Danny Masterson Denied Bail By Judge After Rape Conviction, Judge Says He “Has Every Incentive To Flee”

Convicted rapist and former That ’70s Show star Danny Masterson has been denied bail pending appeal because the actor possibly poses a flight risk in light of his ongoing divorce.

According to Deadline, Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied the actor bail, claiming that he “has every incentive to flee.”

“If defendant’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life,” Judge Olmedo wrote. “In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful.”

Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, filed for divorce shortly after he was convicted in September 2023.

As Deadline reports, Masterson’s attorneys requested that he be granted bail so he could “be an at-home parent and financial provider for his family.”

The actor is currently serving 30 years to life at the North Kern State Prison after he was convicted on two counts of forcible rape last year. He had previously been charged with raping three women, but that trial ended in a mistrial in 2022.

The assaults reportedly occurred on separate incidents between 2001 and 2003, while he was still starring on That ’70s Show.

Two of the women gave statements in court about their experiences with Masterson. “When you raped me, you stole from me. That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit,” one woman said, per KTLA.

The other said, “I knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with. I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police,” per KTLA.

All three of the victims were members of the Church of Scientology at the time, which Masterson was also a part of. He and the church are both named in a civil case filed by the victims, which is set to go to trial in 2025.

Deadline reports the Church has allegedly declared Masterson a “Suppressive Person” following his sentencing, which is their equivalent of excommunication.

If you or someone you know needs to reach out about sexual abuse or assault, RAINN is available 24/7 at 800-656-HOPE (4673), or online at RAINN.org.