Danny Masterson – Biography, Rape Conviction and 2026 Appeal Status

Danny Masterson, the American actor best known for playing Steven Hyde on the sitcom That ’70s Show, was convicted in 2023 of two counts of forcible rape and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. As of mid-2026, he remains incarcerated at California Men’s Colony while his legal team pursues an appeal. This article provides a comprehensive overview of his biography, the criminal case, the ongoing appeal, and the role of the Church of Scientology.

Who Is Danny Masterson? Biography and Career

Key Insights

• Danny Masterson’s conviction marked a significant legal moment due to the involvement of the Church of Scientology and the use of a special procedure to force his church to pay the victims’ legal fees.
• His 2026 appeal challenges the trial court’s refusal to allow evidence that the victims could only sue for rape if the actor was “criminally convicted”, potentially undermining their credibility.
• Masterson remains incarcerated pending appeal, and parole eligibility begins after serving 30 years (i.e., 2053).
• The case has reignited public debate about statute of limitations and institutional suppression of sexual assault claims.

Snapshot Facts

Born Daniel Peter Masterson on March 13, 1976, in Nassau County, New York, he began his acting career as a child model and landed his breakout role as Steven Hyde on the Fox sitcom That ’70s Show, which aired from 1998 to 2006. He later appeared in series such as Men at Work and The Ranch. Masterson is a longtime member of the Church of Scientology, a fact that would later become central to the legal proceedings against him. For more on celebrities from similar eras, see Eva Longoria – Biography, Age, Net Worth and 2025 Updates.

What Did Danny Masterson Do? The Rape Conviction Explained

Masterson was accused of raping three women in incidents alleged to have occurred in 2001 and 2003. The first trial in 2022 ended in a mistrial when the jury could not reach a verdict. A retrial in April and May 2023 resulted in a conviction on two counts of forcible rape on May 31, 2023; the third count ended with a hung jury, and prosecutors later announced they would not retry that accusation.

Why Was Danny Masterson Convicted of Rape?

At trial, the prosecution presented testimony from the three women, who were all Scientologists at the time of the alleged assaults. The jury heard evidence that Masterson used his status within the church to facilitate the attacks. The defense argued that the encounters were consensual and that the women had fabricated the allegations.

How Many Women Accused Danny Masterson?

Three women came forward with accusations. The first two led to the conviction; the third resulted in a hung jury. The women were also Scientologists, and the church’s internal policies were a key element of the case.

Is Danny Masterson in Jail? Current Status and Incarceration

Yes, Danny Masterson is incarcerated. After sentencing on September 7, 2023, he was initially held at North Kern State Prison before being transferred to California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo, where he remains as of mid-2026.

How Long Is Danny Masterson’s Prison Sentence?

He was sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison. Under California sentencing rules, he will become eligible for parole after serving approximately 25.5 years, meaning no earlier than 2053.

Is Danny Masterson Eligible for Parole?

Parole eligibility begins after he serves the 30-year minimum term. However, the parole board’s decision is discretionary, and his conviction for a violent crime makes release uncertain even after that date.

What Is the Status of Danny Masterson’s Appeal? (2026 Update)

Masterson’s legal team filed an appeal shortly after his conviction. The appeal was heard by the California Court of Appeal on June 25, 2026. As of the latest available information, a written ruling has not yet been published.

What Arguments Are Being Made in the Appeal?

The defense argues that the trial court improperly excluded evidence that the victims could only sue Masterson for rape if he was criminally convicted. According to Masterson’s attorney, “The jury never got to hear that the victims could only sue for rape if the ‘That 70’s Show’ actor was criminally convicted.” This, they claim, gave the victims a financial incentive to see him convicted.

Has the Appeal Been Successful?

No. The appeal is still pending. The California Court of Appeal has not issued a ruling. If the appeal is denied, Masterson may petition the California Supreme Court. If granted, the conviction could be overturned or a retrial ordered.

How Did Scientology Influence the Danny Masterson Case?

Masterson is a committed Scientologist, and the three women were also members of the Church of Scientology at the time of the alleged assaults. The church’s internal policies, which discourage members from reporting crimes to law enforcement, became a central theme in the trial.

What Role Did the Church of Scientology Play in the Trial?

The trial included testimony about how the church handled the allegations internally. The court also addressed a legal battle to force the church to pay the victims’ attorney fees. The Church of Scientology official site has not publicly commented on the conviction in detail.

What Did the Victims Say About Scientology?

The victims testified that they feared retaliation from the church for reporting the assaults. Their accounts highlighted the church’s role in discouraging contact with law enforcement, which they said delayed their willingness to come forward.

When Was Danny Masterson Convicted? Timeline of Key Events

1. March 13, 1976: Born in Nassau County, New York.
2. 1998–2006: Portrays Steven Hyde on That ’70s Show.
3. 2000s: Becomes a prominent member of the Church of Scientology.
4. March 2017: Los Angeles Police Department begins investigation after multiple women come forward.
5. June 2020: Charged with three counts of forcible rape by the Los Angeles County District Attorney.
6. September 2022: First trial ends with a hung jury (11-1 for conviction on two counts).
7. May 31, 2023: Found guilty of two counts of forcible rape; third count deadlocked.
8. September 7, 2023: Sentenced to 30 years to life in state prison.
9. October 2023: Begins serving sentence at California Men’s Colony.
10. June 25, 2026: Appeal hearing before California Court of Appeal; ruling pending.

For a deeper look at another celebrity controversy, see Melanie Martinez – Full Bio, Albums, Tour & Controversy.

What Is Certain and Uncertain About the Case?

What Is the Broader Significance of the Danny Masterson Case?

The Danny Masterson case sits at the intersection of celebrity, institutional power (Scientology), and the MeToo movement. His conviction was notable for the trial’s reliance on “propensity evidence” from three women and for the unusual legal battle to make the Church of Scientology pay the victims’ attorney fees. The 2026 appeal focuses on evidentiary rulings regarding the victims’ civil case timing. Legal experts are divided: some believe the appeal has merit based on procedural errors; others argue the evidence of guilt was overwhelming. The case continues to generate high public interest, with Netflix and other media outlets producing documentaries about it.

What Are the Key Sources and Quotes?

“The jury never got to hear that the victims could only sue for rape if the ‘That 70’s Show’ actor was criminally convicted.”

— Masterson’s attorney, as reported by Courthouse News Service, June 25, 2026.

“We are extremely confident in the strength of our case and the jury’s verdict.”

— Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office statement, September 2023.

“Danny is innocent and was wrongfully convicted. We will fight until he is free.”

— Bijou Phillips, statement via representative, 2023.

Sources for this article include Wikipedia, Courthouse News Service, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Los Angeles Times, and BBC News.

Danny Masterson: What Happens Next?

As of mid-2026, the legal community is awaiting the California Court of Appeal’s written opinion, due within 90 days of the June 25 hearing. If the appeal is denied, Masterson may petition the California Supreme Court. If granted, the conviction could be overturned or a retrial ordered. Meanwhile, at least two documentary projects are in development, and the case remains a touchstone in discussions about celebrity, power, and institutional accountability. For a broader look at biography and legal updates, see Eva Longoria – Biography, Age, Net Worth and 2025 Updates.

Frequently Asked Questions