Convicted actor Danny Masterson has commenced his 30-year prison term following his conviction on multiple counts of rape.
As reported by KABC-TV, Masterson was admitted to North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, on Wednesday, as confirmed by state officials.
The 47-year-old actor, found guilty of two counts of forcible rape in May, will now undergo the inmate reception process to ascertain his security level within the prison. A mug shot of Masterson, widely recognized for his role in That 70s Show, was released on Wednesday, depicting him in an orange jumpsuit with long hair and a beard.
Masterson, a devoted Scientologist, had been detained at Los Angeles County jail since his conviction, pending the resolution of post-sentencing hearings and other legal matters.
The case garnered additional controversy when Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, Masterson's former co-stars from That 70s Show, penned letters requesting leniency for Masterson, arguing he did not pose a threat to society.
Kutcher wrote, I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society, while Kunis praised his exceptional character and the tremendous positive influence he has had on me and the people around him.
The married couple later issued an apology via a social media video, clarifying that their letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jurys ruling. Kutcher further explained, They were intended for the judge to read, adding, And not to undermine the testimony of the victims, or re-traumatize them in any way. We would never want to do that.
Following the controversy, both Kutcher and Kunis resigned from their positions at Thorn, the child abuse charity founded by Kutcher.
Other co-stars, including Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp, also wrote letters to Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo of Los Angeles Superior Court, pleading for leniency. However, their appeals were disregarded, and Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.
Masterson is currently appealing his conviction and will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years.
Login