Danny Masterson is challenging the effectiveness of his legal representation during his 2023 rape trial, claiming that his attorneys failed to call important witnesses to the stand in hopes of overturning his conviction.
In newly filed court documents, Masterson, known for his role on “That ’70s Show,” states that his attorney Philip Cohen—who took over from his previous lawyer due to scheduling issues—only questioned a mere two out of over twenty potential witnesses who could have aided in his defense.
The documents assert that Cohen did not reach out to the witnesses, all of whom had previously made statements to law enforcement.
Moreover, Masterson contends that Cohen chose not to counter the prosecution’s assertions regarding the Church of Scientology, including allegations that the church threatened one of the women involved if she contacted the authorities.
According to the filing, Masterson claims that Cohen was advised by lawyers representing Scientology to encourage its members to respond to the allegations, but this did not happen.
The court documents further indicate that “the jury only saw a small portion of the available defense evidence, contrasting with a wealth of exculpatory evidence that went unused without a valid tactical rationale.”
Cohen was unavailable for comment regarding these allegations.
Masterson was arrested in June 2020, facing three charges of rape that dated back to incidents between 2001 and 2003. He maintained his innocence when he pleaded not guilty in January 2021, but ultimately was convicted in May 2023 for raping two of the three women involved.
He received a 30-year-to-life prison sentence and is currently incarcerated at a facility in California. Masterson appealed his conviction in December 2024, arguing that there were numerous errors during the trial that infringed upon his rights to a fair trial and to confront his accusers.
After the verdict, Masterson’s ex-wife Bijou Phillips filed for divorce in September 2023, marking a significant turn in their relationship.
While Phillips supported him during the trial, sources have indicated that she has struggled significantly following the conviction. As part of their separation, Masterson agreed to give her full custody of their daughter, Fianna Frances.
