Summary (tl;dr)

Actor Danny Masterson is currently trending as he has filed a petition for habeas corpus, seeking to overturn his 2023 rape convictions and 30-years-to-life prison sentence. He claims his trial lawyer provided ineffective assistance and that the legal proceedings were biased against Scientology.

Essential Background

Danny Masterson, known for his role as Steven Hyde in "That '70s Show," faced accusations of rape from multiple women dating back to the early 2000s. After an initial trial in 2022 resulted in a hung jury, a retrial in May 2023 found him guilty of two counts of forcible rape. He was subsequently sentenced in September 2023 to 30 years to life in state prison. The Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a prominent member, featured heavily in the trials, with victims alleging that church doctrine discouraged them from reporting the assaults to law enforcement. Masterson has consistently maintained his innocence. He was initially admitted to North Kern State Prison and later moved to California Men's Colony.

The Full Story

On Monday, November 17, 2025, Danny Masterson filed a petition for habeas corpus with California's 2nd District Court of Appeal. This legal challenge seeks to invalidate his imprisonment, arguing that his trial attorney, Philip Cohen, failed to provide adequate defense. Masterson alleges that Cohen neglected to call crucial witnesses, did not present exculpatory evidence, and failed to sufficiently counter the prosecution's claims regarding the Church of Scientology's alleged interference. Furthermore, the petition claims that law enforcement and prosecutors exhibited an anti-Scientology bias, partly due to the involvement of outspoken former Scientologist Leah Remini. Masterson's new legal team asserts that the jury heard an incomplete account of the events and that he is entitled to a new trial. This filing comes weeks after his estranged wife, Bijou Phillips, reportedly moved to have his last name removed from their daughter's legal name.

Why It Matters

The ongoing legal battle surrounding Danny Masterson continues to draw significant public attention, particularly given its intersection with the #MeToo movement and the scrutiny of celebrity conduct. This appeal keeps the high-profile case in the spotlight and could set precedents regarding the role of religious organizations in legal proceedings and the standards of effective legal counsel. A successful appeal could potentially lead to a new trial or a reduced sentence, while its denial would solidify his conviction. The case also continues to spark conversations about justice for victims of sexual assault and the complexities of the judicial system.

Geographic Location

• Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location of the alleged rapes)
• Los Angeles Superior Court, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location of trials and sentencing)
• California's 2nd District Court of Appeal, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (where the petition for habeas corpus was filed)
• California Men's Colony, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo County, California, United States (where Danny Masterson is currently imprisoned)