Danny Masterson: The Rise and Fall of a Hollywood Star

Danny Masterson, best known for his role as Steven Hyde in the hit sitcom That ’70s Show, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women at his Hollywood home in the early 2000s. He was convicted on two counts of rape by force or fear after a re-trial in 2023, following a hung jury in 2022. He had pleaded not guilty and denied the allegations, claiming that they were motivated by a vendetta from his former Scientology members.

Masterson’s case has been one of the most high-profile and controversial in Hollywood, involving allegations of cover-up and intimidation by the Church of Scientology, which Masterson and his accusers were members of at the time of the assaults. The case also exposed the dark side of Masterson’s career and personal life, which had been overshadowed by his fame and success.

Masterson started his acting career as a child, appearing in commercials and TV shows. He rose to fame as a teenager, playing the rebellious and sarcastic Hyde in That ’70s Show, which ran from 1998 to 2006. He became one of the most popular and well-paid young actors in Hollywood, earning up to $300,000 per episode. He also starred in movies such as Dracula 2000, The Faculty, and Yes Man.

Masterson was also a devout Scientologist, joining the controversial religion at the age of 15 with his parents. He became one of the most prominent celebrities in Scientology, along with Tom Cruise, John Travolta, and Kirstie Alley. He credited Scientology for helping him overcome his dyslexia and drug addiction. He also donated millions of dollars to the church and its affiliated organizations.

However, Masterson’s career and reputation began to decline after That ’70s Show ended. He struggled to find roles that matched his previous success, appearing in mostly low-budget and poorly-reviewed films and TV shows. He also faced several lawsuits and controversies, such as being accused of stealing a rare baseball card, being sued for fraud by a former business partner, and being investigated for domestic violence by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The most serious allegations against Masterson emerged in 2016, when four women filed police reports accusing him of raping them between 2001 and 2004. Three of the women were former Scientologists who claimed that they were pressured by the church to keep silent about the assaults. They also alleged that they were harassed and threatened by Scientology agents after they left the church and spoke out against Masterson.

Masterson denied the allegations and claimed that he was being persecuted by anti-Scientology activists. He hired high-profile lawyers and private investigators to defend himself and discredit his accusers. He also received support from some of his friends and co-stars, such as Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Laura Prepon, and Wilmer Valderrama.

However, Masterson’s career suffered a major blow when Netflix fired him from his role as Jameson “Rooster” Bennett in the comedy series The Ranch in 2017, following public outcry over the allegations. He also lost his representation by United Talent Agency and Creative Artists Agency. He became a pariah in Hollywood, with many fans and celebrities distancing themselves from him.

In 2020, Masterson was arrested and charged with three counts of rape by force or fear by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. He faced up to 45 years to life in prison if convicted. He was released on bail after posting $3.3 million bond. He maintained his innocence and vowed to fight the charges.

In 2022, Masterson went on trial before a jury of seven men and five women. The trial lasted for six weeks and featured testimonies from his accusers, who described their traumatic experiences in graphic detail. They also testified about how Scientology discouraged them from reporting the rapes to the authorities and how they were subjected to retaliation by the church after they left it.

Masterson’s defense team tried to undermine the credibility of his accusers, questioning their motives, memories, and mental health. They also argued that the sexual encounters were consensual and that the women were lying to get money or revenge from Masterson. They also presented evidence that Masterson had passed a polygraph test administered by a former FBI agent.

However, the jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict after four days of deliberations. The judge declared a mistrial due to a hung jury, with eight jurors voting guilty and four voting not guilty. The prosecution announced that they would seek a re-trial.

In 2023, Masterson faced a re-trial before a new jury of six men and six women. The re-trial was similar to the first trial, with the same witnesses and evidence. However, this time, the jury reached a verdict after three days of deliberations. They found Masterson guilty on two counts of rape by force or fear and not guilty on one count.

Masterson was taken into custody after the verdict and received the maximum sentence of 30 years to life in prison. He showed no emotion as the judge pronounced his sentence. He also did not make any statement or apology to his victims.

Masterson’s accusers expressed relief and gratitude after the sentencing. They said that they felt vindicated and empowered by the outcome. They also hoped that their case would inspire other survivors of sexual assault to come forward and seek justice.

Masterson’s lawyers said that they were disappointed and shocked by the verdict and the sentence. They said that they would appeal the conviction and seek a new trial. They also maintained that Masterson was innocent and that he was a victim of a miscarriage of justice.

Masterson’s case has been one of the most sensational and scandalous in Hollywood history, exposing the dark side of fame, power, and religion. It has also been one of the most important and influential in the #MeToo movement, highlighting the courage and resilience of survivors of sexual violence. It has also raised questions about the role and responsibility of Scientology in protecting its members and its image.

Masterson’s case has been a tragic fall from grace for a once-beloved star, who now faces a lifetime behind bars for his crimes. It has also been a long-awaited victory for his victims, who finally received justice and closure for their suffering.