Danny Masterson Seeks New Trial, Claims Inadequate Defense and Court Bias

Actor Danny Masterson is fighting to overturn his rape convictions. The former ‘That ’70s Show’ star filed a new legal petition this week. He is currently serving a 30-years-to-life sentence in a California state prison.

His new filing alleges serious errors occurred during his second trial. Masterson claims his lawyer provided ineffective assistance. He also argues the judge permitted unfairly prejudicial testimony.

New Filing Alleges Defense Failures and Religious Bias

Masterson’s 183-page habeas corpus petition claims his lead attorney, Philip Cohen, failed to present a meaningful defense. According to the document, Cohen rested his case without calling a single witness. This was despite Masterson identifying more than 20 potential defense witnesses.

The petition argues this failure left crucial exculpatory evidence unheard. It states the jury only heard the prosecution’s side of the story. Masterson implored his counsel to present evidence, but the request was refused.

Furthermore, the filing challenges the admission of testimony about the Church of Scientology. Former Scientologist Claire Headley testified about church practices. Masterson’s new lawyer claims this allowed a “barrage of anti-Scientology evidence” to sway the jury.

The petition alleges judicial bias for permitting this testimony. It contends the investigation itself was tainted by anti-Scientology prejudice. The filing specifically mentions activist Leah Remini’s presence in court supporting the accusers.

Long Road Through the Court System Ahead

This habeas petition is a separate action from Masterson’s direct appeal, which remains pending. A habeas corpus claim argues that a prisoner’s detention is unlawful, often due to constitutional violations. Success is statistically rare but not impossible.

Prosecutors will now have an opportunity to formally respond to these allegations. The court will then decide if the claims have enough merit to warrant a hearing or a new trial. This process will likely extend the legal battle for many more months.

The outcome hinges on whether the appellate court finds the trial was fundamentally unfair. Masterson’s team must prove that the alleged errors materially affected the verdict. The case continues to draw significant public and media attention.

Danny Masterson’s conviction now faces a multi-front legal challenge that questions the very foundation of his trial’s fairness.

Thought you’d like to know

What is a habeas corpus petition?

It is a legal action where a prisoner argues their detention is unlawful. They typically claim a constitutional right was violated during their trial. It is different from a direct appeal of the conviction itself.

What was Danny Masterson originally convicted of?

He was convicted on two counts of rape from incidents occurring in 2003. The charges involved two different women at his Hollywood Hills home. A Los Angeles jury delivered the guilty verdicts in May 2023.

Why did his first trial end in a mistrial?

His first trial ended in a mistrial in November 2022. The jury in that case deadlocked and could not reach a unanimous verdict. Reports indicated that jury was leaning toward acquittal before the mistrial was declared.

How does this affect his prison sentence?

It does not immediately affect his current status. Masterson remains incarcerated while the legal process continues. A successful habeas petition could eventually lead to a new trial or his release.

What role did Scientology play in the trials?

The accusers were Scientologists at the time of the assaults. Testimony about church policies on reporting crimes was a central part of the prosecution’s case. The defense argues this testimony was improperly prejudicial.