Danny Masterson is a well-known American actor, most popular for his role as Steven Hyde in the sitcom ‘That ‘70s Show.’ Masterson began his acting career at a very early age. His 1998 to 2006 sitcom also launched many famous actors’ careers such as Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace. Masterson boasts an extensive resume that spans both television and film; however his personal life has recently been marred by allegations and convictions against him.
What were the charges against Danny Masterson?
In 2020, Masterson faced charges for raping three women between 2001 and 2003, during his time on ‘That ‘70s Show.’ Prosecutors claimed that Masterson drugged two of these women to facilitate the act. Allegedly, his affiliation with Scientology may have been used to prevent women from filing lawsuits against him; one of these was in a five-year relationship at the time of this incident; however, Masterson maintains his innocence throughout by insisting all encounters between themselves were consensual.
What was the role of the Church of Scientology in the case?
Both Masterson and his wife, Bijou Phillips, are devout members of the Church of Scientology. It was reported that when the victims approached the Church’s officials about Masterson’s actions, they were informed that they hadn’t been raped and were subsequently put through an ethics program. The Church allegedly warned them against reporting the crime to the police due to Masterson’s high-standing position within the religious institution. This added a layer of complexity to the case, as it highlighted potential issues of institutional cover-ups and coercion.
How did the trial conclude for Danny Masterson?
Masterson was initially tried in October, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, the jury couldn’t reach a verdict, resulting in a mistrial. A retrial commenced in May. Masterson attempted to have his legal team dismiss the case, yet the retrial continued regardless. Masterson was found guilty of raping two women; however, due to inconsistencies within the jury pool regarding Chrissy B (his longtime partner) as an accusee, Masterson was sentenced to 30 years of incarceration.
Who is Bijou Phillips and how has she reacted?
Bijou Phillips, daughter of musicians John Phillips and Geneviève Waïte, is an American actress and model. She has appeared in films like ‘Almost Famous’ and ‘Havoc.’ She began dating Masterson in 2004, marrying him in 2011, and the couple welcomed a daughter in 2014. Throughout the trial, Phillips has stood staunchly by Masterson’s side. During his sentencing, she was visibly distraught, seeking solace among fellow Church of Scientology members. Sources close to Phillips have stated that she has no intention of leaving Masterson despite his conviction.
Is there a possibility of an appeal?
Yes, an appeal may be possible in Masterson’s case. Given he wasn’t officially charged with drugging the women and lack of toxicology evidence to back this claim could play an instrumental role in Masterson’s legal team’s appeal strategy. Furthermore, due to the nature of the Church of Scientology involvement and initial mistrial proceedings, this may open the way for an appeal strategy; only time will tell how effective it will be against other courts.
Danny Masterson’s conviction highlights not only issues of personal accountability but also institutional power dynamics and coverups that may threaten wider implications in both entertainment industry and religious institutions. It is essential to keep this case under scrutiny to assess any wider ramifications.
