The trial of the American actor Danny Masterson, known for his participation in the series “That 70s Show” and accused of three sexual harassment, was canceled after the jury reached a deadlock.
“I think the jury is hopelessly deadlocked,” said Los Angeles Superior Court Justice Charlaine F. Olmedo.
The jurors said they voted seven times on Tuesday and Wednesday without reaching consensus on any of the three points.
Only two jurors voted for conviction on the first count, four voted for conviction on the second count, and five voted for conviction on the third count.
The jurors were forced to start deliberations from scratch on Monday when two had to be fired after contracting covid-19. They deliberated for two days, but could not come to a conclusion.
The result was a series of failures by the prosecutor’s office and three women who said they had long sought justice.
Charlene F. Olmedo ordered the jury to end Thanksgiving week and continue deliberating thereafter.
As of November 18, jurors had already said they were unable to reach a consensus on the sexual assault allegations after a month-long trial in which the Church of Scientology played a supporting role.
Masterson, 46, was accused of sexual assault by three women, including an ex-girlfriend, at his home in the Hollywood Hills between 2001 and 2003.
The actor pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer said that all actions were committed by mutual consent.
All three women were members of the Church of Scientology at the time, and Masterson remains a member.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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