Danny Masterson throws lawyer under the bus as he appeals rape conviction

Danny Masterson is blaming his legal team for fumbling his defence as he attempts to appeal his 2023 rape conviction.

The That ‘70s Show star claims his trial attorney, Philip Cohen, failed to call more than a dozen witnesses who could have supported his defence, according to a new court filing obtained by Page Six on November 17. 

Masterson argues that Cohen questioned only two people out of “more than 20 potential witnesses,” despite several having given prior statements to police and investigators.

He also claims Cohen ignored opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s focus on Scientology. Per the documents, Masterson alleges Cohen was advised by Church of Scientology attorneys to call members to counter claims that the church intimidates women who report allegations — advice he says Cohen didn’t follow.

The filing claims, “the jury saw only the tip of the iceberg of available defense evidence,” arguing that “a wealth of directly exculpatory evidence went unused for no viable tactical reason.”

Masterson was arrested in 2020 and found guilty in 2023 of raping two women. He’s currently serving a 30-years-to-life sentence at the California Men’s Colony.

His legal battle has continued since his December 2024 appeal, with his attorney Cliff Gardner arguing that “erroneous judicial rulings” and missing evidence “violated” Masterson’s right to a fair trial.