Danny Masterson’s Rape Case Results in Mistrial

The trial featuring "That '70s Show" actor finally comes to an end.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled the rape case against Danny Masterson as a mistrial due to the jury being deadlocked on the charges. 

The jury could not reach a decision on the three charges of forcible rape that Masterson faced. The three charges relate to the actor allegedly raping three women in his Hollywood Hills home in the early 2000s. 

The opening arguments began on Oct. 18 with deliberations beginning Nov. 15. Three days later, the jury informed Judge Olmedo that they were in a deadlock. They were told to return to deliberations after a weeklong Thanksgiving break. After the holiday break, two jurors were replaced with alternates due to Covid-19.

In a statement, the district attorney’s office said they’ll consider the next steps in prosecuting the case. The statement read:

“While we’re disappointed with the outcome in this trial, we thank the jurors for their service… We also want to give our heartfelt appreciation to the victims for bravely stepping forward and recounting their harrowing experiences.” 

Phillip Cohen, Masterson’s lawyer, also released a statement for the actor and spoke with the media after the trial. In the statement via his lawyer, Masterson said:

“I am so thankful for the incredible care and commitment that the jurors showed in this case. This trial was about nothing more than the credibility of the three accusers and that credibility could only be determined by comparing, contrasting, and focusing on the ever evolving statements given by the women.”

Cohen also spoke to the media after the trial. For information for the entire trial, follow Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) on Twitter.