Danny Masterson Files Appeal Claiming Ineffective Defense In Rape Case

Former That 70s Show actor Danny Masterson filed a habeas corpus petition Sunday claiming his defense attorney Philip Cohen provided inadequate representation during his 2023 rape trial. Masterson, serving 30 years at California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo for raping two women, argues Cohen failed to call witnesses who could have discredited accusers or countered prosecution claims about Scientology silencing victims. The petition states Cohen refused to present “an unparalleled trove of evidence” that would have undermined accuser credibility, despite Masterson’s requests for rebuttal witnesses. “The unfairness of the second Masterson trial was the result of prosecutorial misconduct, judicial bias, and the failure of defense counsel to present exculpatory evidence,” appellate attorney Eric Multhaup said. The petition seeks a new trial before a different judge. (Story URL)