Disgraced actor Danny Masterson, known for his role in “That 70s Show,” was denied bail on Wednesday after a judge expressed concerns that he may flee due to his impending divorce and lack of a stable home. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo stated that if Masterson’s conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he could potentially spend the rest of his life in custody.
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Judge Olmedo highlighted Masterson’s divorce from his wife of 12 years, Bijou Phillips, as a factor that could make him a flight risk. She noted, “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, 47, is currently serving a 30-year-to-life sentence after being found guilty of two counts of forcible rape that occurred between 2001 and 2003. The jury could not decide upon a third count of rape made by a long-term girlfriend during his trial, according to the New York Post.
Despite maintaining his claims of innocence, Masterson remains hopeful about the appeal he filed in November. However, Judge Olmedo reminded him during his sentencing that his actions had taken away another person’s voice and choice, and he would have to face the consequences. The three women involved in the case were also members of the Church of Scientology, as is Masterson. Phillips filed for divorce from Masterson shortly after his conviction, and she was granted legal and physical custody of their 9-year-old daughter, Fianna.
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Masterson requested visitation rights, which would have to be supervised by prison officials if granted. Since being transferred to North Kern State Prison in late December, Masterson has been placed in privilege group U, which restricts family visits and access to personal property and limits entertainment access. Following her estranged husband’s life sentence, Phillips, who is also a member of the Church of Scientology, chose to leave the religion. While leaving Scientology is a difficult decision due to potential separation from family and friends who are still members, Phillips felt she had nothing to lose since most of her loved ones are not Scientologists.
As previously reported, Bijou Philips wrote a letter about her marriage to Masteron, referring to him as her “life-saving” partner, and filed for divorce shortly after his conviction for rape.
“I depended on Danny to take care of me and our daughter. I always felt that she would be OK because Danny is an amazing father. He was devoted to our daughter, would read her books, take her on walks and to ballet lessons. I never once heard him complain. The two were inseparable.”