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{{Short description|American actor (born 1976)}}
{{pp-blp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2020}}
{{Infobox person {{Infobox person
| name = | name = Danny Masterson
| image = Danny Masterson (cropped).jpg | image = Danny Masterson (cropped).jpg
| caption = Masterson in June 2015 | caption = Masterson in 2015
| birth_name = Daniel Peter Masterson | birth_name = Daniel Peter Masterson
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|3|13}} | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|3|13}}
| birth_place = ], U.S.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ogwude |first=Haadiza |title=Who is Danny Masterson? What to know about 'That '70s Show' star's prison sentence |url=https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2024/02/20/who-is-danny-masterson-what-did-he-do/72670632007/ |access-date=2024-08-12 |website=The Enquirer |language=en-US}}</ref>
| birth_place = ], ], ]
| occupation = Actor, disc jockey, businessman | occupation = Actor
| years_active = 1988–present | years_active = 1980–2018
| spouse = {{marriage|]|October 18, 2011}} | spouse = {{marriage|]|2011|2023|end=separated}}
| children = 1 | children = 1
| relatives = ] (brother)<br/>] (maternal half-brother)<br/>] (maternal half-sister) | relatives = {{Plain list|
*] (brother)
*] (half-brother)
*] (half-sister)
*] (cousin)
| website = {{url|http://www.djmomjeans.com}}
}}
| module = '''Criminal information'''{{Infobox criminal
| child = yes
| criminal_charge = Three felony counts of ]
| conviction_status = Incarcerated
| conviction = Two felony counts of rape
| trial_start = March 2023
| trial_end = May 31, 2023
| imprisoned = ]<ref>{{cite web |title=California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) - CDCR |url=https://apps.cdcr.ca.gov/ciris/details?cdcrNumber=BW7253 |website=apps.cdcr.ca.gov}}</ref>
|conviction_penalty = 30 years to life in prison}}
}} }}
'''Daniel Peter Masterson''' (born March 13, 1976)<ref name=tvg>{{cite web| url= http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/danny-masterson/146133| title= Danny Masterson| publisher=] | accessdate= February 16, 2017| archivedate=March 18, 2016 | archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20160318024839/http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/danny-masterson/146133}} Most sources give birth date March 13, 1976. FilmReference.com gives March 3, 1976.</ref><!--Note: Cited source, TV Guide, also verified full name Daniel Peter Masterson--><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://people.com/tv/danny-masterson-accused-rape-fifth-woman-bobette-riales/|title=Danny Masterson: Ex-Girlfriend Bobette Riales Accuses Actor of 'Repeatedly' Raping Her|work=PEOPLE.com|access-date=2017-12-22|language=en}}</ref> is an ] ] and ]. Masterson is known for his roles as ] in '']'' (1998–2006) and as Jameson "Rooster" Bennett in '']'' (2016–2017).


'''Daniel Peter Masterson''' (born March 13, 1976)<ref name=tvg>{{cite magazine| url= https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/danny-masterson/146133| title= Danny Masterson| magazine=] | access-date= February 16, 2017| archive-date=March 18, 2016 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160318024839/http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/danny-masterson/146133}} Most sources give birth date March 13, 1976. FilmReference.com gives March 3, 1976.</ref> <!--Note: Cited source, TV Guide, also verified full name Daniel Peter Masterson--> is an American actor and convicted rapist.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=2024-09-06 |title=Cedric Bixler-Zavala Slams Linkin Park's Emily Armstrong Over Alleged Danny Masterson Support |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/linkin-park-emily-armstrong-danny-masterson-scientology-1235096707/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Peters |first=Mitchell |date=2024-09-07 |title=Linkin Park's Emily Armstrong Addresses Criticism Over Past Support for Danny Masterson |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/linkin-park-emily-armstrong-danny-masterson-support-backlash-response-1235769595/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=2024-09-07 |title=New Linkin Park Singer Emily Armstrong Responds to Criticism Over Danny Masterson Support |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/linkin-emily-armstrong-criticism-danny-masterson-1236135990/ |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=New Linkin Park singer reacts to criticism of Danny Masterson support |url=https://ew.com/linkin-park-singer-emily-armstrong-reacts-to-danny-masterson-criticism-8708095 |access-date=2024-09-19 |website=EW.com |language=en}}</ref> He portrayed ] in '']'' (1998–2006), Milo Foster in '']'' (2012–2014), and Jameson "Rooster" Bennett in '']'' (2016–2018). In May 2023, Masterson was convicted of raping two women in 2003. A third count of rape resulted in a ]. In September 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison.<ref name="sentenced" /> Masterson is a ], as were his victims at the time of the assaults. The ]'s attempts to silence the victims, and its subsequent interference, resulted in a 20-year delay in bringing the crimes to justice.{{r|QueOr21|variety20230531|ap20230531|}}
==Early life and career==
Masterson was born on ], the son of Carol, a manager, and Peter Masterson, an insurance agent.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.filmreference.com/film/13/Danny-Masterson.html |title=Danny Masterson Biography (1976–) |publisher=FilmReference.com |quote=...born ... in Albertson (some sources cite Williston), NY |accessdate=2016-09-16 |archivedate=June 30, 2012 |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20120630074720/http://www.filmreference.com/film/13/Danny-Masterson.html |deadurl=no |df= }}</ref> He grew up in ] and ].<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Masterson |first=Danny| |user=dannymasterson |number=361412564720168961 |date=July 28, 2013 |title=Garden city and east williston|retweet= |link= |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216201033/https:/twitter.com/dannymasterson/status/361412564720168961 |archive-date=February 16, 2017 |dead-url=no}}</ref> He has one brother, actor ]. Their maternal half siblings ] and ] are actors.


==Early life and family==
A child model from age 4, who was featured in magazine articles as well as television commercials beginning at age 5, Masterson starred in musicals as a child at the age of eight, and began acting as well. His singing voice "disappeared" by the time he was a teenager. By the time he was sixteen, he had appeared in over one-hundred commercials,<ref name="Yahoo Bio">{{cite web|url=https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800344117/bio|title=Danny Masterson Biography|publisher=] Movies|archivedate=June 30, 2012|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20120630074728/http://movies.yahoo.com/person/danny-masterson/biography.html|deadurl=yes|df=}}</ref> including ones for ],{{citation needed|date=February 2017}} ] ],{{citation needed|date=February 2017}} ],<ref name="complex">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/shotcaller/Danny_Masterson |title=Danny Masterson |date=n.d. |work=] |deadurl=yes|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152939/http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/shotcaller/Danny_Masterson|archivedate=October 11, 2007}}</ref> ], ],<ref name="papermag">{{cite web|url=http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2009/01/when-danny-met-bijou.php |title=When Danny met Bijou |date=January 23, 2009 |work=]|deadurl=yes |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101021013106/http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2009/01/when-danny-met-bijou.php |archivedate=October 21, 2010 |df= }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/45396/cat/500/ppuser/35392|title = Danny Masterson for Clearasil|publisher = Sitcoms Online}}</ref>
Masterson was born on ], New York, to Carol and Peter Masterson. He grew up in ], ], and ] in Nassau County.<ref>{{cite tweet |last= Masterson |first=Danny| |user= dannymasterson |number= 361412564720168961 |date= July 28, 2013 |title=Garden city and east williston |access-date=February 16, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170216201033/https:/twitter.com/dannymasterson/status/361412564720168961 |archive-date=February 16, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> Masterson has a brother, actor ], who played ] on '']''. Their maternal half-siblings, ] and ], are also actors. He also has a paternal half-brother, Will Masterson.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/danny-mastersons-family-meet-famous-siblings-and-parents/|title=Meet Danny Masterson's Family, From His Famous Siblings to His Parents|magazine=]|date=June 19, 2020|first=Sam|last=Silverman|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924123129/https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/danny-mastersons-family-meet-famous-siblings-and-parents/|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Career== ==Career==
===Early years===
Starting at age four, Masterson worked as a child model and was featured in magazine articles as well as television commercials beginning at age five. He starred in musicals at the age of eight and began acting as well. Masterson's singing voice "disappeared" by his teenage years. By the age of 16, he had appeared in over 100 commercials,<ref name="Yahoo Bio">{{cite web| url= https://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800344117/bio| title=Danny Masterson Biography| website=]|archive-date=June 30, 2012| archive-url= https://archive.today/20120630074728/http://movies.yahoo.com/person/danny-masterson/biography.html|url-status= dead}}</ref> including ones for ] ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thethings.com/heres-what-that-70s-show-star-danny-masterson-is-doing-today/|title=Here's What 'That 70s Show' Star Danny Masterson Is Doing Today|website=The Things|date=May 31, 2020|author=Arunima Basu|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925030603/https://www.thethings.com/heres-what-that-70s-show-star-danny-masterson-is-doing-today/|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref name="complex">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/shotcaller/Danny_Masterson |title=Danny Masterson |date=n.d. |work=] |url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071011152939/http://www.complex.com/CELEBRITIES/shotcaller/Danny_Masterson|archive-date=October 11, 2007}}</ref> ], ],<ref name="papermag">{{cite web|first=Peter |last=Davis |url= http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2009/01/when-danny-met-bijou.php |title=When Danny met Bijou |date= January 23, 2009 |work=] |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101021013106/http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2009/01/when-danny-met-bijou.php |archive-date= October 21, 2010 }}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/45396/cat/500/ppuser/35392|title = Danny Masterson for Clearasil|publisher = Sitcoms Online| access-date = July 15, 2010|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110716075255/http://www.sitcomsonline.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/45396/cat/500/ppuser/35392|archive-date = July 16, 2011|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Acting career=== ===Acting career===
{{expand section|date=September 2023}}
In the early 1990s, Masterson had a role in '']'', and starred as Justin in '']''. These roles launched a film career, including a minor role in the ] film '']''. After starring in the third and fourth seasons of ''Cybill'', Masterson decided he wanted to move on from ''Cybill'' and audition for a show originally titled ''Teenage Wasteland'', which later was changed to ''That '70s Show''.<ref name="askmen">{{cite web|url = http://www.askmen.com/celebs/interview_60/76_danny_masterson_interview.html|title = Interview: Danny Masterson|publisher = ]|date=n.d.|archivedate=May 9, 2016|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20160509140800/http://www.askmen.com/celebs/interview_60/76_danny_masterson_interview.html|deadurl=no}}</ref> The original casting director for ''That '70s Show'', Debby Romano, resisted Masterson's audition because he was slightly older than the rest of the cast, but ultimately allowed him to audition. She stated that, "he came in and he was just so funny," and that he redefined where the role was going and made the role of Steven Hyde the, "tough, funny guy."{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}
In the early 1990s, Masterson had a role in '']'', and starred as Justin in '']''. After starring in the third and fourth seasons of ''Cybill'', Masterson decided he wanted to move on and audition for a show originally titled ''Teenage Wasteland'', which later was changed to ''That '70s Show''.<ref name="askmen">{{cite web|url = http://www.askmen.com/celebs/interview_60/76_danny_masterson_interview.html|title = Interview: Danny Masterson|website = ]|date = n.d.|archive-date = May 9, 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160509140800/http://www.askmen.com/celebs/interview_60/76_danny_masterson_interview.html|url-status=dead|access-date = July 19, 2010|df = mdy-all}}</ref> The original casting director for ''That '70s Show'', Debby Romano, resisted Masterson's audition because he was slightly older than the rest of the cast, but ultimately allowed him to audition. She stated, "he came in and he was just so funny" and that he redefined where the role was going and made the role of Steven Hyde the "tough, funny guy."{{citation needed|date=February 2017}}


Masterson appeared in all eight seasons of '']''. His appearance on ''That '70s Show'' launched a breakthrough in Masterson's career, allowing him to pursue other endeavours between tapings. After the show concluded Masterson starred in several movies and made guest appearances on television shows including '']'' and '']''. Along with Kutcher and Valderrama, he co-hosted the ] special ''Woodstock 1999''. He had a role in the 2008 comedy '']''. Masterson stars with his real-life wife, ], in the 2009 drama '']''. Masterson starred in all eight seasons of '']''. His role on ''That '70s Show'' launched Masterson's career, allowing him to pursue other endeavors between tapings. After the show concluded, Masterson acted in several movies and made guest appearances on television shows including '']'' and '']''. Along with '''70s'' costars ] and ], he co-hosted the ] TV special ''Woodstock 1999''. He had a role in the 2008 comedy '']''. Masterson starred with his real-life future wife, ], in the 2009 drama '']''.


In 2011, Masterson guest starred as James Roland in USA Network's '']'' (episode "Where There's A Will"). He portrayed ] in the 2010 movie, '']'', written and directed by Pinchas Perry. ''The Chicago 8'' is a film based on the actual ] in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and explores the events around the trial. It was filmed in September and October 2009. The film is based closely on the trial transcripts and most of the action takes place in the courtroom.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Marilyn Beck|author2=Stacy Jenel Smith|last-author-amp=yes|title=''The Chicago 8''|newspaper=Jacksonville Observer|date=October 27, 2009|url=http://www.jaxobserver.com/2009/10/27/romano-bakula-braugher-had-men-chemistry|accessdate=June 24, 2010}}</ref> In 2011, Masterson guest-starred as James Roland in ]'s '']'' (episode "Where There's A Will"). He portrayed ] in the 2010 movie, '']''.<ref>{{Cite news|first1=Marilyn|last1=Beck|first2=Stacy Jenel|last2=Smith|title=''The Chicago 8''|newspaper=]|date=October 27, 2009|url=http://www.jaxobserver.com/2009/10/27/romano-bakula-braugher-had-men-chemistry|access-date=June 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028150722/http://www.jaxobserver.com/2009/10/27/romano-bakula-braugher-had-men-chemistry/|archive-date=October 28, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>


In 2012, the comedy series '']'' premiered on ], co-starring Masterson and ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/24/entertainment/la-et-0524-men-at-work-20120524|work=Los Angeles Times|first1=Robert|last1=Lloyd|title='Men at Work' isn't very ambitious|date=May 24, 2012}}</ref> In 2012, Masterson appeared in the film ''Alter Egos'', directed by ].<ref name="Var">{{cite news|url=http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118035735?refCatId=13|title=Ensemble embraces 'Egos'|accessdate=2011-11-14|work=]|first=Andrew|last=Stewart|date=April 21, 2011}}</ref> In 2012, the sitcom '']'' premiered on ], co-starring Masterson, ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2012-may-24-la-et-0524-men-at-work-20120524-story.html|work=]|first1=Robert|last1=Lloyd|title='Men at Work' isn't very ambitious|date=May 24, 2012|access-date=May 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527224458/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/may/24/entertainment/la-et-0524-men-at-work-20120524|archive-date=May 27, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, Masterson appeared in the film ''Alter Egos'', directed by ].<ref name="Var">{{cite news|url=https://www.variety.com/article/VR1118035735?refCatId=13|title=Ensemble embraces 'Egos'|access-date=November 14, 2011|work=]|first=Andrew|last=Stewart|date=April 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316222717/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118035735?refCatId=13|archive-date=March 16, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Masterson starred alongside ], ], and ] in the ] comedy series '']'' from 2016 to 2018. His character was written out of the series in the middle of filming the third 20-episode season because of the rape and assault allegations against him.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Sharf|first1=Zack|date=December 5, 2017|title=Danny Masterson Fired From Netflix's 'The Ranch' Amid Rape and Assault Allegations|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2017/12/danny-masterson-fired-netflix-the-ranch-rape-allegations-1201904022/|access-date=May 21, 2021|website=]|language=en|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521034706/https://www.indiewire.com/2017/12/danny-masterson-fired-netflix-the-ranch-rape-allegations-1201904022/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Masterson starred alongside ], ], and ] in the ] comedy series '']''.


The allegations and the resulting trial also caused Masterson to be the only surviving main or supporting cast member of ''That '70s Show'' not to be invited back to the sequel series '']'', and his character of Steven Hyde was simply not mentioned in the new series.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 21, 2023 |title=How That '90s Show Handled Danny Masterson's Absence |url=https://www.eonline.com/amp/news/1362215/the-unexpected-way-that-90s-show-handled-danny-mastersons-absence |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213101948/https://www.eonline.com/amp/news/1362215/the-unexpected-way-that-90s-show-handled-danny-mastersons-absence |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |access-date=June 10, 2023 |website=]}}</ref> His former castmate on ''That '70s Show'' and a fellow Scientologist, ], had left the Church by the time of the allegations.<ref>{{cite web|title=Laura Prepon on Motherhood, Sharing Her Truth and Her Decision to Leave Scientology|url=https://people.com/tv/laura-prepon-on-motherhood-and-leaving-scientology/|work=People|first=Liz|last=McNeil|date=August 17, 2021|access-date=March 29, 2022|archive-date=April 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412152401/https://people.com/tv/laura-prepon-on-motherhood-and-leaving-scientology/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Music===
Masterson began ] at ] night clubs in 1999 as a hobby, but it soon became a side business.<ref name=jessicaharp>{{cite web|url=http://www.mydentonmusic.com/interviews.php?page%3Dmom-jeans-3.16.10 |title=Interview With DJ Mom Jeans (AKA Danny Masterson)|first=Jessica |last=Harp|date=March 16, 2010|publisher=MyDentonMusic.com|location=Denton, Texas|accessdate=August 4, 2010|deadurl=yes |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110714142224/http://www.mydentonmusic.com/interviews.php?page=mom-jeans-3.16.10 |archivedate=2011-07-14 |df= }}</ref> Masterson is a self-described "] and ] fanatic,"<ref name="askmen"/> and is also a fan of ], ], and ] music, all of which he primarily DJs with.<ref name=jessicaharp /><ref name="complex"/>


===Business ventures=== ===Other ventures===
]
For a time, Masterson owned a lounge and bar in ], called Downstairs.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://downstairspc.com/index.html |title=Downstairs (official site) |accessdate=August 22, 2010|deadurl=yes |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110815052847/http://downstairspc.com/index.html |archivedate=August 15, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inthisweek.com/view.php?id%3D1518534 |title=Behind Bars: Downstairs Owner Danny Masterson|date=October 6, 2009|first=Amanda |last=Chamberlain|publisher=InThisWeek.com|accessdate=August 22, 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20100129013617/http://www.inthisweek.com/view.php?id=1518534 |archivedate=January 29, 2010|df=mdy }}</ref>
Masterson began ] at Los Angeles night clubs in 1997 as a hobby, under the name DJ Donkey Punch, but it soon became a side business. After ], he changed his name to DJ Donkey ], then DJ Mom Jeans by 2010.<ref>], May 27, 2012, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230411072726/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbpZ3ZMF278 |date=April 11, 2023 }}.</ref><ref name=jessicaharp>{{cite web|url=http://www.mydentonmusic.com/interviews.php?page%3Dmom-jeans-3.16.10 |title=Interview With DJ Mom Jeans (AKA Danny Masterson)|first=Jessica |last=Harp|date=March 16, 2010|publisher=MyDentonMusic.com|location=Denton, Texas|access-date=August 4, 2010|url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110714142224/http://www.mydentonmusic.com/interviews.php?page=mom-jeans-3.16.10 |archive-date=July 14, 2011 }}</ref> Masterson is a self-described "] and ] fanatic",<ref name="askmen"/> and is also a fan of ], ], and ] music, all of which he primarily DJed with.<ref name="complex"/><ref name=jessicaharp />


For a time, Masterson owned a lounge and bar in ], called Downstairs.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://downstairspc.com/index.html |title=Downstairs (official site) |access-date=August 22, 2010|url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100306075419/http://www.downstairspc.com/index.html |archive-date=March 6, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inthisweek.com/view.php?id%3D1518534 |title=Behind Bars: Downstairs Owner Danny Masterson|date=October 6, 2009|first=Amanda |last=Chamberlain|publisher=InThisWeek.com|access-date=August 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100129013617/http://www.inthisweek.com/view.php?id=1518534 |archive-date=January 29, 2010 }}</ref>
He appeared as part of a poker team, the Unabombers, the 2005 ] series ''The James Woods Gang vs. The Unabombers''.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2005/09/21/james-woods-takes-on-the-pros-in-gsns-new-poker-royale-series-the-james-woods-gang-vs-the-unabombers--19302/20050921gsn01/|title=James Woods Takes on the Pros in GSN's New Poker Royale Series 'The James Woods Gang us. the Unabombers'|publisher=]|date=September 21, 2005|accessdate=December 21, 2017|via=TheFutonCritic.com|archivedate= December 22, 2017|archiveurl=http://archive.is/Hj09M#selection-295.1-295.9|deadurl=no}}</ref> He has hosted celebrity poker events, such as the Phat Farm Stuff Casino Weekend Poker Tournament, in which he won the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cardplayer.com/cardplayer-magazines/65572-18-18/articles/14984-vegas-meets-hollywood-at-the-phat-farm-stuff-casino-weekend-poker-tournament|title= Vegas Meets Hollywood at the Phat Farm Stuff Casino Weekend Poker Tournament| work=]|volume =18|issue= 18 |date=September 20, 2005| first= Richard |last=Belsky | archivedate=April 15, 2010|archiveurl=

https://web.archive.org/web/20100415122903/http://www.cardplayer.com/cardplayer-magazines/65572-18-18/articles/14984-vegas-meets-hollywood-at-the-phat-farm-stuff-casino-weekend-poker-tournament |deadurl=yes}}</ref>
Masterson appeared as part of a poker team, the Unabombers, in the 2005 ] series ''The James Woods Gang vs. The Unabombers''.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2005/09/21/james-woods-takes-on-the-pros-in-gsns-new-poker-royale-series-the-james-woods-gang-vs-the-unabombers--19302/20050921gsn01/|title=James Woods Takes on the Pros in GSN's New Poker Royale Series 'The James Woods Gang us. the Unabombers'|publisher=]|date=September 21, 2005|access-date=December 21, 2017|via=The Futon Critic|archive-date= December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171222010027/http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2005/09/21/james-woods-takes-on-the-pros-in-gsns-new-poker-royale-series-the-james-woods-gang-vs-the-unabombers--19302/20050921gsn01/|url-status=live}}</ref> He had hosted celebrity poker events, such as the Phat Farm Stuff Casino Weekend Poker Tournament, in which he won the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cardplayer.com/cardplayer-magazines/65572-18-18/articles/14984-vegas-meets-hollywood-at-the-phat-farm-stuff-casino-weekend-poker-tournament|title= Vegas Meets Hollywood at the Phat Farm Stuff Casino Weekend Poker Tournament| work=]|volume =18|issue= 18 |date=September 20, 2005| first= Richard |last=Belsky | archive-date=April 15, 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100415122903/http://www.cardplayer.com/cardplayer-magazines/65572-18-18/articles/14984-vegas-meets-hollywood-at-the-phat-farm-stuff-casino-weekend-poker-tournament |url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
Masterson is a ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ftHVmAonmoC&pg=PA47#v=onepage&q&f=false|title=Masterson of the Universe|last=Saroyan|first=Strawberry|date=April 2005|work=Spin|accessdate=8 January 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollyscoop.com/danny-masterson/danny-masterson-on-tom-cruise-scientology-backlash.html|title=Danny Masterson on Tom Cruise Scientology Backlash|date=December 2008|work=Hollyscoop|accessdate=15 July 2012|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121071209/http://www.hollyscoop.com/danny-masterson/danny-masterson-on-tom-cruise-scientology-backlash.html|archivedate=21 November 2013|df=}}</ref> He started dating ] in 2005,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2009/01/when-danny-met-bijou.php |title=When Danny met Bijou |last=Davis |first=Peter |date=January 23, 2009 |periodical=Paper Magazine |accessdate=8 January 2011 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021013106/http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2009/01/when-danny-met-bijou.php |archivedate=21 October 2010 |df= }}</ref> they became engaged in 2009,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20265882,00.html|title=Danny Masterson and Bijou Phillips Are Engaged!|last=Wihlborg|first=Ulrica|date=March 16, 2009|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate= January 8, 2011}}</ref> and married on October 18, 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url= Masterson is a ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3ftHVmAonmoC&pg=PA47|title=Masterson of the Universe|last=Saroyan|first=Strawberry|date=April 2005|work=Spin|access-date=January 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216103012/https://books.google.com/books?id=3ftHVmAonmoC&pg=PA47|archive-date=February 16, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hollyscoop.com/danny-masterson/danny-masterson-on-tom-cruise-scientology-backlash.html|title=Danny Masterson on Tom Cruise Scientology Backlash|date=December 2008|work=Hollyscoop|access-date=July 15, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131121071209/http://www.hollyscoop.com/danny-masterson/danny-masterson-on-tom-cruise-scientology-backlash.html|archive-date=November 21, 2013}}</ref> He started dating actress ] in 2004.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2009/01/when-danny-met-bijou.php |title=When Danny met Bijou |last=Davis |first=Peter |date=January 23, 2009 |periodical=Paper Magazine |access-date=January 8, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021013106/http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2009/01/when-danny-met-bijou.php |archive-date=October 21, 2010 }}</ref> They became engaged in 2009<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20265882,00.html|title=Danny Masterson and Bijou Phillips Are Engaged!|last=Wihlborg|first=Ulrica|date=March 16, 2009|work=]|access-date=January 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108170125/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20265882,00.html|archive-date=January 8, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> and married on October 18, 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-and-bijou-phillips-marry/|title=Danny Masterson and Bijou Phillips Marry|first=Jennifer|last=Garcia|work=People|date=October 19, 2011|access-date=February 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217065037/http://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-and-bijou-phillips-marry/|archive-date=February 17, 2017|url-status=live}}
http://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-and-bijou-phillips-marry/|title=Danny Masterson and Bijou Phillips Marry| first=Jennifer|last=Garcia|work=People|publisher=Time Inc.| date=October 19, 2011| accessdate=February 16, 2017}}</ref> They had daughter Fianna Frances Masterson on February 14, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|author=Nicole Eggenberger |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/danny-masterson-wife-bijou-phillips-welcome-baby-girl-fianna-see-first-photos-2014202 |title=Danny Masterson, Wife Bijou Phillips Welcome Baby Girl Fianna: Photos |work= ] |date=2014-02-20 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.in/entry/former-that-70s-show-star-danny-masterson-investigated-for-sexual-assault_us_58b9dae8e4b05cf0f4009d01 |title=Former 'That '70s Show' Star Danny Masterson Being Investigated For Sexual Assault |publisher=Huffingtonpost.in |date= |accessdate=2017-03-15}}</ref> </ref> They have one daughter, who was born in February 2014.<ref>{{cite web |author=Nicole Eggenberger |url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/danny-masterson-wife-bijou-phillips-welcome-baby-girl-fianna-see-first-photos-2014202 |title=Danny Masterson, Wife Bijou Phillips Welcome Baby Girl Fianna: Photos |work=] |date=February 20, 2014 |access-date=September 16, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160913211815/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/danny-masterson-wife-bijou-phillips-welcome-baby-girl-fianna-see-first-photos-2014202 |archive-date=September 13, 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/koB0uqO0C0/|title=Fianna Francis Masterson, 2/14/14|first=Bijou|last=Phillips|author-link=Bijou Phillips|date=February 20, 2014|access-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322030949/https://instagram.com/p/koB0uqO0C0/|archive-date=March 22, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/kn64QwEuce/|title=Hello friends|quote=Beyond thrilled to announce The birth of our daughter Fianna Francis Masterson!|first=Danny|last=Masterson|publisher=Danny Masterson verified Instagram account|date=February 19, 2014|access-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160916062335/https://www.instagram.com/p/kn64QwEuce/|archive-date=September 16, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>


On September 18, 2023, Phillips filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences and requesting full legal and physical custody of their child, as well as spousal support.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-66862067|title=Bijou Phillips to divorce Danny Masterson after rape sentencing - reports|work=BBC|first=Sam|last=Cabral|date=September 20, 2023|accessdate=September 20, 2023}}</ref>
===Rape allegations===
In March 2017, four women alleged they were raped by Masterson in the early 2000s, prompting a ] investigation <ref name=lapd-confirmed>{{cite news|last1=Stone|first1=Natalie|title=That '70s Show's Danny Masterson Is Being Investigated by LAPD Over Sexual Assault Claims|url=http://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-being-investigated-sexual-assault-claims/|accessdate=4 March 2017|work=People|publisher=Time Inc.|date=March 3, 2017|archivedate=November 9, 2017|archiveurl=https://archive.is/20171109003321/http://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-being-investigated-sexual-assault-claims/|deadurl=no|df=}}</ref> Masterson, through his agent, has denied the allegations, and Masterson has not been charged or arrested. In response to the accusations, ] fired Masterson from its comedy series '']'' on December 5, 2017, saying in a statement, "Yesterday was his last day on the show, and production will resume in early 2018 without him." Masterson stated that he is "obviously very disappointed in Netflix's decision to write my character off of ''The Ranch''."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/05/entertainment/danny-masterson-rape-allegations/index.html| title=Danny Masterson off 'The Ranch' amid rape allegations|first=Lisa Respers |last=France|publisher=]|date=December 5, 2017||accessdate=December 5, 2017}}</ref> A fifth woman who dated Masterson made similar accusations in December 2017.<ref name="fifth">{{Cite web |url=http://www.vulture.com/2017/12/fifth-woman-accuses-danny-masterson-of-rape.html |title=Fifth Woman Accuses Danny Masterson of Rape |last=Lockett |first=Dee |date=December 21, 2017 |publisher=] ('']'')| accessdate=December 21, 2017}}</ref>


== Sexual assault cases ==
Netflix was in the wrong to fire Danny for a allegations with no proof. The latest allegation came from a woman who claimed he repeatedly raped her over a 6 year relationship that ended 15 years ago. Most find it funny that she didn't leave and report him after the first time he allegedly raped her, but she kept going back for more over a 6 year period. Also, Danny hasn't been in the limelight since That 70's Show ended. It's also very interesting to people that now that he's back in a popular and lucrative series that these allegations are taking place. All 5 seemed to have waiting until Danny was making money good money again before coming forward.
{{See also|Scientology controversies|Weinstein effect}}


In March 2017, three women filed ] allegations against Masterson, prompting an investigation by the ].<ref name=lapd-confirmed>{{cite news|first1=Natalie|last1=Stone|title=That '70s Show's Danny Masterson Is Being Investigated by LAPD Over Sexual Assault Claims|url=http://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-being-investigated-sexual-assault-claims/|access-date=March 4, 2017|magazine=]|date=March 3, 2017|archive-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171109003321/http://people.com/celebrity/danny-masterson-being-investigated-sexual-assault-claims/|url-status=live}}</ref> Masterson, through his agent, denied the allegations. In December 2017, after a fourth victim's accusations, ] fired Masterson from its comedy series '']'', saying in a statement, "Yesterday was his last day on the show, and production will resume in early 2018 without him." Masterson stated that he was "obviously very disappointed in Netflix's decision to write character off of ''The Ranch''."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/12/netflix-removes-danny-masterson-from-the-ranch.html |title=Netflix Removes Danny Masterson From The Ranch Amid Multiple Rape Accusations |date=December 5, 2017 |first=Dee |last=Lockett |publisher=Vulture |access-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-date=April 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230421201024/https://www.vulture.com/2017/12/netflix-removes-danny-masterson-from-the-ranch.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Lisa Respers|last=France|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/05/entertainment/danny-masterson-rape-allegations/index.html|title=Danny Masterson off 'The Ranch' amid rape allegations|website=]|date=December 5, 2017|access-date=December 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205194531/http://www.cnn.com/2017/12/05/entertainment/danny-masterson-rape-allegations/index.html|archive-date=December 5, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> A few weeks later, a fifth woman made similar rape accusations.<ref name="fifth">{{Cite web|first=Dee|last=Lockett|url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/12/fifth-woman-accuses-danny-masterson-of-rape.html|title=Fifth Woman Accuses Danny Masterson of Rape|website=]|date=December 21, 2017|access-date=December 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222070109/http://www.vulture.com/2017/12/fifth-woman-accuses-danny-masterson-of-rape.html|archive-date=December 22, 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He was dropped as a client by ].<ref>{{cite web|first=Yashar |last=Ali|url= https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/danny-masterson-talent-agency_us_5a4e9889e4b01e1a4b13cfc8|title=Top Talent Agency Cuts Ties With Danny Masterson Amid Rape Allegations|website=]|date=January 4, 2018 |access-date= January 6, 2018|archive-date=January 6, 2018|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180106175012/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/danny-masterson-talent-agency_us_5a4e9889e4b01e1a4b13cfc8|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Laura|last=Bradley|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/08/danny-masterson-rape-allegations-lawsuit-church-of-scientology|title=Four Women Sue Danny Masterson, Church of Scientology Over Alleged Sexual Assault Cover-Up|magazine=]|date=August 15, 2019}}</ref><ref name="people.com">{{Cite web|first=Aurelie|last=Corinthios|url=https://people.com/tv/danny-masterson-church-scientology-sued-sexual-assault-accusers/|title=Danny Masterson, Church of Scientology Sued by 4 Sexual Assault Accusers for Alleged Stalking|website=]|date=August 15, 2019|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=December 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217193724/https://people.com/tv/danny-masterson-church-scientology-sued-sexual-assault-accusers/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Netflix, in America, a person is innocent until proven guilty. You should not have fired him for being accused with no evidence and an abundance of suspicion. You sentenced him for no reason and its why you might have a bad backlash.


] vocalist ] said in November 2017 that Masterson raped his wife, and that his band's song "Incurably Innocent" is about the incident.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2017/11/21/at-the-drive-in-singer-accuses-actor-danny-masterson-of-raping-his-wife/| title=At the Drive In Singer Accuses Actor Danny Masterson of Raping His Wife| publisher=MetalSucks.com|date=November 21, 2017|accessdate=November 21, 2017|first=Vince|last=Neilstein|archivedate= November 21, 2017| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121203058/http://www.metalsucks.net/2017/11/21/at-the-drive-in-singer-accuses-actor-danny-masterson-of-raping-his-wife/|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |last= Bixler-Zavala|first=Cedric |author-link=Cedric Bixler-Zavala |user=cedricbixler_ |number=931167855072210945 |date=November 16, 2017 |title= My wife is one of Danny Masterson’s rape victims. |access-date=November 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121203504/https://twitter.com/cedricbixler_/status/931167855072210945 |archive-date=November 21, 2017 |dead-url=no}}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |last= Bixler-Zavala|first=Cedric|user=cedricbixler_ |number=931239281795923977 |date=November 16, 2017 |title=U might wanna go back and re read my “nonsensical” lyrics....|access-date=November 21, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171121203745/https://twitter.com/cedricbixler_/status/931239281795923977|archive-date=November 21, 2017 |dead-url=no}}</ref> In November 2017, musician ] of the groups ] and ] wrote that Masterson had sexually assaulted his wife Chrissie Carnell. Bixler-Zavala further stated that At the Drive-In's song "Incurably Innocent" (from the 2017 album '']'') is about the incident.<ref>{{multiref2 |1={{cite web|first=Vince|last=Neilstein|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2017/11/21/at-the-drive-in-singer-accuses-actor-danny-masterson-of-raping-his-wife/| title=At the Drive In Singer Accuses Actor Danny Masterson of Raping His Wife|work=MetalSucks|date=November 21, 2017|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date= November 21, 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121203058/http://www.metalsucks.net/2017/11/21/at-the-drive-in-singer-accuses-actor-danny-masterson-of-raping-his-wife/|url-status=live}} |2={{cite tweet |first=Cedric| last= Bixler-Zavala |author-link=Cedric Bixler-Zavala |user=cedricbixler_ |number=931167855072210945 |date=November 16, 2017 |title= My wife is one of Danny Masterson's rape victims. |access-date=November 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121203504/https://twitter.com/cedricbixler_/status/931167855072210945 |archive-date=November 21, 2017 |url-status=dead}} |3={{cite tweet |first=Cedric|last= Bixler-Zavala|user=cedricbixler_ |number=931239281795923977 |date=November 16, 2017 |title=U might wanna go back and re read my 'nonsensical' lyrics....|access-date=November 21, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171121203745/https://twitter.com/cedricbixler_/status/931239281795923977|archive-date=November 21, 2017 |url-status=dead}} }}</ref>


In early 2017, the show '']'' had filmed a two-hour episode that focused on the sexual-assault allegations against Masterson with interviews from multiple accusers. The show was planned to air during ], but the ]'s office initially asked A&E not to air the episode until the office had concluded investigations and decided whether to charge Masterson. After waiting another year and a half, A&E decided to air the episode as the ] finale in February, but as soon as they announced it, A&E and Disney were bombarded with a campaign of attack letters from Scientologists. Though delayed, the episode finally aired six months later on August 26, 2019, as a two-hour special, titled "Waiting for Justice". One week before the airing, four accusers filed a civil suit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology.<ref>{{multiref2 |1={{Cite news|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/aande-shelves-danny-masterson-sexual-assault-episode-after-scientology-smear-campaign|title=A&E Shelves Danny Masterson Sexual Assault Episode After Scientology Smear Campaign|last=Zimmerman|first=Amy|date=February 11, 2019|access-date=February 12, 2019|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213000436/https://www.thedailybeast.com/aande-shelves-danny-masterson-sexual-assault-episode-after-scientology-smear-campaign|archive-date=February 13, 2019|url-status=live}} |2={{Cite web|first=Jenny|last=Cohen|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2019/08/27/leah-remini-features-allegations-against-scientology-danny-masterson/2095079001/|title=Leah Remini features allegations against Scientology, Danny Masterson|website=]|date=August 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190827094744/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2019/08/27/leah-remini-features-allegations-against-scientology-danny-masterson/2095079001/|archive-date=August 27, 2019}} |3={{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2019/08/leah-remini-scientology-and-the-aftermath-end-after-three-seasons-2-hour-special-1202668803/|title='Leah Remini: Scientology And The Aftermath' To End After Three Seasons With 2-Hour Special|last=Petski|first=Denise|publisher=Deadline|date=August 15, 2019|access-date=October 12, 2023}} }}</ref>
==Charity work==

Masterson has also been involved with the ], a controversial organization<ref>{{cite news|url = http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/01/18/2008-01-18_tom_cruises_for_converts_using_911-2.html|title = Tom Cruises for converts using 9/11) | location=New York | work=Daily News}}</ref> with ties to the Church of Scientology.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718154319/http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/DXq4N7hRrFx/2009%2BNew%2BYork%2BRescue%2BWorkers%2BDetoxification/26iZaIEnBwM/Danny%2BMasterson |date=July 18, 2011 }}</ref> He also played in a charity softball game in New York's ] to help raise money for children in need of neurosurgery,<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101217041633/http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1714679/6th_annual_neurosurgery_charity_softball_tournament_hits_it_out_of/index.html |date=December 17, 2010 }}</ref> designed guitars for a ] fundraiser,<ref>{{dead link|date=September 2016}}</ref> and has supported such as the Hollywood Police Activities League (a national youth development program for at-risk youth).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.life.com/image/1677528 |title=Kunis, Masterson and Valderrama at Scientology Celebrity Centre 10th Annual Fund Raiser |work=] |date= |accessdate=2016-09-16| archivedate= January 12, 2011|archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20110112093307/http://www.life.com/image/1677528|quote= ...the Church of Scientology's fundraiser, 'Christmas Stories X' to benefit the Hollywood Police Activities League.}}</ref> He has also played on the ] Celebrity Invitational for the charity Chrysalis, with all proceeds going to said charity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pokernewsdaily.com/celebrities-and-poker-pros-to-play-for-charity-at-2010-wpt-invitational-8396/ |title=Celebrities and Poker Pros to Play for Charity at 2010 WPT Invitational |publisher=Pokernewsdaily.com |date=2010-02-17 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref> He has also played the ] ''Ante up for Africa'' event.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.pokernews.com/news/2009/06/star-list-grows-wsop-ante-up-for-africa-fundraiser-6787.htm |title=Star List Grows for WSOP ‘Ante Up For Africa’ Fundraiser |publisher=PokerNews.com |date=2009-06-20 |accessdate=2016-09-16}}</ref>
=== Civil suit for harassment ===

Each of the four plaintiffs had been a member of the ] at the time, as was Danny Masterson. Scientology forbids its members to report fellow members to police for any reason. After each plaintiff reported the sexual assaults to the police, each was ] and ejected from the Church. In the civil suit, the plaintiffs alleged the Church then mobilized an aggressive harassment campaign against them, called ] in Scientology practice. The plaintiffs claimed they were subjected to ], physical invasion of privacy, constructive invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, though the campaigns against each plaintiff allegedly differed.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://reason.com/volokh/2022/01/22/no-arbitration-of-claims-against-scientology-after-plaintiffs-had-left-the-church/ |title=No Arbitration of Claims Against Scientology After Plaintiffs Had Left the Church |date=January 22, 2022 |first=Eugene |last=Volokh |author-link=Eugene Volokh |website=] |access-date=June 7, 2023 |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608055247/https://reason.com/volokh/2022/01/22/no-arbitration-of-claims-against-scientology-after-plaintiffs-had-left-the-church/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2019-08-15/danny-masterson-scientology-lawsuit-stalking |title=Danny Masterson vows to 'beat' exes in court in Scientology lawsuit |first=Nardine |last=Saad |date=August 15, 2019 |newspaper=LA Times}}</ref>

One plaintiff claimed her dog died from (unexplained) traumatic injuries to its trachea and esophagus, also alleging church members chased her as she drove her car, filmed her without permission, ], and posted ads to social media sites soliciting sex in her name. Another plaintiff stated that she and her neighbors observed a man snapping pictures from her driveway and later that night someone broke a window in her 13-year-old daughter's bedroom.<ref name="tmz.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/08/14/danny-masterson-sued-allegedly-stalking-rape-accusers-sexual-assault-scientology/|title=Danny Masterson and Scientology Sued for Allegedly Stalking Rape Accusers|website=]|date=August 14, 2019|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=February 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204073949/https://www.tmz.com/2019/08/14/danny-masterson-sued-allegedly-stalking-rape-accusers-sexual-assault-scientology/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/danny-masterson-church-scientology-sued-stalking-rape-cover-up|title=Danny Masterson, Church of Scientology sued for alleged rape cover-up, stalking|first=Tyler|last=McCarthy|date=August 15, 2019|website=]|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=February 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218065144/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/danny-masterson-church-scientology-sued-stalking-rape-cover-up|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="people.com"/> Masterson has since responded to one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, claiming: "I'm not going to fight my ex-girlfriend in the media like she's been baiting me to do for more than two years. I will beat her in court—and look forward to it because the public will finally be able to learn the truth and see how I've been railroaded by this woman... and once her lawsuit is thrown out, I intend to sue her and the others who jumped on the bandwagon for the damage they caused me and my family." He did not address the stalking or harassment claims.<ref name="people.com"/><ref name="tmz.com"/>

On January 22, 2020, Bixler-Zavala reported that a second of his family pets had to be ] because it had been fed rat poison wrapped inside a rolled-up piece of raw meat, alleging this was done by Scientologists in response to his repeated public statements alleging that Masterson had raped his wife (who was one of the four women who filed suit against Masterson). Masterson's wife ] made an Instagram post mocking court papers against Masterson.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B7o0Yl8gF8S/|title=DESTROYER OF CULTS on Instagram: 'Here we have Bijoux Phillips aka Danny's wife mocking my wife by reciting the details of my wife's police report about the rape. Bijoux...'|website=]|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322142035/https://www.instagram.com/p/B7o0Yl8gF8S/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2020/01/23/at-the-drive-in-the-mars-voltas-cedric-bixler-zavala-alleges-family-dog-was-poisoned-and-killed-by-scientologists/|title=At the Drive-In / The Mars Volta's Cedric Bixler-Zavala Alleges Family Dog Was Poisoned and Killed by Scientologists|date=January 23, 2020|website=MetalSucks|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320211941/https://www.metalsucks.net/2020/01/23/at-the-drive-in-the-mars-voltas-cedric-bixler-zavala-alleges-family-dog-was-poisoned-and-killed-by-scientologists/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B7mo60CAgAY/|title=DESTROYER OF CULTS on Instagram: 'We had to put her down today. This was the result of eating rat poison rolled up in raw meat. This is the 2nd dog we've had to put down due...'|website=]|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322142042/https://www.instagram.com/p/B7mo60CAgAY/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/scientology-danny-masterson-poison-dog-1483685|title=Danny Masterson rape accuser blames Church of Scientology and 'That 70s Show' star for death of her two pet dogs|first=Ewan|last=Palmer|date=January 23, 2020|website=]|access-date=June 10, 2023|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320211941/https://www.newsweek.com/scientology-danny-masterson-poison-dog-1483685|url-status=live}}</ref>

Later, when the criminal case got underway, the parallel civil case was put on hold until after the criminal case was completed.{{r|sanctioned}}

=== Criminal charges and trial ===

On June 17, 2020, Masterson was charged with raping a 23-year-old woman in 2001, a 28-year-old woman in early 2003, and a 23-year-old woman in late 2003. The three counts came after a three-year investigation beginning in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Andrew|last=Dalton|date=June 17, 2020|title='That 70s Show' actor Danny Masterson charged in 3 rapes|url=https://apnews.com/0094b7382d1bb54252a8d0662cf5a733|access-date=June 17, 2020|website=]|archive-date=September 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913003043/https://apnews.com/0094b7382d1bb54252a8d0662cf5a733|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Jacobs|first=Julia|date=June 17, 2020|title='That '70s Show' Actor Danny Masterson Charged With Raping 3 Women|language=en-US|work=]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/17/arts/television/danny-masterson-rape-charged.html|access-date=June 19, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618204336/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/17/arts/television/danny-masterson-rape-charged.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 21, 2021, Masterson pleaded not guilty.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/actor-danny-masterson-pleads-not-guilty-to-raping-three-women/2509674/ |title= Actor Danny Masterson Pleads Not Guilty to Raping Three Women |work= NBC Los Angeles |date= January 20, 2021 |access-date= June 10, 2023 |archive-date= June 22, 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220622002319/https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/actor-danny-masterson-pleads-not-guilty-to-raping-three-women/2509674/ |url-status= live }}</ref> A four-day preliminary hearing began on May 18, 2021.<ref name=DillonMar21>{{cite news |last1=Dillon |first1=Nancy |title='That '70s Show' actor Danny Masterson ordered to court May 18 to hear testimony in L.A. rape case |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-hearing-set-in-actor-danny-masterson-los-angeles-rape-case-20210324-sileeiudonddrackspcdjwopue-story.html |access-date=1 April 2021 |work=] |date=March 24, 2021 |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422192155/https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-hearing-set-in-actor-danny-masterson-los-angeles-rape-case-20210324-sileeiudonddrackspcdjwopue-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

During the hearing, three women told how Church of Scientology employees tried to stop them from reporting Masterson to the police.<ref name=QueOr21>{{cite news |last1=Queally |first1=James |last2=Ormseth |first2=Matthew |title=Scientology's Secrets Spill into Open in Danny Masterson Rape Case |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-05-27/danny-masterson-rape-trial-secretive-scientology-polices |work=] |date=May 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530110736/https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-05-27/danny-masterson-rape-trial-secretive-scientology-polices|archive-date=May 30, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 21, 2021, Los Angeles County Superior Court judge Charlaine F. Olmedo ruled "all three witnesses to be credible and the evidence presented during a preliminary hearing sufficient to support the charges."<ref name=DailyNews>{{cite web|url=https://www.dailynews.com/2021/06/07/actor-danny-masterson-pleads-not-guilty-to-alleged-rapes-surrenders-passport/|title=Actor Danny Masterson pleads not guilty to alleged rapes, surrenders passport|website=]|date=June 7, 2021|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925022755/https://www.dailynews.com/2021/06/07/actor-danny-masterson-pleads-not-guilty-to-alleged-rapes-surrenders-passport/|url-status=live}}</ref> She ordered that Masterson be bound over for trial on three counts of rape by force or fear and that he surrender his passport at his next arraignment, which was set for June 7, 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dalton |first1=Andrew |title=Actor Danny Masterson must stand trial on 3 rape charges |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/actor-danny-masterson-stand-trial-rape-charges-77833360 |access-date=22 May 2021 |work=] |date=May 21, 2021 |archive-date=May 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522002703/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/actor-danny-masterson-stand-trial-rape-charges-77833360 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=trial>{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/danny-masterson-rape-trial-three-charges/#:~:text=Los%20Angeles%20County%20Superior%20Court,to%2045%20years%20in%20prison.|title=Actor Danny Masterson ordered to stand trial on 3 rape charges|agency=Associated Press|work=CBS News|date=May 23, 2021|access-date=May 24, 2021|archive-date=May 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523190807/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/danny-masterson-rape-trial-three-charges/#:~:text=Los%20Angeles%20County%20Superior%20Court,to%2045%20years%20in%20prison.|url-status=live}}</ref> In the ruling, Judge Olmedo determined that the Scientology organization has "an expressly written doctrine" that "not only discourages, but prohibits" its members from going to the police to report illegal behavior.<ref name=QueOr21/>

On June 7, 2021, Masterson pleaded not guilty to rape accusations alleged to have occurred between 2001 and 2003. His defense attorney accused the three women of colluding against Masterson, claiming that they were in contact with each other. His defense attorney also stated that one of the ]s had obtained money from Masterson in 2004. After the June 7 arraignment, Masterson remained free on $3.3 million bail. A pretrial hearing was set for August 9, 2021.<ref name=DailyNews/>

During the pretrial hearing on August 9, 2021, Judge Olmedo rejected numerous subpoena requests from Masterson's defense attorneys, calling them "stunningly overbroad", including requests for ] records related to ] and ], a subpoena on the producers of the TV show '']'', and a subpoena on an investigative reporter.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-danny-masterson-los-angeles-rape-case-20210809-nngksltlljghpgs6qupfobg6p4-story.html|title=Danny Masterson subpoenas on Leah Remini show and LAPD involving Scientology boss David Miscavige blasted by judge|website=]|date=August 9, 2021|first=Nancy|last=Dillon|access-date=September 24, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925025117/https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-danny-masterson-los-angeles-rape-case-20210809-nngksltlljghpgs6qupfobg6p4-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case based on a lack of evidence presented during the May preliminary hearing, and Olmedo sent that motion to another judge. On November 10, 2021, Los Angeles County Judge Ronald S. Coen ruled that the testimony of the alleged victims was credible and sufficient to support the charges, setting trial for August 29, 2022 in Judge Olmedo's courtroom.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abc7.com/danny-masterson-rape-case-scientology-that-70s-show/10941577/|title=Judge slaps down defense subpoenas in Danny Masterson rape case|website=]|date=August 9, 2021|first=Lisa|last=Bartley|access-date=September 25, 2021|archive-date=September 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925134206/https://abc7.com/danny-masterson-rape-case-scientology-that-70s-show/10941577/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Nancy|last=Dillon|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/danny-masterson-felony-rape-case-civil-rights-1296531/|title = Danny Masterson Loses Bid to Toss Felony Rape Case|magazine = ]|date = February 8, 2022}}</ref>

The August 29 trial date was subsequently rescheduled for October 11, 2022, at the request of Masterson's lawyers.<ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Bill|last=Shaikin|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/dodgers/story/2022-08-05/trevor-bauer-attorney-suspension-appeal-danny-masterson-rape-trial#:~:text=Actor%20Danny%20Masterson%2C%20best%20known,11.|title = Danny Masterson attorney asks for trial hold to focus on Trevor Bauer appeal|magazine = ]|date = August 5, 2022}}</ref> Near the end of the month-long trial, Masterson decided not to testify nor call witnesses in his defense. Both parties rested their cases on November 14, 2022, and made their closing arguments the following day.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Maddaus |first1=Gene |title=Danny Masterson Opts Not to Testify in Rape Trial |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/danny-masterson-testify-rape-trial-1235432115/#article-comments |website=] |date=November 14, 2022 |access-date=November 15, 2022 |archive-date=November 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221114182518/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/danny-masterson-testify-rape-trial-1235432115/#article-comments |url-status=live }}</ref> The jury deadlocked after three days in deliberation; instead of declaring a mistrial, the judge ordered the jury to resume deliberations the week after Thanksgiving.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Millman |first1=Ethan |title=Danny Masterson Jury Hasn't Reached Verdict, Must Return For Deliberations After Thanksgiving |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-news/masterson-jury-no-verdict-reached-1234633557/ |magazine=] |date=November 18, 2022 |access-date=November 19, 2022}}</ref> The jury remained deadlocked once deliberations resumed; consequently, a ] was declared on November 30, 2022.<ref name="resched">{{cite web |last1=Cho |first1=Winston |title=Danny Masterson Retrial Delayed |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/danny-masterson-retrial-delayed-1235327754/ |website=] |access-date=23 February 2023 |date=16 February 2023 |archive-date=April 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426035612/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/danny-masterson-retrial-delayed-1235327754/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-30 |title=Mistrial declared in actor Danny Masterson's rape trial |url=https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-mistrial-rape-trial-162a670d6068f05462825a96e4193fd8 |access-date=2022-12-01 |work=] |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608000825/https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-mistrial-rape-trial-162a670d6068f05462825a96e4193fd8 |url-status=live }}</ref> The jury foreman said that the panel of six men and six women leaned towards acquitting Masterson on all counts because they found the testimonies of the complainants inconsistent and implausible; for instance, one ] testified in court that Masterson threatened her with a gun during the attack, but a firearm was not mentioned when she reported to the police: "The big big problem for her, credibility-wise, was the gun present in the testimony but not in the early reports", the jury foreman said.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dickey |first1=Josh |title=Danny Masterson Jury Foreman Says Accusers' Changing Stories, 'Credibility' Led to Mistrial: 'Didn't Pass the Smell Test' |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/danny-masterson-jury-foreman-says-001625616.html |website=] |date=9 December 2022 |access-date=18 April 2023 |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608145710/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/danny-masterson-jury-foreman-says-001625616.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Retrial===

A new trial was held between April and May 2023, and on May 31, Masterson was convicted of two of the three counts of forcible rape. The jury was ] 8–4 in favor of conviction on the third charge. Masterson was remanded without bail until sentencing.<ref name="variety20230531">{{Cite web |last=Maddaus |first=Gene |date=May 31, 2023 |title=Danny Masterson Convicted on Two Counts of Forcible Rape, Faces 30 Years in Prison |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/danny-mastersons-second-rape-trial-1235616690/ |access-date=May 31, 2023 |website=] |language=en-US |archive-date=May 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531210119/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/danny-mastersons-second-rape-trial-1235616690/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ap20230531">{{cite news |url=https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-guilty-verdict-rape-4c60cc1031e917fc52c05238a22cc1ad |title=Danny Masterson convicted of 2 counts of rape, 'That '70s Show' actor faces 30 years to life |first=Andrew |last=Dalton |date=June 1, 2023 |work=] |access-date=June 10, 2023 |archive-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230609080722/https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-guilty-verdict-rape-4c60cc1031e917fc52c05238a22cc1ad |url-status=live }}</ref> As of June 2, he was incarcerated at ] in Los Angeles, in "]" for his safety.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schladebeck |first=Jessica |date=June 3, 2023 |title=Danny Masterson awaits sentencing in 'segregation' for safety |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-danny-masterson-awaits-rape-sentencing-jail-segregation-safety-20230603-imvhm2plprf43mkvndtyuszbky-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605011254/https://www.nydailynews.com/snyde/ny-danny-masterson-awaits-rape-sentencing-jail-segregation-safety-20230603-imvhm2plprf43mkvndtyuszbky-story.html |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |access-date=June 7, 2023 |website=]}}</ref>

In July 2023, prosecutors announced that they would not retry Masterson on the charge which had resulted in a ].<ref>{{cite web |last=Keith |first=Terri Vermeulen |date=July 11, 2023 |title=Prosecutors Won't Retry Actor Danny Masterson In Hung Jury Rape Case |url=https://patch.com/california/los-angeles/prosecutors-wont-retry-actor-danny-masterson-hung-jury-rape-case |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 11, 2023 |title=Danny Masterson will not be retried on a rape charge where jury deadlocked |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/danny-masterson-will-not-be-retried-on-a-rape-charge-where-jury-deadlocked/ |access-date=12 July 2023 |website=CBS News |publisher=CBS Broadcasting |language=English}}</ref>

===Sentencing===
]
On September 7, 2023, Masterson was sentenced to an ] of 30 years to ], which means he might be eligible for parole after serving 25½ years, but can be held in prison for life. His lawyers have said they will appeal the conviction.<ref name="sentenced">{{multiref2 |1={{cite web |last=Queally |first=James |date=2023-09-07 |title=Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life for raping former Scientologists |url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-09-07/danny-masterson-sentenced-for-raping-former-scientologists |access-date=2023-09-07 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}} |2={{cite news |last1=Dalton |first1=Andrew |title='That '70s Show' actor Danny Masterson gets 30 years to life in prison for rapes of 2 women |url=https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-sentencing-rape-trial-fd7a10eda44d0e3ddde582d4c7053eb6 |access-date=7 September 2023 |work=AP News |date=7 September 2023 |language=en}} |3={{cite web |author1=Angela Yang |author2=Diana Dasrath |author3=Corky Siemaszko |date=2023-09-07 |title=Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years to life in prison |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/danny-masterson-sentenced-30-years-life-prison-rcna102463 |access-date=2023-09-08 |website=NBC News |language=en-US}} }}</ref>

Masterson was admitted to ] on December 27, 2023, after months of post-sentencing hearings.<ref>{{cite news |title=Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve sentence for rape convictions, mug shot released |url=https://apnews.com/article/danny-masterson-prison-mug-shot-fd8f700ccadd136757e6ccdf2a45f905 |access-date=28 December 2023 |work=AP News |date=27 December 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He was subsequently moved to and now resides at ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=California Incarcerated Records & Information Search (CIRIS) - CDCR |url=https://apps.cdcr.ca.gov/ciris/details?cdcrNumber=BW7253 |access-date=2024-01-31 |website=apps.cdcr.ca.gov}}</ref>

=== Appeal ===

In January 2024, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied bail for Masterson pending an appeal with worries Masterson could flee. "If defendant's conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life," wrote Judge Charlaine Olmedo. "In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful," the judge added in reference to the ongoing divorce proceedings between Masterson and Bijou Phillips.<ref>{{cite web|title=Danny Masterson Denied Bail; "Every Incentive To Flee," Judge Says Of Convicted Rapist & Incarcerated '70s Show' Actor |website=]|first=Dominic |last=Patten|date=January 24, 2024|access-date=January 27, 2024|url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/danny-masterson-denied-bail-1235803990/}}</ref>

=== Interference by Church of Scientology ===

After the criminal trial concluded, the victims' civil case resumed against Masterson and the Church of Scientology. Numerous instances of interference by the Church before, during and after the criminal trials were brought to light.{{r|lat2024}}

There were attempts to break in to the prosecutor's house and to run him off the road, his car windows were broken, electronics tampered, and he was surveilled. When seeking co-counsel, the prosecutor warned of potential harassment, stalking or other retaliation. Two attorneys declined out of fear, before the prosecutor found co-counsel.{{r|lat2024}}

LAPD detectives on the case were stalked, surveilled and experienced harassment. In the middle of the criminal trial, the Church of Scientology's head of security and their attorney Vicki Podberesky met with the LAPD chief of police to accuse detectives and prosecutors of misconduct. They claimed to have "boxes" of evidence alleging "detectives and prosecutors on the case had falsified witness testimony, overstated or coached witness testimony and withheld evidence". Prosecutor Mueller said the visit impacted the case when one of the detectives was afraid to testify.{{r|lat2024}}

One of the sexual assault victims claimed various harassment including tampering with security systems, vandalizing a car, and attempting to run them off the road. Another victim reported being followed during the criminal trial.<ref name="lat2024">{{Cite news |title=Scientology tried to 'derail' star's rape trial by harassing prosecutor, suit says; church calls claim 'false' |first=James |last=Queally |date=April 4, 2024 |newspaper=LA Times |via=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/scientology-tried-to-derail-star-s-rape-trial-by-harassing-prosecutor-suit-says-church-calls-claim-false/ar-BB1l3Pvx?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=LGTS&cvid=d5ab479fce2e40a1ae3ca61e3a396418&ei=39 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404190444/https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/celebrity/scientology-tried-to-derail-star-s-rape-trial-by-harassing-prosecutor-suit-says-church-calls-claim-false/ar-BB1l3Pvx?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=LGTS&cvid=d5ab479fce2e40a1ae3ca61e3a396418&ei=39 |archive-date=April 4, 2024}}</ref>

On June 7, 2023, Judge Olmedo sanctioned Masterson's earlier defense attorneys ] and Sharon Appelbaum for leaking confidential ] from the criminal case to Vicki Podberesky, an attorney representing the Church of Scientology in the ]. This leak was in direct violation of "repeated directives and orders to refrain from providing criminal discovery to litigants and attorneys in the civil case." The files contained confidential information regarding the victims, including addresses and other personal information. Podberesky then used the information to file complaints against the lead ]s in Masterson's rape trial, requested the police department start criminal inquiries into the two detectives who testified in the trial, and alleged that the Masterson victims filed false police reports.<ref name="sanctioned">{{multiref2 |1={{cite web|first1=Mitch |last1=Koss |first2=Corky |last2=Siemaszko |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/danny-mastersons-lawyers-sanctioned-sharing-info-lawyer-church-sciento-rcna88359 |title=Danny Masterson's lawyers sanctioned for sharing info with a lawyer for the Church of Scientology |date=June 8, 2023 |website=] |access-date=June 9, 2023 }} |2={{cite web |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/danny-masterson-lawyers-shared-material-church-of-scientology-1235509945/ |title=Danny Masterson's Former Legal Team Sanctioned for Leaking Discovery Material to the Church of Scientology in Rape Trial |date=June 7, 2023 |first=Winston |last=Cho |website=] |access-date=June 9, 2023 |archive-date=June 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608160915/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/danny-masterson-lawyers-shared-material-church-of-scientology-1235509945/ |url-status=live }} |3={{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-06-07/attorneys-in-danny-masterson-rape-case-sanctioned-for-giving-discovery-to-scientology |title=Attorneys in Danny Masterson rape case sanctioned for giving discovery to Scientology |date=June 7, 2023 |newspaper=LA Times |first=James |last=Queally}} }}</ref>


==Filmography== ==Filmography==
===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|- |-
Line 65: Line 139:
! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="unsortable" | Notes
|- |-
| 1993 |1993
| '']'' |'']''
| Seth | Seth
|<ref name="Carver-1998">{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/1998/film/news/masterson-moves-to-town-1117471924/|title=Masterson moves to 'Town'|last=Carver|first=Benedict|date=June 17, 1998|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=December 18, 2019|archive-date=December 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218203716/https://variety.com/1998/film/news/masterson-moves-to-town-1117471924/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|- |-
| 1995 |1995
| '']'' |'']''
| Mikey | Mikey
|<ref name="Carver-1998" />
|
|- |-
| 1997 | rowspan="3" |1997
| '']'' |'']''
| Karl | Karl
|<ref name="Carver-1998" />
|
|- |-
|'']''
| 1997
| '']''
| Seth | Seth
| |
|- |-
|'']''
| 1997
| '']''
| Kevin | Kevin
|<ref name="Carver-1998" />
|
|- |-
| 1998 | rowspan="3" |1998
| ''Wild Horses'' |''Wild Horses''
| Danny | Danny
| |
|- |-
|''Too Pure''
| 1998
| '']''
| Tipper | Tipper
| |
|- |-
|'']''
| 1998
| '']
| "Fucked-up" kid | "Fucked-up" kid
|<ref name="Carver-1998" />
|
|- |-
| 1999 |1999
| '']'' |'']''
| Dirt Merchant | Dirt Merchant
| |
|- |-
| 2000 |2000
| '']'' |'']''
| Nightshade | Nightshade
| |
|- |-
| 2001 |2001
| ''Alex in Wonder'' |''Alex in Wonder''
| Patrick | Patrick
| |
|- |-
| 2002 | rowspan="3" |2002
| ''Hip, Edgy, Sexy, Cool'' |''Hip, Edgy, Sexy, Cool''
| |
| |
|- |-
|'']''
| 2002
| '']''
| Conan | Conan
| |
|- |-
|''Hold On''
| 2002
| ''Hold On''
| |
| |
|- |-
| 2005 |2005
| ''Pancho's Pizza'' |''Pancho's Pizza''
| |
| |
|- |-
| 2006 |2006
| '']'' |'']''
| Larry | Larry
| |
|- |-
| 2007 | rowspan="2" |2007
| '']'' |'']''
| Steve | Steve
| |
|- |-
|''You Are Here''
| 2007
| ''You Are Here''
| Derek | Derek
| |
|- |-
| 2008 | rowspan="2" |2008
| '']'' |'']''
| Rooney | Rooney
| |
|- |-
|'']''
| 2008
| '']''
| Fitz | Fitz
| |
|- |-
| 2009 | rowspan="3" |2009
| '']'' |'']''
| Shane | Shane
| |
|- |-
|'']''
| 2009
| '']''
| Morris "The Executioner" Rodriguez | Morris "The Executioner" Rodriguez
| |
|- |-
|'']''
| 2009
| '']''
| Kevin | Kevin
| |
|- |-
| 2012 | rowspan="4" |2012
| '']'' |'']''
| Jerry Rubin | Jerry Rubin
| |
|- |-
|'']''
| 2012
| '']''
| Paul | Paul
| |
|- |-
|'']''
| 2012
| '']''
| Jimmy | Jimmy
| |
|- |-
|''The Polterguys''
| 2012
| ''The Polterguys''
| Tim Burr | Tim Burr
| |
|- |-
| 2015 |2015
| ''In Passing'' |''In Passing''
| Neighbor | Neighbor
| Short film | style="text-align:center; " |]
|- |-
| 2016 | rowspan="2" |2016
| ''Hot Bot'' |''Hot Bot''
| Agent Koontz | Agent Koontz
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox10tv.com/studio10/danny-masterson-on-men-at-work/article_610e2a81-2c27-5f8a-98ac-e53b752b406a.html|title=Danny Masterson on "Men at Work"|website=FOX10 News|language=en|access-date=December 18, 2019|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713084530/https://www.fox10tv.com/studio10/danny-masterson-on-men-at-work/article_610e2a81-2c27-5f8a-98ac-e53b752b406a.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|- |-
|'']''
| 2016
| '']''
| Neal | Neal
|<ref>{{Cite news|first=Noel|last=Murray|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-urge-review-20160531-snap-story.html|title=Review: Impulsive free-for-all 'Urge' masquerades as a thriller but doesn't get high enough|date=June 3, 2016|newspaper=]|language=en-US|access-date=December 18, 2019|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713184035/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-urge-review-20160531-snap-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|
|-
| 2018
| '']''
| Ethan Jones
| ''Post-production''
|} |}


==Television== ===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable" {|class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year ! Year
! Title ! Title
! Role ! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="sortable" | Notes
|- |-
| 1988 | 1988
Line 242: Line 296:
| '']'' | '']''
| Jimmy Phillips | Jimmy Phillips
| 2 episodes | 2 episodes<ref name="Carver-1998" />
|- |-
| 1994–1997 | 1994–1997
Line 254: Line 308:
| 7 episodes | 7 episodes
|- |-
| 1996 |rowspan=5|1996
| '']'' | '']''
| Ray | Ray
| Episode: "Rebirth" | Episode: "Rebirth"
|- |-
| 1996
| '']'' | '']''
| Seth | Seth
| Television film | ]
|- |-
| 1996
| '']'' | '']''
| King the Dog | King the Dog
| Episode: "Family" | Episode: "Family"
|- |-
| 1996
| '']'' | '']''
| Matt | Matt
| 3 episodes | 3 episodes
|- |-
| 1996
| ''Her Last Chance'' | ''Her Last Chance''
| Ryan | Ryan
Line 285: Line 335:
|- |-
| 1997 | 1997
| '']'' | '']''
| Renfield | Renfield
| Episode: "Stoker" | Episode: "Stoker"
Line 292: Line 342:
| '']'' | '']''
| ] | ]
| Main cast; 200 episodes<br>Nominated – ] <small>(2000)</small><br>Nominated – ]<br><small>(shared with ], ], ], ] and ])</small> <small>(1999)</small> | Main cast; 200 episodes<br>Nominated – ] <small>(2000)</small><br>Nominated – ]<br><small>(shared with ], ], ], ], and ])</small> <small>(1999)</small>
|- |-
| 2001 |rowspan=3|2001
| ''Strange Frequency'' | ''Strange Frequency''
| Randy | Randy
| Television film | Television film
|- |-
| 2001
| '']'' | '']''
| Vince | Vince
| Episode: "Baby You Can't Drive My Car" | Episode: "Baby You Can't Drive My Car"
|- |-
| 2001
| '']'' | '']''
| Jeremy | Jeremy
Line 314: Line 362:
| 2 episodes | 2 episodes
|- |-
| 2003 |rowspan=3|2003
| '']'' | '']''
| Cory | Cory
| Voice; Episode: "Megalo Dale" | ]; Episode: "Megalo Dale"
|- |-
| 2003
| '']'' | '']''
| Various | Various
| Voice; 2 episodes | Voice; 2 episodes
|- |-
| 2003
| '']'' | '']''
| Dr. Alex Conners | Dr. Alex Conners
Line 339: Line 385:
| Voice; Episode: "And the Mole-Rat Will Be CGI" | Voice; Episode: "And the Mole-Rat Will Be CGI"
|- |-
| 2011 |rowspan=2|2011
| '']'' | '']''
| Lucy's Boyfriend | Lucy's Boyfriend
| Episode: "Don't Vote for This Episode" | Episode: "Don't Vote for This Episode"
|- |-
| 2011
| '']'' | '']''
| James Roland | James Roland
| Episode: "Where There's A Will" | Episode: "Where There's a Will"
|- |-
| 2012–2014 | 2012–2014
| '']'' | '']''
| Milo Foster | Milo Foster
| Main cast; 31 episodes | Main cast; 30 episodes
|- |-
| 2012 | 2012
Line 369: Line 414:
| Episode: "Ganging Up" | Episode: "Ganging Up"
|- |-
| 2016–2018
| 2016–2017
| '']'' | '']''
| Jameson “Rooster” Bennett | Jameson "Rooster" Bennett
| Series regular; 40 episodes | Series regular; 50 episodes
|- |-
| 2016 |rowspan=2|2016
| '']'' | '']''
| Himself | Himself
| Episode: "394" | Episode: "394"
|- |-
| 2016
| '']'' | '']''
| Himself | Himself
| October 3 guest with ] | October 3, guest with ]
|- |-
| 2017 | 2017
Line 390: Line 434:
|} |}


===Music videos===
{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Music Videos
|- |-
! Year ! Year
! Title ! Title
!Artist
! Role ! Role
! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="unsortable" | Notes
|- |-
| 1999 | rowspan="2"| 1999
| ] – That '70s Song (In the Street) | "That '70s Song (In the Street)"
|]
| Hyde | Hyde
| With Cast of '']'' | Along with Cast of '']''
|- |-
| "]"
| 2011
|]
| ] – The Way I Fiesta (ft. Clayton Vice)
| Student
|
|-
|2011
| "The Way I Fiesta" (ft. Clayton Vice)
|]
| DJ | DJ
| |
|} |}


=== Producer ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Producer
|- |-
! Year ! Year
! Title ! Title
!Type
! class="unsortable" | Notes ! class="unsortable" | Notes
|- |-
| 2008 | 2008
| '']'' |'']''
|Film
| Producer;<br>] <small>(shared with Dave Steck, ], Michael Cecchi, Julian Kheel)</small>
| Producer; ] <small>(shared with Dave Steck, ], Michael Cecchi, Julian Kheel)</small>
|- |-
| 2014 | 2014
| '']'' |'']''
|Television
| Producer; 10 episodes
| Producer; 10 episodes<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/tbss-men-at-work-a-rerun-before-its-even-started/2012/05/23/gJQAcSedkU_story.html|title=TBS's 'Men at Work': A rerun before it's even started|last=Stuever|first=Hank|date=May 23, 2012|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=December 18, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=December 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191220165504/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/tbss-men-at-work-a-rerun-before-its-even-started/2012/05/23/gJQAcSedkU_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
|- |-
| 2016–2018
| 2016–2017
| '']'' |'']''
|Television
| Co-Executive Producer
| Co-Executive Producer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://popculture.com/streaming/2019/06/09/the-ranch-danny-masterson-speaks-show-ending-implies-he-wants-return/|title='The Ranch': Danny Masterson Speaks out on Show Ending, Implies He Wants to Return|website=Streaming|date=June 9, 2019 |language=en|access-date=December 18, 2019|archive-date=December 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218203723/https://popculture.com/streaming/2019/06/09/the-ranch-danny-masterson-speaks-show-ending-implies-he-wants-return/|url-status=live}}</ref>
|} |}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|30em}} {{Reflist}}


==External links== ==External links==
* {{IMDb name|5194}} {{Commons category}}
*{{IMDb name|5194}}


{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Masterson, Danny}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Masterson, Danny}}
] ]
]
]
]
]
]
] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
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Latest revision as of 21:35, 21 December 2024

American actor (born 1976)

Danny Masterson
Masterson in 2015
BornDaniel Peter Masterson
(1976-03-13) March 13, 1976 (age 48)
Albertson, New York, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1980–2018
Spouse Bijou Phillips ​ ​(m. 2011; sep. 2023)
Children1
Relatives
Criminal information
Criminal statusIncarcerated
Conviction(s)Two felony counts of rape
Criminal chargeThree felony counts of rape
Penalty30 years to life in prison
Imprisoned atCalifornia Men's Colony

Daniel Peter Masterson (born March 13, 1976) is an American actor and convicted rapist. He portrayed Steven Hyde in That '70s Show (1998–2006), Milo Foster in Men at Work (2012–2014), and Jameson "Rooster" Bennett in The Ranch (2016–2018). In May 2023, Masterson was convicted of raping two women in 2003. A third count of rape resulted in a hung jury. In September 2023, he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. Masterson is a Scientologist, as were his victims at the time of the assaults. The Church of Scientology's attempts to silence the victims, and its subsequent interference, resulted in a 20-year delay in bringing the crimes to justice.

Early life and family

Masterson was born on Long Island, New York, to Carol and Peter Masterson. He grew up in Albertson, Garden City, and East Williston in Nassau County. Masterson has a brother, actor Christopher Masterson, who played Francis on Malcolm in the Middle. Their maternal half-siblings, Jordan Masterson and Alanna Masterson, are also actors. He also has a paternal half-brother, Will Masterson.

Career

Early years

Starting at age four, Masterson worked as a child model and was featured in magazine articles as well as television commercials beginning at age five. He starred in musicals at the age of eight and began acting as well. Masterson's singing voice "disappeared" by his teenage years. By the age of 16, he had appeared in over 100 commercials, including ones for Kellogg's Frosted Flakes, Hardee's, Hostess, Tang, and Clearasil.

Acting career

This section needs expansion. You can help by making an edit requestadding to it . (September 2023)

In the early 1990s, Masterson had a role in Beethoven's 2nd, and starred as Justin in Cybill. After starring in the third and fourth seasons of Cybill, Masterson decided he wanted to move on and audition for a show originally titled Teenage Wasteland, which later was changed to That '70s Show. The original casting director for That '70s Show, Debby Romano, resisted Masterson's audition because he was slightly older than the rest of the cast, but ultimately allowed him to audition. She stated, "he came in and he was just so funny" and that he redefined where the role was going and made the role of Steven Hyde the "tough, funny guy."

Masterson starred in all eight seasons of That '70s Show. His role on That '70s Show launched Masterson's career, allowing him to pursue other endeavors between tapings. After the show concluded, Masterson acted in several movies and made guest appearances on television shows including Punk'd and MADtv. Along with '70s costars Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama, he co-hosted the Fox TV special Woodstock 1999. He had a role in the 2008 comedy Yes Man. Masterson starred with his real-life future wife, Bijou Phillips, in the 2009 drama The Bridge to Nowhere.

In 2011, Masterson guest-starred as James Roland in USA Network's White Collar (episode "Where There's A Will"). He portrayed Jerry Rubin in the 2010 movie, The Chicago 8.

In 2012, the sitcom Men at Work premiered on TBS, co-starring Masterson, Michael Cassidy, James Lesure, and Adam Busch. In 2012, Masterson appeared in the film Alter Egos, directed by Jordan Galland.

Masterson starred alongside Sam Elliott, Ashton Kutcher, and Elisha Cuthbert in the Netflix comedy series The Ranch from 2016 to 2018. His character was written out of the series in the middle of filming the third 20-episode season because of the rape and assault allegations against him.

The allegations and the resulting trial also caused Masterson to be the only surviving main or supporting cast member of That '70s Show not to be invited back to the sequel series That '90s Show, and his character of Steven Hyde was simply not mentioned in the new series. His former castmate on That '70s Show and a fellow Scientologist, Laura Prepon, had left the Church by the time of the allegations.

Other ventures

Masterson in 2007

Masterson began DJing at Los Angeles night clubs in 1997 as a hobby, under the name DJ Donkey Punch, but it soon became a side business. After Donkey Punch, he changed his name to DJ Donkey Pizzle, then DJ Mom Jeans by 2010. Masterson is a self-described "rock and hip hop fanatic", and is also a fan of indie, electro, and funk music, all of which he primarily DJed with.

For a time, Masterson owned a lounge and bar in Park City, Utah, called Downstairs.

Masterson appeared as part of a poker team, the Unabombers, in the 2005 GSN series The James Woods Gang vs. The Unabombers. He had hosted celebrity poker events, such as the Phat Farm Stuff Casino Weekend Poker Tournament, in which he won the tournament.

Personal life

Masterson is a Scientologist. He started dating actress Bijou Phillips in 2004. They became engaged in 2009 and married on October 18, 2011. They have one daughter, who was born in February 2014.

On September 18, 2023, Phillips filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences and requesting full legal and physical custody of their child, as well as spousal support.

Sexual assault cases

See also: Scientology controversies and Weinstein effect

In March 2017, three women filed sexual assault allegations against Masterson, prompting an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. Masterson, through his agent, denied the allegations. In December 2017, after a fourth victim's accusations, Netflix fired Masterson from its comedy series The Ranch, saying in a statement, "Yesterday was his last day on the show, and production will resume in early 2018 without him." Masterson stated that he was "obviously very disappointed in Netflix's decision to write character off of The Ranch." A few weeks later, a fifth woman made similar rape accusations. He was dropped as a client by United Talent Agency.

In November 2017, musician Cedric Bixler-Zavala of the groups the Mars Volta and At the Drive-In wrote that Masterson had sexually assaulted his wife Chrissie Carnell. Bixler-Zavala further stated that At the Drive-In's song "Incurably Innocent" (from the 2017 album In•ter a•li•a) is about the incident.

In early 2017, the show Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath had filmed a two-hour episode that focused on the sexual-assault allegations against Masterson with interviews from multiple accusers. The show was planned to air during season 2, but the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office initially asked A&E not to air the episode until the office had concluded investigations and decided whether to charge Masterson. After waiting another year and a half, A&E decided to air the episode as the season 3 finale in February, but as soon as they announced it, A&E and Disney were bombarded with a campaign of attack letters from Scientologists. Though delayed, the episode finally aired six months later on August 26, 2019, as a two-hour special, titled "Waiting for Justice". One week before the airing, four accusers filed a civil suit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology.

Civil suit for harassment

Each of the four plaintiffs had been a member of the Church of Scientology at the time, as was Danny Masterson. Scientology forbids its members to report fellow members to police for any reason. After each plaintiff reported the sexual assaults to the police, each was declared a "suppressive person" and ejected from the Church. In the civil suit, the plaintiffs alleged the Church then mobilized an aggressive harassment campaign against them, called Fair Game in Scientology practice. The plaintiffs claimed they were subjected to stalking, physical invasion of privacy, constructive invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, though the campaigns against each plaintiff allegedly differed.

One plaintiff claimed her dog died from (unexplained) traumatic injuries to its trachea and esophagus, also alleging church members chased her as she drove her car, filmed her without permission, harassed her online, and posted ads to social media sites soliciting sex in her name. Another plaintiff stated that she and her neighbors observed a man snapping pictures from her driveway and later that night someone broke a window in her 13-year-old daughter's bedroom. Masterson has since responded to one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, claiming: "I'm not going to fight my ex-girlfriend in the media like she's been baiting me to do for more than two years. I will beat her in court—and look forward to it because the public will finally be able to learn the truth and see how I've been railroaded by this woman... and once her lawsuit is thrown out, I intend to sue her and the others who jumped on the bandwagon for the damage they caused me and my family." He did not address the stalking or harassment claims.

On January 22, 2020, Bixler-Zavala reported that a second of his family pets had to be euthanized because it had been fed rat poison wrapped inside a rolled-up piece of raw meat, alleging this was done by Scientologists in response to his repeated public statements alleging that Masterson had raped his wife (who was one of the four women who filed suit against Masterson). Masterson's wife Bijou Phillips made an Instagram post mocking court papers against Masterson.

Later, when the criminal case got underway, the parallel civil case was put on hold until after the criminal case was completed.

Criminal charges and trial

On June 17, 2020, Masterson was charged with raping a 23-year-old woman in 2001, a 28-year-old woman in early 2003, and a 23-year-old woman in late 2003. The three counts came after a three-year investigation beginning in 2017.

On January 21, 2021, Masterson pleaded not guilty. A four-day preliminary hearing began on May 18, 2021.

During the hearing, three women told how Church of Scientology employees tried to stop them from reporting Masterson to the police.

On May 21, 2021, Los Angeles County Superior Court judge Charlaine F. Olmedo ruled "all three witnesses to be credible and the evidence presented during a preliminary hearing sufficient to support the charges." She ordered that Masterson be bound over for trial on three counts of rape by force or fear and that he surrender his passport at his next arraignment, which was set for June 7, 2021. In the ruling, Judge Olmedo determined that the Scientology organization has "an expressly written doctrine" that "not only discourages, but prohibits" its members from going to the police to report illegal behavior.

On June 7, 2021, Masterson pleaded not guilty to rape accusations alleged to have occurred between 2001 and 2003. His defense attorney accused the three women of colluding against Masterson, claiming that they were in contact with each other. His defense attorney also stated that one of the Jane Does had obtained money from Masterson in 2004. After the June 7 arraignment, Masterson remained free on $3.3 million bail. A pretrial hearing was set for August 9, 2021.

During the pretrial hearing on August 9, 2021, Judge Olmedo rejected numerous subpoena requests from Masterson's defense attorneys, calling them "stunningly overbroad", including requests for LAPD records related to David Miscavige and Shelly Miscavige, a subpoena on the producers of the TV show Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, and a subpoena on an investigative reporter. The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case based on a lack of evidence presented during the May preliminary hearing, and Olmedo sent that motion to another judge. On November 10, 2021, Los Angeles County Judge Ronald S. Coen ruled that the testimony of the alleged victims was credible and sufficient to support the charges, setting trial for August 29, 2022 in Judge Olmedo's courtroom.

The August 29 trial date was subsequently rescheduled for October 11, 2022, at the request of Masterson's lawyers. Near the end of the month-long trial, Masterson decided not to testify nor call witnesses in his defense. Both parties rested their cases on November 14, 2022, and made their closing arguments the following day. The jury deadlocked after three days in deliberation; instead of declaring a mistrial, the judge ordered the jury to resume deliberations the week after Thanksgiving. The jury remained deadlocked once deliberations resumed; consequently, a mistrial was declared on November 30, 2022. The jury foreman said that the panel of six men and six women leaned towards acquitting Masterson on all counts because they found the testimonies of the complainants inconsistent and implausible; for instance, one Jane Doe testified in court that Masterson threatened her with a gun during the attack, but a firearm was not mentioned when she reported to the police: "The big big problem for her, credibility-wise, was the gun present in the testimony but not in the early reports", the jury foreman said.

Retrial

A new trial was held between April and May 2023, and on May 31, Masterson was convicted of two of the three counts of forcible rape. The jury was hung 8–4 in favor of conviction on the third charge. Masterson was remanded without bail until sentencing. As of June 2, he was incarcerated at Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles, in "administrative segregation" for his safety.

In July 2023, prosecutors announced that they would not retry Masterson on the charge which had resulted in a hung jury.

Sentencing

Masterson's December 2023 mugshot

On September 7, 2023, Masterson was sentenced to an indefinite period of 30 years to life in prison, which means he might be eligible for parole after serving 25½ years, but can be held in prison for life. His lawyers have said they will appeal the conviction.

Masterson was admitted to North Kern State Prison on December 27, 2023, after months of post-sentencing hearings. He was subsequently moved to and now resides at California Men's Colony.

Appeal

In January 2024, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied bail for Masterson pending an appeal with worries Masterson could flee. "If defendant's conviction and sentence are upheld on appeal, he will likely remain in custody for decades and perhaps the rest of his life," wrote Judge Charlaine Olmedo. "In light of the fact that defendant has no wife to go home to, defendant now has every incentive to flee and little reason to return to state prison to serve out the remainder of his lengthy sentence should his appeal be unsuccessful," the judge added in reference to the ongoing divorce proceedings between Masterson and Bijou Phillips.

Interference by Church of Scientology

After the criminal trial concluded, the victims' civil case resumed against Masterson and the Church of Scientology. Numerous instances of interference by the Church before, during and after the criminal trials were brought to light.

There were attempts to break in to the prosecutor's house and to run him off the road, his car windows were broken, electronics tampered, and he was surveilled. When seeking co-counsel, the prosecutor warned of potential harassment, stalking or other retaliation. Two attorneys declined out of fear, before the prosecutor found co-counsel.

LAPD detectives on the case were stalked, surveilled and experienced harassment. In the middle of the criminal trial, the Church of Scientology's head of security and their attorney Vicki Podberesky met with the LAPD chief of police to accuse detectives and prosecutors of misconduct. They claimed to have "boxes" of evidence alleging "detectives and prosecutors on the case had falsified witness testimony, overstated or coached witness testimony and withheld evidence". Prosecutor Mueller said the visit impacted the case when one of the detectives was afraid to testify.

One of the sexual assault victims claimed various harassment including tampering with security systems, vandalizing a car, and attempting to run them off the road. Another victim reported being followed during the criminal trial.

On June 7, 2023, Judge Olmedo sanctioned Masterson's earlier defense attorneys Tom Mesereau and Sharon Appelbaum for leaking confidential discovery material from the criminal case to Vicki Podberesky, an attorney representing the Church of Scientology in the civil lawsuit. This leak was in direct violation of "repeated directives and orders to refrain from providing criminal discovery to litigants and attorneys in the civil case." The files contained confidential information regarding the victims, including addresses and other personal information. Podberesky then used the information to file complaints against the lead prosecutors in Masterson's rape trial, requested the police department start criminal inquiries into the two detectives who testified in the trial, and alleged that the Masterson victims filed false police reports.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1993 Beethoven's 2nd Seth
1995 Bye Bye Love Mikey
1997 Face/Off Karl
Trojan War Seth
Star Kid Kevin
1998 Wild Horses Danny
Too Pure Tipper
The Faculty "Fucked-up" kid
1999 Dirt Merchant Dirt Merchant
2000 Dracula 2000 Nightshade
2001 Alex in Wonder Patrick
2002 Hip, Edgy, Sexy, Cool
Comic Book Villains Conan
Hold On
2005 Pancho's Pizza
2006 Puff, Puff, Pass Larry
2007 Smiley Face Steve
You Are Here Derek
2008 Yes Man Rooney
The Brooklyn Heist Fitz
2009 Wake Shane
Made for Each Other Morris "The Executioner" Rodriguez
The Bridge to Nowhere Kevin
2012 The Chicago 8 Jerry Rubin
California Solo Paul
Alter Egos Jimmy
The Polterguys Tim Burr
2015 In Passing Neighbor Short film
2016 Hot Bot Agent Koontz
Urge Neal

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1988 Jake and the Fatman Butch Episode: "After You're Gone"
1993 Joe's Life Leo Gennaro 11 episodes
1994 Roseanne Jimmy Phillips 2 episodes
1994–1997 NYPD Blue John 2 episodes
1995 Extreme Skeeter 7 episodes
1996 American Gothic Ray Episode: "Rebirth"
Seduced by Madness Seth Television film
Tracey Takes On... King the Dog Episode: "Family"
Party of Five Matt 3 episodes
Her Last Chance Ryan Television film
1996–1998 Cybill Justin Thorpe 16 episodes
1997 Sliders Renfield Episode: "Stoker"
1998–2006 That '70s Show Steven Hyde Main cast; 200 episodes
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for TV Choice Sidekick (2000)
Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Best Performance in a TV Series by a Young Ensemble
(shared with Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Wilmer Valderrama, and Ashton Kutcher) (1999)
2001 Strange Frequency Randy Television film
Grounded for Life Vince Episode: "Baby You Can't Drive My Car"
How to Make a Monster Jeremy Uncredited; Television film
2002–2004 MADtv Various 2 episodes
2003 King of the Hill Cory Voice; Episode: "Megalo Dale"
Robot Chicken Various Voice; 2 episodes
Stephen King's Dead Zone Dr. Alex Conners Episode: "Vanguard"
2005 Entourage Himself Episode: "Aquamansion"
2006 Kim Possible Quinn Voice; Episode: "And the Mole-Rat Will Be CGI"
2011 Raising Hope Lucy's Boyfriend Episode: "Don't Vote for This Episode"
White Collar James Roland Episode: "Where There's a Will"
2012–2014 Men at Work Milo Foster Main cast; 30 episodes
2012 Supah Ninjas Limelight/ Lemuel Lightner Episode: "Limelight"
2013 Haven Anderson Harris Episode: "Shot in the Dark"
2014 Royal Pains David Van Dyke Episode: "Ganging Up"
2016–2018 The Ranch Jameson "Rooster" Bennett Series regular; 50 episodes
2016 @midnight Himself Episode: "394"
WWE Raw Himself October 3, guest with Ashton Kutcher
2017 Easy Annie's Boyfriend Episode: "Baby Steps"

Music videos

Year Title Artist Role Notes
1999 "That '70s Song (In the Street)" Cheap Trick Hyde Along with Cast of That '70s Show
"Feelin' Alright" Len Student
2011 "The Way I Fiesta" (ft. Clayton Vice) Eduardo Fresco DJ

Producer

Year Title Type Notes
2008 The Brooklyn Heist Film Producer; Jury Award for Best Florida Comedy (shared with Dave Steck, Brett Halsey, Michael Cecchi, Julian Kheel)
2014 Men at Work Television Producer; 10 episodes
2016–2018 The Ranch Television Co-Executive Producer

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External links

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