A three-judge panel of the California Court of Appeal rejected Danny Masterson’s appeal of his rape conviction in a ruling issued this week. The actor was found guilty in 2023 of two counts of rape involving incidents allegedly occurring in 2003, while a third charge from a separate plaintiff was dismissed. Masterson has consistently maintained that all sexual contact with the three women involved was consensual.
Masterson’s appeal challenged multiple aspects of his trial, including claims that Judge Charlaine F Olmedo demonstrated bias against the Church of Scientology. The appeals court examined statements made by the judge during proceedings and concluded they demonstrated neutrality and no hostility toward the religious organization. In an 89-page decision, the three-judge panel stated that the judge’s conduct showed “no animus or departure from neutrality regarding Scientology.”
During the original trial, prosecutors presented arguments that Masterson, a prominent church member, leveraged his position within Scientology to evade accountability for the alleged assaults. Prosecutors further contended that the plaintiffs delayed reporting the incidents due to concerns about violating church policy against contacting law enforcement. The court permitted testimony from former Scientology member Claire Headley, who provided expert evidence regarding church doctrine and practices, including how the organization treats police reports as potentially sanctionable offenses.
Masterson’s legal team argued that admitting evidence about Scientology’s beliefs and practices constituted improper court intrusion into religious doctrine interpretation. The appeals court disagreed, stating that evidence was presented not to evaluate the truth of church teachings but rather to explain the context of the plaintiffs’ actions and delay in reporting. The panel also rejected separate arguments concerning statutes of limitations and other evidentiary matters, and found that the defendant received adequate legal representation.
Masterson’s attorneys characterized the decision as unfortunate and indicated plans to pursue an appeal to the California Supreme Court. The Church of Scientology previously issued a statement following the 2023 conviction denying accusations that it discourages members from reporting crimes to law enforcement.
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