'70s Show Actor Danny Masterson Makes Surprising Jail Appeal as Estranged Wife Takes Significant Steps to Sever Ties

Danny Masterson, the former That '70s Show actor serving a 30-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting two women, has recently filed a surprising jail appeal following his ex-wife's decision to remove 'Masterson' from their daughter's name. Amidst the ongoing legal battles, Masterson's plea argues inadequate legal representation during his trial, pointing to a lack of key witnesses and crucial information. The unfolding drama continues to captivate public attention as the actor fights to overturn his conviction.

"Danny Masterson Requests Retrial Amid Legal Controversy"

Danny Masterson has made a request from jail just weeks after his ex-wife made a significant move to cut ties with her estranged ex. The actor's legal team is pushing for a retrial, citing multiple instances of alleged mishandling of evidence and legal missteps during the initial trial.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, points out that public figures involved in legal controversies often face heightened scrutiny due to their celebrity status. This can complicate their personal relationships, as seen with Masterson's estranged wife seeking to sever ties.

Dr. Durvasula notes that the emotional toll of these relationships can lead to complex feelings of guilt and betrayal, especially when children are involved. She advises prioritizing open communication and therapy for those affected by such public disputes to foster healing and understanding.

Danny Masterson: Former 'That '70s Show' Star Serving Prison Sentence

Masterson, who is a former star of That '70s Show, is serving a 30-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of sexually assaulting two women between 2001 and 2003.

Just a few weeks ago, Masterson's ex-wife Bijou Phillips asked a court to remove 'Masterson' from their daughter's name, a decision that is waiting for the approval of a judge.

"Masterson Files Habeas Petition to Overturn Conviction"

In a recent update, Masterson filed a habeas petition on Monday (17 November) to overturn his conviction.

It argues that his lawyer at the time, Philip Cohen, did not prepare for the case adequately, leading to a lack of witnesses and other essential pieces of information.

Unfairness in Second Masterson Trial: Attorney's Statement

“The unfairness of the second Masterson trial was the result of prosecutorial misconduct, judicial bias, and the failure of defence counsel to present exculpatory evidence,” Masterson's attorney Eric Multhaup said in a statement seen by PEOPLE.

“The habeas corpus petition is accompanied by 65 exhibits that document the evidence of innocence that could have been presented, but was not. The jury heard only half the story — the prosecution’s side.

Limited Witness Testimonies in Masterson Case: Petition Alleges Cohen's Inaction

The petition claims that out of 20 potential witnesses, Cohen only spoke with two.

It claims that some of the witnesses available would have testified in court that the victims had spoken positively about their time with Masterson.

Lack of Defense Preparation in Masterson Retrial

Despite Masterson having 'implored Cohen to present a defence case, Cohen did not interview any potential defence witnesses before the retrial; did not have any witnesses under subpoena; and did not present any defence' the petition adds.

“Among the available witnesses were individuals who would have testified that the complaining witnesses described their encounters with Masterson as positive and consensual in the days and weeks after they occurred... another complaining witness discussed her encounter with a close friend, describing it in a lighthearted and positive manner," the petition continued.

Witnesses Hear Consensual Activity in Masterson's Home

“Other guests in Masterson’s home on one evening in question heard what they believed to be enthusiastic, consensual sexual activity.”

During the trial, the initial jury were unable to reach an agreement on three counts of rape in December 2022, and so a mistrial was declared.

"Masterson Convicted on Two Counts After Retrial"

Prosecutors retried Masterson on all three counts, and a jury of seven women and five men found Masterson guilty of two counts.

Both attacks were said to have taken place in Masterson’s home in 2003.

A verdict could not be reached on the third count - an allegation that Masterson also raped a longtime girlfriend.

Legal Insights

Legal experts emphasize that appeals based on inadequate representation often hinge on the demonstration of new evidence or procedural errors. The American Bar Association suggests that defendants must clearly show how their representation failed to uphold their rights, which can be challenging.

As noted by attorney and legal analyst Tom Fitton, successful appeals frequently require a solid foundation of facts that were overlooked or mismanaged during the trial process.

Masterson's claim about missing witnesses could be pivotal if those testimonies could have altered the jury's perception.

Masterson's Third Rape Allegation: Verdict Undecided

As the legal proceedings unfold, the intersection of public perception and personal relationships can create a challenging environment for those involved. Experts suggest that individuals navigating similar circumstances should consider therapy to address the emotional complexities at play.

It’s crucial to maintain healthy communication, especially when children are part of the equation. This situation illustrates the importance of professional support to manage the psychological impacts effectively, ensuring emotional well-being amidst the turmoil.