Fact check: What is the status of Danny Masterson's appeal?

1. Summary of the results

Danny Masterson is currently appealing his 2023 rape convictions that led to a 30-years-to-life prison sentence ^[1]. His lawyer, Cliff Gardner, filed a 246-page appellant's opening brief on December 18, 2024 ^[1]. The appeal focuses on two main arguments:

• Erroneous judicial rulings that unfairly influenced the jury's perspective
• Significant exculpatory evidence that wasn't presented to the jury ^{[1] [2]}

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements were not mentioned in the original question:

• The original conviction was specifically for forcibly raping two women between 2001 and 2003 ^[2]
• The appeal includes multiple specific challenges, including:
• Questioning the statute of limitations application
• Challenging the testimony of three Jane Doe victims
• Contesting Detective Myape's testimony
• Claims of religious discrimination regarding Scientology-related evidence ^[3]

• Masterson maintains that the sexual encounters were consensual, and his defense emphasizes there was no physical evidence supporting the prosecution's case ^[2]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question's simplicity could lead to misconceptions about the appeal's complexity. Important considerations include:

• While the appeal is professionally crafted, legal experts suggest it may not fully succeed in overturning the conviction ^{[3] [3]}
• The defense strategy is broader than just this appeal - it will include a future Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus ^[1]
• There are documented issues with evidence preservation and changes in victim testimony over time ^[2]
• The appeal could potentially result in a retrial if procedural errors are found, rather than complete exoneration ^[3]