Actor Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life in prison

US actor Danny Masterson has been sentenced to serve 30 years to life in prison for raping two women.

Masterson starred on That ’70s Show, a TV series that was airing at the time of his crimes in the early 2000s.

Prosecutors argued Masterson, 47, had relied on his status as a prominent Scientologist to avoid accountability.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed the victims of his crimes to read impact statements in court ahead of his sentencing.

Prominent former Scientologist and actress Leah Remini attended Thursday’s hearing and comforted the women before and after they delivered their statements.

“I wished I had reported him earlier to the police,” one of the women said, according to US media.

Another woman told Masterson: “I forgive you. Your sickness is no longer mine to bear,” according to Reuters.

Masterson remained silent throughout the hearing.

As the judge read his sentence – the maximum penalty allowed – his wife, Bijou Phillips, was seen in court breaking down in tears.