Danny Masterson Release Date: California Court Delivers Setback Verdict for “That ’70s Show” Actor
Danny Masterson, best known for playing Steven Hyde on the sitcom “That ’70s Show,” has received more bad news from a California court. The actor is serving a long prison sentence for rape. A new court decision has made it even less likely that he will be released early. For investors and general readers following the case, here is a clear look at what happened and why it matters.
Who Is Danny Masterson?
Masterson became famous in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He played Hyde on “That ’70s Show” for eight seasons. Later, he appeared in the Netflix comedy “The Ranch.” His career came to a halt when several women accused him of sexual assault. The accusations dated back to the early 2000s, when Masterson was at the height of his fame.
The First Trial Ended Without a Verdict
Masterson’s first trial took place in 2022 in Los Angeles. The jury could not agree on the charges. This is called a deadlocked jury, or a hung jury. When that happens, the judge declares a mistrial. The case is not over. Prosecutors can choose to try the defendant again, and that is exactly what happened here.
A deadlocked jury is common in complex cases. Jurors may disagree about the evidence or about how credible the witnesses are. In Masterson’s case, the split meant neither side won. The prosecution decided to retry him, and the second trial began the following year.
The Retrial and the Conviction
At the retrial in 2023, the outcome was different. The jury convicted Masterson of raping two women. The verdict was a major moment in a case that had drawn wide attention. It also came during a period when courts were taking sexual assault cases more seriously, partly due to the broader cultural shift often called the #MeToo movement.
After the conviction, the judge sentenced Masterson to 30 years to life in prison. That is a very long sentence. In California, a term like “30 years to life” means the person must serve at least 30 years before becoming eligible for parole. Even then, release is not automatic. A parole board must decide whether the person is safe to release.
What the New Court Decision Means
The recent setback verdict is about Masterson’s effort to challenge his conviction. Convicted defendants often appeal. They ask a higher court to review the trial for legal errors. If the appeal succeeds, the conviction could be overturned or a new trial could be ordered. If the appeal fails, the conviction stands.
In this case, the California court ruled against Masterson. That means his conviction remains in place. His path to release has become narrower. He will likely remain in prison well into the future, and any release would depend on parole decisions many years from now.
Why This Case Draws So Much Attention
The case matters for several reasons. First, it involves a well-known celebrity, which always attracts public interest. Second, it shows how a retrial can change the outcome of a case. A hung jury does not mean the end of a legal fight. Third, it highlights how long the legal process can take. The accusations were years old, the first trial was in 2022, and the appeals continue today.
For investors, the case is a reminder that legal and reputational risk can have long-lasting effects. Media companies and streaming platforms often face pressure when stars are accused of crimes. Shows can be pulled, contracts can end, and value can be lost. The Masterson case is a clear example of how a single legal outcome can reshape a career and affect the businesses around it.
The Bottom Line
Danny Masterson was convicted of raping two women after his first trial ended with a deadlocked jury. He is serving 30 years to life in prison. The latest California court decision is a setback for him and keeps his conviction in place. For the public, the case remains a serious story about crime, accountability, and the long reach of the law.
