Danny Masterson Blames Lawyer for Rape Convictions, Seeks to Have Them Overturned

Los Angeles, November 2025 — Former “That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson is fighting to overturn his 2023 conviction on two counts of forcible rape by blaming his trial lawyer for mounting an inadequate defense. Masterson, who is currently serving a sentence of 30 years to life, claims his attorney, Philip Cohen, failed to call critical witnesses or challenge key prosecution allegations, including assertions related to Scientology.

Masterson’s legal team filed a petition for habeas corpus recently, arguing the trial was plagued by prosecutorial misconduct, judicial bias, and fundamental flaws that deprived the defense of a fair trial. Among the claims, they say the jury never heard important exculpatory evidence, which could have significantly impacted the verdict.

The appeal, submitted in late 2024, highlights two main issues: erroneous judicial rulings that skewed the jury’s perspective and a large amount of potentially exonerating evidence left out of the trial. The defense also questions the consistency and credibility of the accusers’ testimonies, suggesting their stories evolved over time potentially due to motives linked to civil suits for monetary damages.

Prosecutors have maintained that Masterson used an alcoholic beverage to incapacitate the victims before assaulting them, although no toxicology tests were performed. The case remains highly controversial, with Masterson’s defense team emphasizing that the encounters were consensual and alleging anti-Scientology bias may have influenced proceedings.

The actor’s attorneys have pledged to continue pursuing all legal avenues, including further appeals and petitions, aiming for a complete exoneration of Masterson. The case remains closely watched, drawing intense public scrutiny on issues of legal representation, victim testimony, and judicial fairness in high-profile sexual assault cases.