During the closing arguments at actor Danny Masterson's trial, the prosecutor accused him of drugging women's drinks to facilitate sexual assault while relying on his affiliation with the Church of Scientology to evade accountability for years, reported the Associated Press. Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson emphasised to the jury that Masterson used drugs to deprive his victims of their ability to consent, forcefully making decisions on their behalf. The former That '70s Show star, aged 47, faces rape charges for the second time after a previous mistrial. The closing arguments concluded, and the case will be presented to the new jury on Wednesday.

“The defendant drugs his victims to gain control. He does this to take away his victims’ ability to consent. You don’t want to have sex? You don’t have a choice. The defendant makes that choice for these victims. And he does it over and over and over again," &nbsp;Anson said.

Masterson has pleaded not guilty to allegations of raping three women at his residence between 2001 and 2003. In his closing statement, defence attorney Philip Cohen pointed out inconsistencies in the women's testimonies, suggesting that these discrepancies should raise reasonable doubt regarding Masterson's guilt. Cohen specifically highlighted a woman's claim that Masterson had brandished a gun during the assault, which was not mentioned in her initial police report, questioning her credibility.

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Anson targeted the Church of Scientology throughout her argument, noting that all three women, as former members of the church, were dissuaded from acknowledging and reporting the incidents by church authorities for an extended period. She asserted that the church propagated the idea that rape was not rape and placed blame on the victims while discouraging them from involving law enforcement. However, the church has denied having any policy discouraging members from seeking legal recourse.

During the trial, former church member and actress Leah Remini, known for her criticism of Scientology, sat in the courtroom, showing support for one of the accusers who testified in both trials. The defence emphasised that Scientology had become a prominent topic, insinuating potential flaws in the government's case against Masterson.

The testimonies of all three women were presented to the jury, with one being a former girlfriend who stated that Masterson raped her in 2001, five years into their relationship. The other two women were acquainted with Masterson through social circles associated with the church.

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While there is no forensic evidence of drugging, the women testified to feeling unusually groggy and experiencing gaps in consciousness and memory after consuming drinks provided by Masterson. The judge allowed the prosecution in the second trial to explicitly state that Masterson had drugged the women, which was not permitted in the first trial. Defence attorney Cohen argued that there was no evidence of forced or violent acts, and he suggested that the women contaminated their testimonies by communicating with each other after the police investigation began in 2016.

The prosecutor countered that the women had no motive to lie and dismissed the defence's claim of a "grand conspiracy" against Masterson. Cohen highlighted civil lawsuits brought by the women, suggesting a financial incentive for their accusations.

In the previous trial, fewer than half of the jurors voted to convict Masterson on any count. The defence attorney said that even if the jury believes Masterson is likely guilty, they must acquit him, as mere probability does not meet the burden of proof for a criminal conviction.

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During the closing arguments at actor Danny Masterson's trial, the prosecutor accused him of drugging women's drinks to facilitate sexual assault while relying on his affiliation with the Church of Scientology to evade accountability for years, reported the Associated Press.

During the closing arguments at actor Danny Masterson's trial, the prosecutor accused him of drugging women's drinks to facilitate sexual assault while relying on his affiliation with the Church of Scientology to evade accountability for years, reported the Associated Press. Deputy District Attorney Ariel Anson emphasised to the jury that Masterson used drugs to deprive his victims of their ability to consent, forcefully making decisions on their behalf. The former That '70s Show star, aged 47, faces rape charges for the second time after a previous mistrial. The closing arguments concluded, and the case will be presented to the new jury on Wednesday. “The defendant drugs his victims to gain control. He does this to take away his victims’ ability to consent. You don’t want to have sex? You don’t have a choice. The defendant makes that choice for these victims. And he does it over and over and over again," Anson said. Masterson has pleaded not guilty to allegations of raping three women at his residence between 2001 and 2003. In his closing statement, defence attorney Philip Cohen pointed out inconsistencies in the women's testimonies, suggesting that these discrepancies should raise reasonable doubt regarding Masterson's guilt. Cohen specifically highlighted a woman's claim that Masterson had brandished a gun during the assault, which was not mentioned in her initial police report, questioning her credibility. Anson targeted the Church of Scientology throughout her argument, noting that all three women, as former members of the church, were dissuaded from acknowledging and reporting the incidents by church authorities for an extended period. She asserted that the church propagated the idea that rape was not rape and placed blame on the victims while discouraging them from involving law enforcement. However, the church has denied having any policy discouraging members from seeking legal recourse. During the trial, former church member and actress Leah Remini, known for her criticism of Scientology, sat in the courtroom, showing support for one of the accusers who testified in both trials. The defence emphasised that Scientology had become a prominent topic, insinuating potential flaws in the government's case against Masterson. The testimonies of all three women were presented to the jury, with one being a former girlfriend who stated that Masterson raped her in 2001, five years into their relationship. The other two women were acquainted with Masterson through social circles associated with the church. Also Read: WATCH | Johnny Depp is teary-eyed as he receives standing ovation at Cannes for Jeanne du Barry While there is no forensic evidence of drugging, the women testified to feeling unusually groggy and experiencing gaps in consciousness and memory after consuming drinks provided by Masterson. The judge allowed the prosecution in the second trial to explicitly state that Masterson had drugged the women, which was not permitted in the first trial. Defence attorney Cohen argued that there was no evidence of forced or violent acts, and he suggested that the women contaminated their testimonies by communicating with each other after the police investigation began in 2016. The prosecutor countered that the women had no motive to lie and dismissed the defence's claim of a "grand conspiracy" against Masterson. Cohen highlighted civil lawsuits brought by the women, suggesting a financial incentive for their accusations. In the previous trial, fewer than half of the jurors voted to convict Masterson on any count. The defence attorney said that even if the jury believes Masterson is likely guilty, they must acquit him, as mere probability does not meet the burden of proof for a criminal conviction. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Danny Masterson's rape retrial: Actor used Scientology to evade consequences?

Actor Danny Masterson drugged and raped three women at his Hollywood home between 2001 and 2003 as per a prosecutor who told the same in his opening statement in the retrial of the actor, reported the Associated Press. Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller accused Masterson of adding drugs to the drinks given to his longtime girlfriend and two more women who he knew thanks to the Church of Scientology. He is accused of raping all three women. He added that the evidence will show that they were drugged. The retrial follows the earlier one that ended in a mistrial on November 30, 2022.&nbsp;

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Both sides acknowledge that there is no forensic evidence to prove the use of drugs because the police investigation did not begin until years after the events. The prosecution plans to call a toxicology analyst to explain how some common date rape drugs work and their side effects. However, the defence argues that there is no toxicology report, urine, blood work, or DNA to support the prosecution's claims.

It all began in March 2017, when three women filed sexual assault allegations against actor Masterson, leading to a Los Angeles Police Department investigation. Netflix fired Masterson from its comedy series The Ranch on December 5, 2017, in response to the accusations.&nbsp;

A fifth woman later made similar rape accusations against Masterson. Four women filed a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology in August 2019, claiming stalking and harassment, stemming from their rape allegations.

The actor and his defence team have claimed that the women colluded against him and have attacked their credibility.

Masterson is best known for his role as Steven Hyde in the popular comedy series That '70s Show, which aired from 1998 to 2006. He has also worked as a producer, with credits on a number of films and television shows. He has produced several episodes of That '70s Show&nbsp;as well as the television series Men at Work and the film The Brooklyn Heist.

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Actor Danny Masterson drugged and raped three women at his Hollywood home between 2001 and 2003 as per a prosecutor who told the same in his opening statement in the retrial of the actor, reported the Associated Press.

Actor Danny Masterson drugged and raped three women at his Hollywood home between 2001 and 2003 as per a prosecutor who told the same in his opening statement in the retrial of the actor, reported the Associated Press. Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller accused Masterson of adding drugs to the drinks given to his longtime girlfriend and two more women who he knew thanks to the Church of Scientology. He is accused of raping all three women. He added that the evidence will show that they were drugged. The retrial follows the earlier one that ended in a mistrial on November 30, 2022. Both sides acknowledge that there is no forensic evidence to prove the use of drugs because the police investigation did not begin until years after the events. The prosecution plans to call a toxicology analyst to explain how some common date rape drugs work and their side effects. However, the defence argues that there is no toxicology report, urine, blood work, or DNA to support the prosecution's claims. It all began in March 2017, when three women filed sexual assault allegations against actor Masterson, leading to a Los Angeles Police Department investigation. Netflix fired Masterson from its comedy series The Ranch on December 5, 2017, in response to the accusations. A fifth woman later made similar rape accusations against Masterson. Four women filed a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology in August 2019, claiming stalking and harassment, stemming from their rape allegations. The actor and his defence team have claimed that the women colluded against him and have attacked their credibility. Masterson is best known for his role as Steven Hyde in the popular comedy series That '70s Show, which aired from 1998 to 2006. He has also worked as a producer, with credits on a number of films and television shows. He has produced several episodes of That '70s Show as well as the television series Men at Work and the film The Brooklyn Heist. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Danny Masterson rape retrial: Prosecutors say actor drugged and raped three women

Los Angeles prosecutors will retry 'That ’70s Show'&nbsp;actor Danny Masterson on three rape counts after a hopelessly deadlocked jury led to a mistrial in his first trial in November. The LA County District Attorney’s Office declared prosecutors’ plans in court filings and at a Tuesday hearing, where Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo rejected a defence motion to dismiss the charges.

The move comes despite prosecutors failing to get even half of the previous jury to vote to convict on any of the counts against Masterson, who is charged with the rape of three women, including a former girlfriend, at his home between 2001 and 2003.

“We are pleased that Danny Masterson will not be permitted to simply escape criminal accountability,” two of the three women and the husband of one said in a joint statement released through their attorneys. “Despite suffering years of intimidation and harassment, we are completely committed to participating in the next criminal trial.”

The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused.

The judge tentatively set the retrial to begin in late March.

The 46-year-old Masterson had no comment to reporters outside court after Tuesday’s hearing, and his attorney did not respond to an email requesting comment.

He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer has said the acts were all consensual.

The Church of Scientology played a major role during the monthlong trial, with Masterson a member and all three women former members. Prosecutors said the church dissuaded them from going public for years, which the church has denied.

The charges date to a period when Masterson was at the height of his fame, starring from 1998 until 2006 as Steven Hyde on Fox’s 'That ’70s Show'.&nbsp;The show made stars of Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace and is getting an upcoming Netflix reboot with 'That ’90s Show'.

Los Angeles prosecutors will retry 'That ’70s Show' actor Danny Masterson on three rape counts after a hopelessly deadlocked jury led to a mistrial in his first trial in November.

Los Angeles prosecutors will retry 'That ’70s Show' actor Danny Masterson on three rape counts after a hopelessly deadlocked jury led to a mistrial in his first trial in November. The LA County District Attorney’s Office declared prosecutors’ plans in court filings and at a Tuesday hearing, where Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo rejected a defence motion to dismiss the charges. The move comes despite prosecutors failing to get even half of the previous jury to vote to convict on any of the counts against Masterson, who is charged with the rape of three women, including a former girlfriend, at his home between 2001 and 2003. “We are pleased that Danny Masterson will not be permitted to simply escape criminal accountability,” two of the three women and the husband of one said in a joint statement released through their attorneys. “Despite suffering years of intimidation and harassment, we are completely committed to participating in the next criminal trial.” The Associated Press does not typically name people who say they have been sexually abused. The judge tentatively set the retrial to begin in late March. The 46-year-old Masterson had no comment to reporters outside court after Tuesday’s hearing, and his attorney did not respond to an email requesting comment. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer has said the acts were all consensual. The Church of Scientology played a major role during the monthlong trial, with Masterson a member and all three women former members. Prosecutors said the church dissuaded them from going public for years, which the church has denied. The charges date to a period when Masterson was at the height of his fame, starring from 1998 until 2006 as Steven Hyde on Fox’s 'That ’70s Show'. The show made stars of Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace and is getting an upcoming Netflix reboot with 'That ’90s Show'.

Prosecutors to retry actor Danny Masterson on rape counts