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Fans of the hit sitcom (situation comedy) That ‘70s Show may remember Danny Masterson for his role as Steven Hyde, a witty and sarcastic teenager who is deeply suspicious of government and organizations.
Sadly, while Masterson’s TV (television) character resented authority and power, the real-world Masterson may have abused his privileged status to commit heinous acts.
Whether you’re a fan or just curious about pop news, you likely want to know Masterson’s legal status.
Is Masterson in jail? If so, how many years will he have to be incarcerated? What is the nature of the allegations against the Hollywood actor?
LookUpInmate.org is a free, all-in-one online resource for everything related to inmates and the prison system in the U.S.
This article gives you the rundown of Danny Masterson’s rape trial and conviction, including whether he has been convicted or in jail.
Read to learn more about Masterson’s case.
How Many Years Was Danny Masterson Sentenced to Prison?
In September 2023, a judge sentenced Masterson to 30 years to life imprisonment for raping two women.
District Attorney (DA) George Gascón stated that Masterson’s victims went through a “long and arduous road.”
He added that they not only survived the disgraced actor’s abuse but also endured a system that is usually unkind to victims.
Actor Danny Masterson to Spend at Least 30 Years Behind Bars for Raping Two Women
As mentioned, Masterson was convicted of two counts of rape, subjecting him to at least a 30-year prison sentence.
In March 2017, four women alleged that the That ‘70s Show cast member sexually assaulted them in the early 2000s.
In December 2017, a fifth woman claimed Masterson “repeatedly raped” her.
Three of these five alleged victims were Scientologists, Masterson’s church since childhood. The other two accusers — Bobette Riales and Chrissie Carnell Bixler — used to date the convicted actor.
In November 2022, the jury for Masterson’s trial could not reach a verdict on any of the three counts of rape against him.
Ten members of the jury thought Masterson was not guilty on count one. The other two believed he was guilty.
With count two, eight jurors did not find the The Ranch actor not guilty, while four found him guilty.
On the third count, the jury was split between seven people (for not guilty) and five (for guilty)
Judge Charlaine Olmedo commented that the jury was “hopelessly deadlocked,” prompting him to declare a mistrial.
A retrial was set for March 27, 2023, and Masterson remained free on bail of $3.3 million.
During the second trial, Masterson was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape.
The primary difference between these trials relates to the allegation of drugging. In the retrial, the prosecution argued that Masterson had drugged the women.
Law enforcement agents first arrested Masterson in June 2020 on rape charges involving three women between 2001 and 2003.
Danny Masterson Rape Victim Says He Got a Fair Sentence: “Seems Like Justice to Me”
One of the two women that the That ‘70s Show actor was convicted of raping told NBC News, the news division of the American TV network NBC (National Broadcasting Company), that the 30 years-to-life prison term “seemed like justice to me.”
The woman, identified as Jane Doe #1, commented that the Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo only announced what the law required.
Jane Doe #1 also commended Judge Olmedo for reminding Masterson that he was not a victim.
Victims Speak Out: ‘You Are Pathetic’
Following the sentencing, another victim of Masterson’s, whom the court referred to as Jane Doe #2, addressed Masterson in the courtroom. She said she no longer had to carry Masterson’s shame with her.
She added that Masterson’s emptiness and cowardice will be the actor’s legacy.
Finally, Jane Doe #2 told Masterson, “You are pathetic. The world is safer with you behind bars.”
What Is Prison Like for Danny Masterson?
Prison is a pretty private place, even for high-profile criminals, so you can’t be sure what prison life is exactly for Masterson.
Still, the following info may give you a clue regarding the convicted Hollywood star’s prison experience.
According to TMZ (Thirty Mile Zone), Masterson serves his sentence in Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail while awaiting transfer to a California state corrections facility.
The facility that currently houses the disgraced actor offers various inmate services, including access to the following:
- TV (television)
- A commissary for purchasing essentials
- Chapel services for different religious denominations
- Barbershop
- Fully equipped hospital facilities staffed by doctors and nurses to address physical and mental needs
Danny Masterson Faces Constant 24/7 Mental Health Checks in Prison Following Two Rape Convictions
The disgraced Scientologist is under constant watch behind bars.
His surveillance includes 24/7 (24 hours a day and seven days a week) video monitoring and cell inspections every 30 minutes.
Jail personnel will transfer Masterson for a medical exam if he shows symptoms of dangerous mental distress.
Despite these precautions, Masterson’s attorney, Shawn Holley, said his client is “mentally sound and confident he will win an appeal.”
What Is the Expected Release Date for Danny Masterson?
Masterson’s release date depends on whether he wins an appeal. If he loses, his 30-years-to-life prison sentence stands. The Associated Press said the sentence is the maximum term the law allows.
Suppose Masterson’s conviction stands. In that case, he will be eligible for parole after serving 25 1/2 years but may be incarcerated for life.
The convicted actor’s defense team maintains their client’s innocence, saying they will address “evidentiary and constitutional issues” before federal and state appellate courts.
In court, Holley asked Judge Olmedo to sentence Masterson to 15 years to life.
The defense attorney cited his client’s philanthropic actions and lack of criminal record. This request drew a stern response from Deputy District Attorney (DA) Reinhold Mueller.
The deputy DA rebuked Holley, saying Masterson’s criminal acts were “heinous.” Mueller added that a 15 years to life sentence is “absolutely not” fair and just.
Legal experts say Masterson’s appeal chances are slim. Attorney Neama Rahmani stated that winning on appeal would be more challenging, especially when it centers on a question of fact, like whether the jury believes the victims or the defendants.
These factors, including Scientology’s involvement and the conduct of the retrial, are crucial to Masterson’s appeal.
What Did Leah Remini Say About Danny Masterson?
Leah Remini, an actress and former Scientologist, expressed relief after Masterson’s conviction for two counts of rape.
Remini said that she was relieved that a “dangerous rapist will be off the streets” and could no longer rape and violently assault with the help of Scientology.
She remarked that the Church of Scientology is a “multi-billion dollar criminal organization with tax-exempt status.”
Remini has been an outspoken critic of the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a longtime member.
Meanwhile, Masterson’s co-stars Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis wrote support letters for the defendant before his conviction and sentencing.
Where Is Danny Masterson Now?
As mentioned, Masterson currently serves his 30 years to life at the Los Angeles County Men’s Central Jail.
Danny Masterson is no longer trending as an actor and comedian but as a convicted criminal.
His fall from grace has likely stunned and disturbed many friends and fans of That ’70s Show and the Netflix series The Ranch.
Some of his former Church of Scientology friends have publicly denounced him and branded him as a “suppressive person.”
Jeffrey Augustine, a private investigator and an ex-Scientologist, spilled the beans to the Daily Mail, revealing why the Church of Scientology ditched Masterson.
Augustine said the church branded Masterson as a “suppressive person” (SP) to subtly announce that he was no longer welcome in their ranks.
They labeled the actor as an SP to secretly cut him off for failing to live up to the church’s high ethical standards — not because Masterson was found guilty of rape.
LA County DA George Gascón expressed relief that the victims finally get justice after a long ordeal. He praised the survivors for their strength and bravery in facing the defendant in court.
Gascón added that he hoped the sentence would bring peace to the survivors and that others would be encouraged by their examples.
The DA thanked the trial team for their commitment, hard work, and experience.
Meanwhile, Masterson continues to deny the rape and sexual assault allegations.
Who Is Danny Masterson Married to?
Danny Masterson was married to Bijou Phillips, an American model and actress. The couple exchanged vows in October 2011 during an intimate wedding ceremony in Ireland.
Ms. Bijou filed for divorce nearly two weeks after Masterson’s conviction.
On September 18, 2023, she filed for divorce in Santa Barbara County Court, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the marriage’s dissolution.
Court documents also say that Ms. Bijou requested attorney’s fees, spousal support, and her legal name be restored to Philips.
Ms. Phillps also asked for physical and legal custody of her 9-year-old daughter. She would still allow Masterson to see her daughter.
Danny’s Relationship With Wife, Bijou
Masterson and Phillips began dating in August 2005, shortly after meeting at a Celebrity Poker Tournament.
In March 2009, after more than three years of dating, Masterson and Phillips got engaged.
Two years later, on October 18, 2011, the pair wedded at a private castle in the Irish countryside.
Masterson and Phillips welcomed their daughter, Fianna Francis Masterson, on February 19, 2024.
Bijou stood by Masterson’s side throughout their relationship, despite rape charges against him.
However, as mentioned, she filed for divorce weeks after the court issued its guilty verdict on Masterson.
How Much Money Is Danny Masterson Worth?
One website says Mr. Masterson has a net worth of $8 million (as of September 2023), jointly held with his wife Bijou Phillips.
Masterson’s net worth might include his earnings from his DJing, acting career, and real estate investments.
Masterson’s career milestones included roles in the sitcom Cybill, Beethoven’s 2nd, and the transformative role of Hyde in That ’70s Show.
After the That ’70s Show, Masterson diversified his acting portfolio with appearances in MADtv, Punk’d, and the 2008 film Yes Man alongside Jim Carrey.
The actor’s partnership with Ms. Phillips extended to the 2009 film The Bridge to Nowhere, followed by roles in The Chicago 8, White Collar, and a notable stint in The Ranch from 2016 to 2018.
Masterson was among the highest-paid actors on the That ‘70s Show. Reports say the main actors earned between $250,000 and $300,000 every episode.
Here’s a semi-complete list of TV shows and movies where Masterson acted, co-voiced, or produced:
- TV Shows
- The Ranch as Jameson “Rooster” Ford Bennett
- Men at Work as Milo
- Royal Pains as David Van Dyke
- Supah Ninjas as Limelight
- American Gothic
- Sliders
- Extreme
- Cybill
- Party of Five
- NYPD Blue
- WWE Raw
- Roseanne
- Jake and the Fatman
- Movies
- Smiley Face as Steve the Roommate
- Yes Man as Rooney
- Wake as Shane
- Spin as Derek
- California Solo
- Dracula 2000
- Face/Off
- Beethoven’s 2nd
- The Faculty
- Made for Each Other
After a failed lawsuit in August 2021, Danny Masterson’s Hollywood Hills house went on the market for $7 million.
However, his net worth may be affected negatively by his legal fees and potential income loss due to his conviction and imprisonment.
Masterson was born in Long Island, New York, on March 13, 1976. He achieved prominence around the same time as the recently passed away Friends star Matthew Perry (late 1990s and early 2000s).
Matthew Perry’s death happened on October 28, 2023, a month after Masterson’s conviction.
Friends’ “Chandler Bing” left a legacy of laughter and friendship. Time will tell what “true legacy” Masterson will leave.
But as of now, the That ‘70s Show Steven Hyde’s legacy does not appear “definitely gooder.”
References
- Actor Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape
https://www.npr.org/2023/09/07/1198160934/actor-danny-masterson-sentenced-to-30-years-to-life-in-prison-for-rape - Danny Masterson’s Sexual Assault Allegations and Trial: Everything to Know
https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/danny-mastersons-sexual-assault-trial-everything-to-know/ - Danny Masterson rape victim says he got a fair sentence: ‘Seems like justice to me’
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/danny-masterson-rape-victim-says-got-fair-sentence-seems-justice-rcna104361 - Danny Masterson rape victim speaks out after sentencing: It ‘seemed like justice to me’
https://web.archive.org/web/20231019222727/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/danny-masterson-sentencing-rape-victim-justice-b2409668.html - Danny Masterson under 24/7 mental health surveillance behind bars after sentencing for two rapes
https://nypost.com/2023/09/08/danny-masterson-under-24-7-mental-health-surveillance-behind-bars/ - ‘That ’70s Show’ actor Danny Masterson gets 30 years to life in prison for rapes of 2 women
https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-sentencing-rape-trial-fd7a10eda44d0e3ddde582d4c7053eb6 - Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life for raping former Scientologists
https://web.archive.org/web/20231108035959/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-09-07/danny-masterson-sentenced-for-raping-former-scientologists - Leah Remini speaks out after ‘dangerous’ Danny Masterson is sentenced
https://www.nbclosangeles.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/leah-remini-speaks-out-after-dangerous-danny-masterson-is-sentenced/3220596/ - How Bijou Phillips Reacted to Danny Masterson’s 30-Year Prison Sentence Before Filing for Divorce
https://www.etonline.com/how-bijou-phillips-reacted-to-danny-mastersons-30-year-prison-sentence-before-filing-for-divorce - How Danny Masterson’s Rape Case Took a Toll on His Marriage to Bijou Phillips: A Look Into the Former Couple’s Relationship
https://okmagazine.com/p/danny-masterson-bijou-phillips-relationship-timeline/ - Danny Masterson Net Worth $8 Million
https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/danny-masterson-net-worth/ - Danny Masterson Net Worth: How much money the actor earned on ‘That 70’s Show’?
https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/celebrity-net-worth/2023/09/08/64fb4ff0268e3e0a7c8b45c7.html - ‘FRIENDS’ STAR MATTHEW PERRY DEAD AT 54 … After Apparent Drowning
https://www.tmz.com/2023/10/28/friends-star-matthew-perry-dead-dies-drowning/