The first mugshot of actor Danny Masterson, known for his role in That ’70s Show, has surfaced following his conviction on two counts of forcible rape. The 47-year-old actor, now residing in North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, appears emotionless in the photograph, displaying overgrown hair and beard.
Transition to New Living Quarters
Masterson is currently undergoing the classification and reception process in his new prison residence, coincidentally sharing the facility with fellow artist Tory Lanez, who is serving a 10-year sentence.
Criminal Charges and Sentencing
The charges against Masterson involve the sexual assault of Jen B. and N. Trout in his Hollywood-area home, leading to a 30-year prison sentence in September. Masterson had previously been held at the LA County Men’s Central Jail.
Legal Proceedings and Victim Statements
District Attorney George Gascón acknowledged the difficulty faced by Masterson’s victims, stating, “This has been a long and arduous road for the victims of Mr. Masterson.” The survivors not only endured his abuse but also navigated a system often unsupportive of victims.
Maintaining Innocence
Throughout the ordeal, Masterson has consistently maintained his innocence. In a December statement to US Weekly, he asserted, “From day one, I have denied the outrageous allegations against me.” He pointed out that law enforcement had previously investigated the claims over 15 years ago, deeming them without merit.
Commentary on the Justice System
In the statement, Masterson highlighted the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, expressing concern about the current societal climate where accusations can lead to a presumption of guilt.
Impact on Professional Life
Following the surfacing of allegations, Masterson’s last professional endeavor was on the Netflix sitcom The Ranch, alongside Ashton Kutcher. However, he was written off the show after the accusations came to light.
Netflix’s Decision
A spokesperson for Netflix, in a statement in December 2017, confirmed Masterson’s departure from The Ranch, saying, “As a result of ongoing discussions, Netflix and the producers have written Danny Masterson out of The Ranch.” Production resumed without him in early 2018.
In conclusion, the release of Danny Masterson’s mugshot marks a significant development in a case that has spanned years, from criminal charges to legal proceedings and the profound impact on his personal and professional life.