Prosecutors Seek Hearing over Alleged Juror Contact in Danny Masterson Case

Jurors who participated in the 2023 trial of actor Danny Masterson, which concluded with his conviction on two counts of forcible rape, have reported experiencing «unwanted contact» by Masterson’s legal team at their residences and workplaces. This development has prompted prosecutors to request a hearing on the matter.

According to a court document filed on November 13 and reviewed by Rolling Stone, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller expressed concern that the outreach by Masterson’s legal team might have been unwanted and conducted at inappropriate times and places. Mueller has urged the court to consider sanctions for any improper behavior by the defense team.

Court filings indicate that a juror reached out to the court in July, requesting assistance after some jurors were allegedly visited by Masterson’s appeal team at their homes. The juror’s email to the court, dated July 22 and obtained by Rolling Stone, stated, «We thought our information was going to be sealed. We don’t recall the timeframe of this. We are concerned.»

Muller’s motion followed a letter dated September 17 from Judge Charlaine Olmedo, the presiding judge in Masterson’s trial, to all involved legal counsels. In the letter, the judge highlighted complaints from several jurors about «unwanted contact» at their homes or workplaces by defense team members. Jurors also questioned how their whereabouts became known since their identifying information had been sealed. Furthermore, Olmedo indicated that jurors felt pressured by these approaches and were not informed that they had the right to refuse to discuss the case.

One juror recounted an incident from September 15 in which a member of Masterson’s habeas team approached them while doing yard work. According to this juror, a woman introduced herself as part of Masterson’s team and attempted to inquire about jury incidents related to courtroom logistics. The juror declined to engage and informed the woman that they would notify the judge about this contact.

Judge Olmedo has mandated that all future contact with trial and alternate jurors must proceed through the court clerk. She has reserved the option to hold a full hearing, thereby setting the stage for Mueller’s request.

In response, Masterson’s habeas lawyer, Eric Multhaup, filed opposition to the hearing request, claiming that the interaction with the juror complied with post-trial juror interview regulations. He argued that such contacts are essential for verifying potential juror or trial misconduct and an intrinsic part of the justice system. Multhaup described the nature of the visit in question as «innocuous» given the time and setting.

Shawn Holley, part of Masterson’s trial defense team, also submitted a declaration stating a previous contact with the jury foreperson in July 2023 had been amiable and consensual. Holley explained that she had lunch meetings with some jurors, facilitated by mutual agreement, and maintained these interactions were not unwanted.

Masterson, now 48, filed an appeal in September 2023, with his opening brief due shortly. The actor, known for his role on That ‘70s Show, remains incarcerated in a California prison, pending the legal proceedings. Attempts to reach other members of his defense team were unproductive, and Judge Olmedo is yet to decide on the prosecutors’ request for a hearing about juror contact.