Photo: Lucy Nicholson/Getty
AfterDanny Mastersonwas charged in 2020 with forcibly raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003, averdict was reachedon May 31, 2023.
TheThat ’70s Showactor pleaded not guilty to all three charges in January 2021, and a Los Angeles judge ordered him to stand trial last year. All of the alleged crimes occurred at Masterson’s home, prosecutors say, andall three accusers took the standto detail their allegations in May 2021 in a preliminary hearing.
On Oct. 19, 2022, Masterson’s sexual assault trial began when opening statements were delivered at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles, California. Masterson, who has been married to actress and modelBijou Phillipssince 2011, is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years to life in state prison, perDeadline.
Three of the alleged victims were Scientologists, a church Masterson has been a part of for years. The Church of Scientology has become a key theme in the case, despite the judge’s efforts to keep the focus on the alleged rape. “This is not going to become a trial on Scientology,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo said at a pre-trial hearing.
Since Masterson was first accused of sexual assault in 2017, his career in the entertainment industry has been largely impacted. Specifically,Netflix fired him from the seriesThe Ranchand United Talent Agencies cut ties with him after 20 years of representing the actor.
Keep scrolling for a timeline of Masterson’s controversies.
March 3, 2017: Los Angeles Police Department conducts investigation over three Danny Masterson sexual assault claims
Danny Masterson.Michael Buckner/Getty Images for The George Lopez Foundation
In a statement to PEOPLE at the time, Masterson’s rep refuted the claims. The rep said one alleged incident occurred when the actor was in a six-year relationship with the alleged victim.
Nov. 2, 2017: Danny Masterson’s fourth sexual assault accuser is reported
In November 2017, the Huffington Post’s Yashar Ali reported thata fourth woman accused Mastersonof raping her in the early 2000s.
According to Ali, the LAPD began interviewing accusers in late 2016, and police referred the case to the district attorney in April 2017. Ali reported at the time that the investigation had stalled, and that “despite compelling ― what one law enforcement source described as ‘overwhelming’ — evidence, the charges have not been approved for filing.” (A spokesperson for the D.A.’s office declined to comment to Ali at the time.)
Nov. 16, 2017: Chrissie Carnell Bixler comes forward as one of Danny Masterson’s sexual assault accusers
Danny Masterson.Lalo Yasky/Getty
Later that month, one of Masterson’s accusers,Chrissie Carnell Bixler, came forward publicly. She toldThe Daily Beastat the time that she could “no longer be silent,” adding, “the only way to protect ourselves is to speak.”
In her statement, she blasted Netflix for continuing its working relationship with Masterson on the scripted comedyThe Ranch, which Masterson co-starred in and co-produced with his formerThat ’70s ShowcostarAshton Kutcher.
“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.”
Dec. 4, 2017: One Danny Masterson’s accusers reveals that a Netflix executive told her he didn’t believe the accusations against the actor
In December, the Huffington Postreported that a Netflix executive unknowingly told one of Masterson’s accusers that higher-ups at the companydidn’t think the allegations were credible.
Dec. 5, 2017: Netflix fires Danny Masterson fromThe Ranch
Netflix
Shortly after, Netflix announced that it hadcut ties with Mastersonamid mounting pressure over the allegations.
“After discussing with the producers, we’ve decided to write Danny Masterson off ofThe Ranch. Yesterday was his last day of work, and we’ll make new episodes in 2018 without him,” the streaming service said in a statement.
Masterson said in a statement via his rep at the time that he was “very disappointed” in Netflix’s decision and reiterated his denial of the “outrageous allegations” against him.
Dec. 20, 2017: Bobette Riales comes forward as one of Danny Masterson’s accusers
George Pimentel/WireImage
A month later, actress Bobette Riales — who dated Masterson in the early 2000s —joined Bixler in coming forward.
“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.” (A rep for Masterson did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment at the time.)
Bixler responded to Riales, tweeting, “You are amazing. I’m so proud of you. He will never do this to another human being ever again. He’s a thief in the night, but he overlooked some incredibly valuable things we still possess. Our voice.”
Jan. 4, 2018: United Talent Agency cuts ties with Danny Masterson
A month after Netflix ousted Masterson, United Talent Agency, a top Hollywood agency, confirmed to the Huffington Post thatit no longer represented Masterson. The agency had previously worked with the actor for 20 years, according to the outlet.
Aug. 12, 2019: Four accusers sue Danny Masterson and the Church of Scientology
Danny Masterson.Lucy Nicholson/Reuters Pool/Splash News Online
In August, four womenfiled a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology, alleging they were stalked and intimidated after accusing the actor of raping them in the early 2000s.
In a statement at the time, a litigation counsel for the Church of Scientology told PEOPLE: “From everything we have read in the press, this baseless lawsuit will go nowhere because the claims are ludicrous and a sham. It’s a dishonest and hallucinatory publicity stunt.Leah Reminiis taking advantage of these people as pawns in her money-making scam.” (Remini was a member of the church for 35 years beforemaking her split public in 2013. Since she left, she’s been an outspoken critic of Scientology.)
June 17, 2020: Danny Masterson is charged with raping 3 women
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. Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller of the Sex Crimes Division said all of the alleged crimes occurred at Masterson’s home.
June 17, 2020: Danny Masterson is arrested and then released
According to the Associated Press, per jail records,Masterson was arrested later that morning. He was released a few hours later after posting bond and was scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 18.
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.
In a statement to PEOPLE, Masterson’s attorney Tom Mesereau said, “Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify.”
“Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out,” the statement continued. “The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”
“We are confident that the truth will be known and hope that the charges filed today are the first steps in this long journey of healing, justice, and holding those that victimized us accountable,” the statement continued.
Oct. 19, 2020: A Los Angeles judge rules that Danny Masterson’s rape case will move forward
“Arraignment was continued until November 2 and a judge denied a defense motion,” a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office told PEOPLE.
Masterson did not attend the hearing, remaining free on $3.3 million bail at the time. Furthermore, he had yet to enter a plea in the case, per Deadline.
Nov. 2, 2020: Danny Masterson’s arraignment is pushed to 2021
TheThat ’70s Showactor’s attorney, Mesereau, appeared before a Los Angeles judge, whoagreed to postpone Masterson’s arraignmentto Jan. 6, 2021.
“We think this case has already had enough publicity sufficient to prejudice any jury pool that might have to be picked at some point,” said Mesereau, who asked that media outlets be removed from the courtroom before the hearing, reportedNew York Daily News.
“There’s been politics behind the case, in our opinion,” Mesereau said. “We think it’s a politically motivated case.”
Jan. 20, 2021: Danny Masterson pleads not guilty to rape charges
Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Audi
Masterson pleaded not guiltytoraping the three womenduring the early 2000s. The actor’s attorney Mesereau entered the plea on behalf of Masterson, who was not present in court, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE.
May 18, 2021: Danny Masterson posts on Instagram from a court house
The actor shared a smiling selfie with his wife, Phillips, in anow-deleted Instagram post. “Had the most beautiful Uber driver drop me off at school today,” he wrote in the caption, tagging his location as “Court House.”
May 18, 2021: The first of Danny Masterson’s accusers takes the stand to describe their alleged rape
During the preliminary hearing in Los Angeles, one of Masterson’s accusersshared an emotional testimony of her alleged rapein court. Per the Associated Press, the woman told the judge that she was drugged at Masterson’s house and woke up to the actor raping her 18 years ago.
The woman tearfully explained that she went to his house to pick up a pair of keys from him on April 25, 2003, but was waylaid and decided to join in on drinks with mutual friends.
She said that about 20 minutes after she accepted a vodka mixed drink from Masterson, her vision became “blurry” and the actor pushed her into a jacuzzi, the outlet reported.
The woman went on to detail her alleged rape experience after he brought her upstairs, put her in the shower (where she vomitted) and put her on his bed where it happened. She said she was too weak to fight him off.
She said her memory is only in flashes, but said he pulled her hair and threatened her with a gun after she made attempts to push him off, the outlet reported.
May 19, 2021: The second of Danny Masterson’s accusers delivers testimony to the court about her alleged rape
“I tried pushing him off me and saying no I don’t want to have sex with you,” the woman said, per theAssociated Press. “He wouldn’t stop. So I did something that I knew would make him angry and likely to get off me. I pulled his hair. He has these rules, ‘no touch hair rule,’ ‘no touch face rule.’ He had this thing about his hair, so I knew if I pulled it really, really hard, he would get off me. But what he did was he hit me.”
The woman went on to claim that Mastersonhad raped her while she was unconsciousa month later, according to the outlet. Although she reported the alleged incident to the Church of Scientology, she said in court that the officials allegedly told her she was not raped and she did not report the incident to police until 15 years later. Furthermore, the Church of Scientology denied all of the women’s allegations.
May 20, 2021: The third of Danny Masterson’s accusers delivers a testimony to the court about her alleged rape
Lucy Nicholson/Getty
She said thatshe listened to what he asked of her that nightpartly because of his position of authority he held based on the high level he had reached in the Church of Scientology, the outlet reported.
May 21, 2021: Los Angeles judge says Danny Masterson must stand trial
Oct. 11, 2022: Jury selection begins in Danny Masterson case
Jury selection began on Oct. 11 for the case of Masterson, who is facing 45 years to life on three charges of rape. At the time, attorneys wereparticularly concerned about prospective jurors' feelingson the #MeToo movement and the Church of Scientology.
Oct. 18, 2022: Opening statements begin in Danny Masterson sexual assault trial
Mueller detailed accusations starting with J.B., who allegedly had two separate incidents with Masterson in September 2002 and April 2003. Though no charges were filed for the first, the district attorney claimed Masterson raped her again nine months later, which is the incident he’s now being charged in connection with.
Mueller went on to speak about C.B., a model who was Masterson’s girlfriend for about six years, who claimed she woke up to theThat ’70s Showactoraggressively raping with her several times.
Oct. 19, 2022: First witness in the Danny Masterson rape trial breaks down in tears
The first witness — who preferred to be identified as Jane Doe #1 — broke down in tears when telling the jurors the details from when Masteron allegedly raped her at his home in 2003. She testified that she remembered waking up in the actor’s bed with him on top of her and penetrating her. She later went on to detail the alleged incident that occurred in the jacuzzi.
Judge Charlaine Olmedoallowed limited discussion of the Church of Scientologyto show the relationship between the witnesses and their motivation, reportedVariety. “This is a rape case,” the judge said. “Go to the incidents.”
Oct. 21, 2022: First witness says she fears retaliation from Church of Scientology for testifying
Jane Doe #1 told a jury that she feared retaliation from the Church of Scientology for testifying against Masterson, in addition to noting that they could also go after her three children.
While she said that she filed a lawsuit against Masterson in 2019 as a way to “sue for peace,” she said in court that she left out some details in her initial report to the police in 2004 because “she wanted to protect the church and its officials,” reportedVariety.
Oct. 24, 2022: Second witness testifies in Danny Masterson rape trial
A second woman and former girlfriend of the actor — identified in court as Christina B. — testified that she woke up one night to find Masterson raping her in November 2001. She detailed his aggressive behavior and recounted the “no hair touch” rule.
Nov. 2, 2022: A third witness testifies in Danny Masterson rape trial
A third woman — who preferred to be identified as Jane Doe #2 — took the stand, telling jurors that Mastersonviolently raped her and left her feeling like a “rag doll"after he ignored her repeated pleas.
She went on to recall the incident that happened in the jacuzzi, when he ordered her “like a drill sergeant” to take her clothes off and get in the tub after he poured her a glass of wine to drink. The woman detailed the alleged rape that followed, taking place in the shower and then the bedroom.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go toonline.rainn.org.
May 31, 2023: Danny Masterson is convicted of 2 counts of rape
A jury at Los Angeles Superior Courtdetermined that Masterson is guiltyof two counts of rape, per theLos Angeles Times. After jurors deliberated for more than seven days, a third count of rape resulted in a hung jury, the outlet reported.
TheThat ’70s Showactordid not register much of a reaction to the verdict, according to L.A. reporter Meghann Cuniff, who noted that his family members were “fighting back tears” and that his wifeBijou Phillipsalso began to cry.
Cuniff reported Judge Charlaine Olmedo as saying, “Can you maintain your composure? I know it’s hard. But if not I need you to step outside.”
Masterson was handcuffed and immediately sent to jail, per Cuniff.
September 7, 2023: Danny Masterson gets sentence of 30 years to life in prison
After being convicted of two counts of rape in May,Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to lifein prison for his crimes in September. Before Masterson was sentenced, the two women he was convicted of raping gave victim impact statements.
“When you raped me, you stole from me,” said Masterson’s 2003 victim,the Associated Press reported. “That’s what rape is, a theft of the spirit.”
“You are pathetic, disturbed and completely violent,” she continued. “The world is better off with you in prison.”
The other victim told the court that she “knew he belonged behind bars for the safety of all the women he came into contact with,” according to AP. “I am so sorry, and I’m so upset. I wish I’d reported him sooner to the police,” she said.
source: people.com
