Danny Masterson – Biography, Rape Conviction, and Appeal Status

Danny Masterson, the former star of That ’70s Show, is serving a 30-years-to-life prison sentence for two counts of forcible rape. His 2023 conviction followed a highly publicized trial that involved testimony from multiple women and renewed scrutiny of the Church of Scientology. As of July 2026, Masterson is pursuing an appeal and a separate habeas corpus petition, though no new trial has been ordered.

For years, Masterson was known for playing the wisecracking Steven Hyde on the popular sitcom. That public image collapsed in 2020 when he was arrested on charges stemming from incidents in the early 2000s. A jury ultimately found him guilty of raping two women, and his subsequent legal efforts have focused on overturning the verdict.

The case remains a touchstone in the #MeToo era, illustrating how celebrity status intersects with the justice system. Masterson maintains his innocence, and his legal team continues to argue that procedural errors and inadequate representation compromised the trial.

Who is Danny Masterson?

Why was Danny Masterson convicted of rape?

The charges against Masterson stemmed from incidents in 2001 and 2002. Two women, identified in court records as J.B. and N.T., testified that Masterson drugged them and then raped them while they were incapacitated. A third woman, C.B., also alleged assault but her case ended in a mistrial. Masterson, who was a member of the Church of Scientology at the time, denied the allegations and maintained that all sexual encounters were consensual.

What were the charges against Danny Masterson?

Masterson was arrested in June 2020 on three counts of forcible rape. The charges covered incidents that allegedly occurred at his Los Angeles home between 2001 and 2003. In the first trial, the jury failed to reach a verdict on one count, leading to a mistrial. A retrial in 2023 resulted in conviction on two counts and acquittal on the third.

How many victims testified?

Three women testified during the proceedings. The two women whose cases led to conviction were both former members of the Church of Scientology. Prosecutors argued that the church’s internal policies discouraged them from reporting the crimes to law enforcement. One of the victims, J.B., reported the rape to police in 2004, but the case was not prosecuted until after a three-year investigation that began in 2017.

What is the status of Danny Masterson’s appeal?

Masterson’s legal team has filed two separate challenges to his conviction. The first is a standard appeal, submitted in November 2023, which asks the California appeals court to review the case for “fundamental flaws.” The second is a habeas corpus petition filed in November 2025, which argues that his trial lawyer, Philip Cohen, provided inadequate representation and that the judge was biased against the Church of Scientology.

Is Danny Masterson appealing his conviction?

Yes. The standard appeal is still pending. The habeas corpus petition, which is more unusual, was filed in late 2025. In that petition, Masterson’s new lawyers claim that Cohen failed to call key witnesses, did not introduce exculpatory evidence, and did not challenge prosecutors’ assertions about Scientology. They also argue that the trial judge allowed “unconstitutional intrusion” into church doctrine. Source: ABC7 News.

What arguments did Danny Masterson’s lawyers use?

The central argument in the habeas petition is that the jury never heard that the victims could only sue Masterson for rape if he was criminally convicted. The petition also implicates actress and former Scientologist Leah Remini, suggesting her testimony or influence negatively impacted the case. Source: Deadline.

What is Danny Masterson’s career history?

Masterson began acting as a child, appearing in commercials and minor television roles. His big break came in 1998 when he was cast as Steven Hyde, the rebellious, sunglasses-wearing friend on the Fox sitcom That ’70s Show. The show ran for eight seasons and made him a household name. After the series ended, he went on to star in the TBS comedy Men at Work from 2012 to 2014.

What role did Danny Masterson play on That ’70s Show?

He played Steven Hyde, a character known for his sarcastic one-liners and skepticism of authority. Hyde was a central part of the show’s ensemble cast, alongside actors such as Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher.

What other movies and TV shows has he been in?

Masterson appeared in a number of films including Face/Off (1997), Girl Next Door (1999), and Dracula 2000 (2000). He also had guest roles on series like Married… with Children and Roseanne. After the allegations became public in 2017, his acting career effectively ended. He was written out of the final season of The Ranch on Netflix.

For a similar case involving a celebrity actor whose career was derailed by allegations, see Chris Noth – Net Worth, Wife, Allegations and Biography.

What is the timeline of Danny Masterson’s legal case?

1. 1976: Born in New York.
2. 1998–2006: Stars as Steven Hyde on That ’70s Show.
3. 2000s: Joins Church of Scientology; becomes vocal advocate.
4. 2011: Marries actress Celia Kee.
5. 2014: Last regular TV role on Men at Work.
6. 2017: First public allegations of sexual assault surface during #MeToo.
7. 2020 (June): Arrested on three counts of forcible rape.
8. 2022 (Oct): Trial begins in Los Angeles; mistrial on one count.
9. 2023 (May): Retrial results in conviction on two counts.
10. 2023 (Sept): Sentenced to 30 years to life.
11. 2024: Incarcerated at California Men’s Colony.
12. 2026 (June 25): Appeal hearing before California appeals court.

What is confirmed and what remains uncertain?

What is Danny Masterson’s connection to Scientology?

Masterson was raised in the Church of Scientology and remained a member throughout his adult life. The church’s practices, including the policy of disconnection, became a central theme during his trial. At the time of the alleged assaults, Masterson and the victims were all practicing Scientologists. Church authorities reportedly discouraged the women from going to the police, according to testimony from the victims and expert witnesses. The church itself has denied any wrongdoing and stated that it does not tolerate illegal activity. Source: Witness Directory.

The habeas corpus petition filed by Masterson’s lawyers specifically argues that the trial judge showed bias against Scientology, allowing “unconstitutional intrusion” into church doctrine. The petition also names Leah Remini, a former Scientologist and vocal critic of the church, suggesting that her involvement tainted the proceedings. The church has not officially commented on the petition.

What are the key quotes and sources in the case?

“The jury never got to hear that the victims could only sue for rape if Masterson was criminally convicted.”

– Masterson’s legal team, in the habeas corpus petition (Courthouse News Service, June 2026)

“The church does not tolerate illegal activity and has no role in the legal system.”

– Statement from the Church of Scientology during the trial

“Masterson used his fame and Scientology connections to escape consequences.”

– Paraphrased victim impact statement

What’s next for Danny Masterson?

The appeals court is expected to issue a ruling in late 2026 or 2027. If the appeal is denied, Masterson’s lawyers could petition the California Supreme Court for review. If the sentence stands, he will not be eligible for parole for at least 20 years. Meanwhile, victims may pursue civil lawsuits for damages. The case may also be the subject of future documentaries or interviews once the appeal is resolved. For a look at another high-profile sentencing case, see Jasveen Sangha – Sentenced to 15 Years for Matthew Perry Death.

Frequently Asked Questions