Danny Masterson Denied Bail, Judge Cites Flight Risk

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied bail for convicted rapist Danny Masterson pending appeal, citing concerns about the "That '70s Show" actor potentially fleeing.

"If defendant's conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life," wrote Judge Charlaine Olmedo in an order Wednesday, as cited by Deadline.

"In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful," the judge added.

Olmedo was referencing ongoing divorce proceedings between Masterson and Bijou Phillips.

Masterson, 47, is serving a 30-year to life sentence on dual rape convictions. He was transferred to North Kern State Prison in late December and, under current California laws, could be considered for parole in 20 years.

Shortly after Masterson's September sentencing and incarceration, Phillips initiated divorce proceedings.

Masterson was arrested in 2020 for alleged assaults from 2001 and 2003. During both trials, the actor was out on $3 million bail. Upon delivering a guilty verdict May 31, the judge declared him a potential "flight risk" and Masterson was moved into the nearby Twin Towers LA County jail.

Backed by prosecutors from the LA County District Attorney's office, Judge Olmedo's choice to deny the actor freedom during the appeal followed a morning hearing at DTLA's Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

In their Jan. 17 motion, Masterson's attorneys Clifford Gardner and Eric Multhaup requested Judge Olmedo to grant bail on appeal, adding that Masterson "offers to comply with any relevant terms and conditions imposed by the Court that enable him to be an at-home parent and financial provider for his family, including house arrest and/or participation in an electronic monitoring program administered by the probation department."

They assured that Masterson presented a "lack of dangerousness" and wouldn't pose a flight risk if granted release during the appeal proceedings.