Convicted rapist and disgraced “That 70s Show” actor Danny Masterson was denied bail Wednesday after the judge believes he’ll flee because he has “no wife to go home to” and could remain in custody for the rest of his life.
“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,” Los Angeles Superior Court Charlaine Olmedo wrote in an order, according to Deadline.
Judge Olmedo noted in her ruling that Masterson, 47, is in the process of divorce from his wife of 12 years, Bijou Phillips, and will have nowhere to return to and could become a flight risk.
“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,” Olmedo added.
Masterson is currently serving a 30-year to life sentence after being found guilty of two counts of forcible rape that occurred between 2001 and 2003.
A third count of rape made by a long-term girlfriend could not be reached b the jury during Masterson’s trial.
“I know that you’re sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimized by a justice system that has failed you,” Olmedo told Masterson during his sentencing.
“But Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice, and choice. One way or another you will have to come to terms with your prior actions, and their consequences.”
The three women were members of the Church of Scientology, as is Masterson.
Phillips, 43, filed for divorce from Masterson on Sept. 19, just 12 days after Judge Olmedo handed down his conviction.
Phillips was granted legal and physical custody of their 9-year-old daughter, Fianna, in October.
Masterson requested visitation, which would have to be supervised by prison officials if granted.
In late December, “The Ranch” star was transferred to North Kern State Prison to serve out his 30-year-to-life sentence and will be eligible for parole in 20 years.
Since arriving at the prison, Masterson has been placed in a group called privilege group U — which prohibits family visits and access to personal property while limiting entertainment access.
He was allowed one phone call his first week at the prison, and after that, he was restricted to one call per month as long as he was in privilege group U.
Following his conviction, Phillips, who is also a member of the Church of Scientology, left the religion after her estranged husband was sentenced to life in prison.
“It’s never an easy decision to leave Scientology because you face being ripped apart from your family and friends who are still members,” the source added, noting that Phillips, 43, “had nothing to lose” since most of her loved ones are not Scientologists.