Danny Masterson: From That ’70s Show Star to Convicted Rapist — 2025 Appeal Update
Danny Masterson, best known for playing Steven Hyde on the hit sitcom That ’70s Show, is now serving a 30-year-to-life prison sentence for two counts of forcible rape. His 2023 conviction ended a long legal battle that began with allegations dating back to the early 2000s and involved the Church of Scientology. As of 2025, Masterson is actively fighting to overturn his conviction through both a direct appeal and a habeas corpus petition.
The case has drawn widespread attention not only because of Masterson’s fame but also due to the central role his longtime affiliation with Scientology played during the trial. Prosecutors argued that the church discouraged victims from reporting the assaults, a claim that Masterson’s legal team now challenges as biased. The actor maintains his innocence and insists the encounters were consensual.
His legal strategy in 2025 focuses on arguments of inadequate legal representation, judicial bias against Scientology, and alleged inconsistencies in victim testimony. The outcome of his appeal remains pending before the California 2nd District Court of Appeal.
What Is Danny Masterson Known For?
That ’70s Show (Steven Hyde)
Convicted of two counts of rape; sentenced to 30 years to life; currently incarcerated
Appeal filed March 2025; oral arguments heard
Scientology involvement alleged to have influenced case
Masterson’s career peaked with That ’70s Show, but legal troubles have overshadowed his legacy. The appeal hinges on the exclusion of evidence about victims’ civil lawsuits and statute of limitations. Scientology played a significant role in the case, with victims alleging church interference. Masterson’s Instagram account remains active, showing a curated personal life despite imprisonment. The 2025 appeal could either reduce his sentence or lead to a new trial.
- Danny Masterson’s career peaked with That ’70s Show, but legal troubles have overshadowed his legacy.
- The appeal hinges on the exclusion of evidence about victims’ civil lawsuits and statute of limitations.
- Scientology played a significant role in the case, with victims alleging church interference.
- Masterson’s Instagram account remains active, showing a curated personal life despite imprisonment.
- The 2025 appeal could either reduce his sentence or lead to a new trial.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Peter Masterson |
| Born | March 13, 1976 |
| Occupation | Actor, producer |
| Notable Role | Steven Hyde – That ’70s Show (1998–2006) |
| Spouse | Bijou Phillips (m. 2011; filed for divorce 2023) |
| Children | 1 daughter |
| Conviction | Two counts of forcible rape (2023) |
| Sentence | 30 years to life in prison |
| Current Status | Incarcerated at California Men’s Colony; appeal pending |
What Happened to Danny Masterson? Legal Case and Conviction
Charges and Allegations
Masterson was convicted of raping two women at his Hollywood Hills residence in 2003, with incidents alleged to have occurred between 2001 and 2003. Prosecutors said he used force or fear after surreptitiously drugging them. The two convicted victims, identified in court as J.B. and N.T., and a third woman (C.B.), were all members of the Church of Scientology at the time of the assaults.
The Role of Scientology
Prosecutors argued that the church discouraged the women from reporting the assaults to police. Two victims testified they faced threats of excommunication if they contacted law enforcement. A former Scientologist testified that the church requires special approval for members to report to authorities. Masterson was a longtime, prominent member of Scientology, having joined as a child.
The first trial in 2022 ended in a mistrial when the jury deadlocked on all counts. The second trial in 2023 convicted Masterson on two counts but deadlocked on the third, which was later dismissed.
Sentencing
On September 7, 2023, Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole for at least 20 years. He is currently incarcerated at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo.
Is Danny Masterson in Jail? Current Status and Appeal
Current Incarceration
Yes, Masterson is in jail. He remains held at the California Men’s Colony, a state prison in San Luis Obispo, while his legal challenges proceed.
Appeal Arguments (2024–2025)
Masterson’s legal team has filed multiple challenges. A direct appeal filed in December 2024 contests trial court rulings. A separate habeas corpus petition lists 11 claims aimed at vacating his sentence. The primary arguments include inadequate legal defense, judicial bias against Scientology, victim credibility, and missing exculpatory evidence.
His attorneys claim that trial lawyer Philip Cohen failed to call key witnesses or present evidence that could have exonerated him. They also allege the judge showed bias against Scientology, allowing an “unconstitutional intrusion” into church doctrine. The appeal brief challenges the victims’ credibility, asserting their testimony changed dramatically due to financial self-interest.
If the appeal succeeds, Masterson could receive a new trial or have his sentence reduced. If it fails, he may seek review from the California Supreme Court. His next possible parole eligibility date would be more than 20 years from now, around 2053.
Latest Developments
In mid-2025, Masterson’s team submitted a massive, “oversized” appeal brief. In November 2025, a new habeas corpus petition was filed implicating former Scientologist and critic Leah Remini, suggesting her criticisms played a role in the proceedings. The appeal remains pending in the California 2nd District Court of Appeal.
Was Danny Masterson Involved With Scientology?
Membership and Its Impact
Masterson was a longtime, prominent member of the Church of Scientology, having joined as a child. He remained active until his legal troubles intensified. The church’s involvement became a central issue at trial, with prosecutors arguing that it discouraged victims from reporting the crimes.
Victim Testimony and Church Policy
Two victims testified they were threatened with excommunication if they contacted law enforcement. A former Scientologist confirmed that the church requires special approval for members to report to authorities. Masterson’s defense, however, claims the trial judge showed bias by allowing testimony about Scientology doctrine.
The full extent of Scientology’s involvement remains disputed. Victims’ claims of church interference are contradicted by church denials. The appeal court may need to weigh whether evidence about Scientology was properly admitted or prejudicial.
Key Events in Danny Masterson’s Legal Case
- 2001–2003 – Alleged rapes occur (three women)
- 2017 – LAPD investigation begins; allegations surface publicly
- 2019 – First charges filed; Masterson pleads not guilty
- 2020 – Preliminary hearings; case moves to trial
- 2022 – First trial ends in mistrial due to hung jury
- May 2023 – Second trial convicts Masterson on two counts; acquitted on third
- September 2023 – Sentenced to 30 years to life
- 2024 – Appeal filed; briefs submitted
- March 2025 – Appeal oral arguments heard at California Court of Appeal
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear in Danny Masterson’s Case?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Masterson was convicted of two counts of rape in 2023. | Outcome of the appeal (could be affirmed, reversed, or reduced). |
| He is currently serving a 30-year-to-life sentence. | Whether new evidence will be allowed in a potential retrial. |
| He has filed an appeal challenging the conviction. | The full extent of Scientology’s involvement (victims’ claims vs. church denial). |
| His wife Bijou Phillips filed for divorce in 2023. | Masterson’s future career prospects if released. |
What Is the Broader Context of Danny Masterson’s Case?
Masterson’s conviction came amid a wave of #MeToo-era prosecutions of powerful figures. California law allows victims to file civil sexual assault lawsuits within a one-year window after a criminal conviction, which opened the door for civil claims against Masterson. His defense has explicitly cited “financial self-interest” as a motive for victims altering their testimony, referencing the potential for civil damages.
The case also highlights the tension between religious liberty and criminal justice. The trial judge’s decision to allow testimony about Scientology’s internal policies was a key point of contention. Legal analysts note that if the appeal succeeds on the grounds of judicial bias, it could set a precedent for how religious affiliations are treated in court.
For readers interested in similar celebrity legal cases, see Brendon Urie – Biography, Controversy, and Future Plans and Jessica Biel – Biography, Age, Net Worth, Films, Husband, Kids.
What Do the Court Filings and Statements Reveal?
“The jury never heard that the victims could only sue for rape if Masterson was criminally convicted.”
— Courthouse News, citing Masterson’s appeal brief (2025)
“He stole my voice and my sense of safety.”
— Victim statement at sentencing (2023)
“The verdict was not supported by the evidence.”
— Masterson’s attorney, press statements
What Is the Outlook for Danny Masterson’s Appeal?
The appeal decision is expected within months of the March 2025 oral arguments. If the court affirms the conviction, Masterson may petition the California Supreme Court. If the conviction is overturned, a retrial could follow. In either scenario, victims’ civil lawsuits may proceed. Broader coverage of the legal system and celebrity cases can be found in Brendon Urie – Biography, Controversy, and Future Plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Danny Masterson’s net worth?
Estimated at $1–2 million prior to conviction, largely from his television career, though legal fees and divorce may have reduced it.
Is Danny Masterson still married?
No. His wife Bijou Phillips filed for divorce in 2023 shortly after his conviction.
How old is Danny Masterson?
Born March 13, 1976; he is 49 years old as of 2025.
What movies and TV shows was Danny Masterson in?
Besides That ’70s Show, he starred in Men at Work, The Bridge, and films like The Night Before and Yes Man.
Did Danny Masterson serve in the military?
No, there is no record of military service.
Is Danny Masterson on Instagram?
Yes, @dannymasterson has over 436k followers, but posts have become infrequent since his incarceration.
Where is Danny Masterson now?
He is incarcerated at the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, serving a 30-year-to-life sentence.
What were the allegations against Danny Masterson?
He was accused of raping three women between 2001 and 2003, using force or fear after drugging them. He was convicted on two counts.
What is the status of Danny Masterson’s appeal?
An appeal and habeas corpus petition are pending. Oral arguments were heard in March 2025; a decision is expected within months.
Did Danny Masterson get a new trial?
Not yet. His appeal seeks a new trial or reversal of conviction. The court has not ruled.
Daniel Mercer is Music & Theatre Correspondent at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering music, theatre, concerts, West End coverage, festivals, live entertainment and album releases.