turned to Masterson in the courtroom and said, “I don’t have to carry your shame with me. Now you have to wear it. You have to sit in a cell and carry it.
“Your emptiness and your cowardice will be your true legacy. You are pathetic, disturbed and extremely violent. The world is safer with you behind bars.”
Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk.
If you are in the US, you can call Rainn at 800-656-HOPE (4673).