“That ‘70s Show” actor Danny Masterson was sentenced on Sept. 7 to serve 30 years to life in prison for the rape of two women.
The case, which has sparked a media frenzy for its ties to The Church of Scientology and other prominent figures, was victorious when a jury found Masterson guilty on two out of three charges of rape back in May.
From 1998 to 2006, Masterson starred as Steven Hyde on Fox’s “That ‘70s Show” which made stars of Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace. The crimes allegedly occurred at the height of Masterson’s career between 2001 and 2003.
Three of the alleged victims, as well as Masterson, were Scientologists — which became a key theme in the case— despite the judge’s efforts to keep the main focus on the rape charges.
Masterson’s career took a huge hit when his victims first stepped forward in 2017, at the height of the #MeToo movement.
Timeline of the Masterson Case:
March 2017:
The LAPD’s Robbery and Homicide Division confirmed that Masterson was under investigation over sexual assault allegations in a statement: “The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery Homicide Division, Sexual Assault Section, is conducting an investigation involving the actor Danny Masterson. Three women have come forward and disclosed that they were sexually assaulted by Masterson during the early 2000s.”
The investigation was first uncovered by journalist Tony Ortega, on his blog about Scientology, The Underground Bunker. According to Ortega, the three women who reported the crimes against them claimed that they were pressured by the Church of Scientology to not contact the authorities about Masterson.
November 2017:
Chrissie Carnell Bixler came forward publicly to The Daily Beast saying: “I’m going to be an amazing woman who will NOT shut my mouth when I find out my rapist raped countless other women. I will NOT shut my mouth when Netflix tries to make us feel like we don’t matter,” Bixler said. “We DO matter. We ARE important. We will see justice for what was done to us, and is continuing to be done to us…and for all those who knew/know and are either actively helping this serial rapist or are choosing to stay silent…YOU don’t matter.”
The Daily Beast
In her statement, she blasted Netflix for continuing to work with Masterson on “The Ranch,” which Masterson co-starred and co-produced with his “That ‘70s Show” alum Ashton Kutcher.
December 2017:
The Huffington Post reported that Netflix executive, Andy Yeatman, unknowingly told one of Masterson’s accusers that other higher-ups at the company did not believe the allegations to be credible. Yeatman was later fired and Netflix confirmed that Yeatman was unaware that he was speaking to one of Masterson’s accusers when he made “careless” and “uninformed” comments.
Shortly after, Netflix announced that they cut ties with Masterson:
“After discussing with the producers, we’ve decided to write Danny Masterson off of The Ranch. Yesterday was his last day of work, and we’ll make new episodes in 2018 without him.”
Masterson responded to the statement via rep saying he was “very disappointed” in the decision. Reiterating his denial of the “outrageous allegations” against him.
Later that month, actress Bobette Riales,who dated Masterson in the early 2000s, came forward in a tweet stating:
“I stayed quiet long enough,” she tweeted. “Danny Masterson repeatedly raped me. All I seek is justice and to prevent this from ever happening to anyone else as it has for some time. My truth will be heard. I applaud her strength as well. @ChrissieBixler #metoo #sisters.”
Twitter
January 2018:
United Talent Agency confirmed that they cut all ties with Masterson after working with him for 20 years.
August 2019:
Bixler, Riales and two anonymous Jane Does filed a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology for engaging in stalking, physical invasion of privacy, and a conspiracy to obstruct justice.
The four women sought unspecified damages and demanded a trial after claiming they suffered emotional distress after filing police reports against Masterson.
Masterson responded in a statement through his attorney saying: “This is beyond ridiculous. 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.”
June 17, 2020:
Danny Masterson was arrested and officially charged with three counts of rape by force or fear.
Prosecutors alleged that Masterson raped a 23-year-old woman sometime in 2001; a 28-year-old woman in April 2003; and a 23-year-old woman between October and December 2003. All of the alleged crimes were said to have occurred at the actor’s home.
Prosecutors declined to file sexual assault charges against Masterson in two other cases: one for insufficient evidence and the other based upon the statute of limitations for the alleged crime.
Masterson was released after posting bond and was scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 18.
October 2020:
A Los Angeles judge ruled that the case would move forward, rejecting the defense argument that the case should be thrown out because the crimes occurred outside the statute of limitations.
Masterson did not attend the hearing and remained free on $3.3 million bail.
January 2021:
Masterson pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
May 2021:
The victims took the stand in a preliminary hearing and testified in support of their allegations stating the details of their assault. The testimonies detailed the circumstances of the assaults, which included forcible rape, intimidation and drugging. The victims also stated the role of the Church of Scientology in suppressing their voices and claims of assault due to his high-level authority.
The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs ordering Masterson to stand trial on three counts of rape.
October-November 2022:
The victims took the stand providing emotional testimonies during the trial. The defense continued to deny all allegations and suggested “cross-contamination” claiming the women all the women had previously spoken to each other prior to speaking to the LAPD.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed limited discussion to the Chuch of Scientology, to only allow the relationship between the witnesses and their motivation.
May 31, 2023:
Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape by a jury at the Los Angeles Superior Court. The actor was immediately handcuffed and sent to jail.
September 7, 2023:
After his conviction in May, Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for his crimes. Prior to his sentencing, the two women he was convicted of raping gave victim impact statements.
“When you raped me, you stole from me,” one victim said. “You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent,” she continued. “The world is better off with you in prison.”
Controversy post-sentencing:
In the hours following the sentencing, media outlets reported that “That ‘70’s Show” co-stars Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher wrote glowing character references supporting Masterson.
The couple described Masterson as a man “with decency, equality, and generosity” and as “an outstanding role model and friend” and “exceptional older brother figure”.
Critics attacked the couple for their apologist statements and the couple posted a public apology via Instagram, saying they were sorry for the pain they caused and expressed regret for undermining the victim’s testimony.
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