Who Is Danny Masterson? All You Need To Know About American Actor

Former “That ‘70s Show” star, Danny Masterson, aged 47, has been found guilty by a jury on multiple rape charges. This verdict, delivered on September 7, resulted in Masterson being sentenced to 30 years in prison. The charges against him involved two counts of rape, with each charge carrying a sentence of 15 years to life. Notably, these terms are to be served consecutively.

Trial Details

In 2022, the trial of Danny Masterson began, and a significant development occurred as the jury initially struggled to reach a unanimous decision regarding his innocence. However, in May 2023, the jury ultimately voted 8-4 in favor of convicting him on two out of three rape charges. These charges stemmed from incidents dating back to 2001 and 2003, with allegations of forcible rape “by force or fear.”

Arrest and Bail

The legal proceedings against Masterson began when he was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on June 17, 2020. At the time of his arrest, his bail was set at $3.3 million.

Reaction to Spinoff Series

While awaiting the trial’s conclusion, Danny Masterson’s absence from the “That ‘70s Show” spinoff series, “That ‘90s Show,” which premiered on Netflix in January 2023, was notable. The original cast members Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith returned, with other former co-stars making guest appearances. Danny had reacted positively to the spinoff news in October 2021, expressing excitement and support for his fellow actors.

Relationship with Co-Stars

Throughout his career, Masterson formed close personal friendships with his male co-stars, particularly Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama, who remained supportive during his legal battles.

Ashton Kutcher’s Perspective

Ashton Kutcher, who co-starred with Masterson on “That ‘70s Show,” refrained from commenting on the allegations until January 2023. In an interview with Esquire, Kutcher expressed a desire for Masterson to be found innocent but emphasized that he couldn’t definitively judge the case, as he was not directly involved in the legal proceedings.

Church of Scientology Involvement

Notably, Danny Masterson has been a longtime practitioner of Scientology, a religion based on the late founder L. Ron Hubbard’s books. In a 2015 interview, he described Scientology as a “college of the mind” without traditional belief systems.

Church of Scientology’s Legal Troubles

In connection with the rape allegations against Masterson, the Church of Scientology faced legal action, with three accusers suing the church for allegedly assisting in covering up the alleged rapes. These accusers claimed they were subjected to “fair game attacks” after going to the police. In October 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the church’s appeal on the case.

Personal Life and Marriage

Danny Masterson dated and later married model and fellow Scientologist Bijou Phillips in 2005. They welcomed their daughter, Fiona, on February 14, 2014. Throughout his trial, Bijou stood by her husband’s side and provided support.

Masterson’s Assertion of Innocence

From the outset of the legal proceedings, Danny Masterson consistently maintained his innocence. The legal team argued that the accusers, in alleging the rapes, were lying and suggested that their motivations were linked to pursuing civil judgments.

Conclusion

The case of Danny Masterson, former star of “That ‘70s Show,” has come to a dramatic conclusion with his conviction and subsequent 30-year prison sentence on two counts of rape. This legal battle, which spanned several years, involved complex dynamics, allegations, and legal actions not only against Masterson but also against the Church of Scientology. The verdict carries significant consequences for Masterson, who continues to assert his innocence in this high-profile case.

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