Danny Masterson Seeks Overturn of Rape Conviction, Blames Trial Lawyer
Danny Masterson Seeks Overturn of Rape Conviction, Blames Trial Lawyer
Danny Masterson files a habeas petition to overturn his rape conviction, blaming his defense lawyer while his ex-wife moves to change their daughter's last name.
Danny Masterson is seeking to overturn his rape conviction in a new habeas petition filed on Monday, Nov. 17. The 49-year-old former That '70s Show star is serving a 30-year sentence after being found guilty of raping two women in the early 2000s, with incidents spanning 2001 to 2003. He is currently imprisoned at the California Men's Colony in San Luis Obispo, California.
Masterson's new lawyers, Eric Multhaup and Clifford Gardner, say the defense provided at trial was deficient and fault their predecessor, Philip Cohen, for failing to present exculpatory evidence. They describe the petition as resting on 65 exhibits that document innocence that could have been raised at trial, arguing the jury heard only the prosecution's side.
The habeas filing coincides with a separate family matter: his ex-wife Bijou Phillips recently filed to change their 11-year-old daughter's last name from Masterson to Phillips. The filing, dated Oct. 24, is awaiting a judge's approval.
According to the new petition, prosecutors' misconduct, potential judicial bias, and the lack of the full defense at trial undermined fairness. Masterson's team is seeking a new trial where he can present his side of the story.
Fans and observers will have to wait for the court's ruling as this stage marks another twist in a long-running case that has drawn widespread attention.
Cover image source: Danny Masterson Blames His Lawyer for Putting on a Poor Defense at Rape Trial 🔗
