LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The days of making fun of Steven Hyde from 'That '70s Show' are over, as Danny Masterson, the actor, is accused of raping not one, but two women. The accusations against Masterson all come from former Scientologists who claim the church forced them to keep quiet about their encounters. On Wednesday, May 31, Masterson was found guilty on two of the three rape charges during his second trial in Los Angeles.
Even though the victims first made their claims public in 2017, charges weren't officially filed until three years later. The jury was unable to decide on the third allegation, which charged the actor with sexually assaulting a long-time girlfriend, the Associated Press reports. Now that the criminal trial is underway and the victims, some of whom were in relationships with Masterson, are bravely testifying, we're taking a look back at his dating life.
Christina Carnell Bixler
Former model and actress Christina Carnell Bixler, also known as Chrissie, dated Masterson from 1995 to 2002, Distractify reports. She has provided compelling testimony against Masterson and is one of the defendants in the case.
The two first met when Danny recruited her for the Church of Scientology. She had previously told the church that her then-boyfriend had sexually assaulted her, to which a spokesman had retorted, "You don’t rape someone you’re in a relationship with."
The alleged rapes, according to Bixler, who has come forward as one of Masterson's accusers, happened between November and December of 2001 when she was residing with the 'That '70s Show' actor at his Hollywood Hills house. She claimed that Masterson punched Bixler in the face with the intention of proving his innocence and that the sexual activity was consensual, as per Daily News.
Natalie Martinez
While the precise timing of Natalie Martinez and Masterson's relationship is unknown, it can be enacted that it began in 2003 when they were spotted together at an MTV 'Made' event. Natalie is a familiar face from TV shows including 'The Crossing,' 'The Fugitive,' and 'Ordinary Joe,' to mention a few. There is no information indicating that Natalie practices Scientology.
Bobette Riales
In the early 2000s, Bobette Riales dated Masterson as well, and in 2017, she came forward as a victim. "I stayed quiet long enough," she said on Twitter. "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," she added.
In the early 2000s, Riales claimed that Scientology adherent Masterson repeatedly sexually assaulted her. She did not ask for money in exchange for the alleged abuse; rather, she wanted "justice and to prevent this from ever happening to anyone else," as reported by Global News.
Bijou Phillips
Bijou Phillips is Masterson's wife and is supporting him throughout the trial. In 2004, they met at a poker game, and they got married in 2011. The couple share a daughter Fianna Francis Masterson, who was born in February 2014. Bijou is also a Church of Scientology adherent in addition to being a model and actor.
The couple has always been struggling through difficulties. Multiple women came forward in March 2017 to accuse Masterson of sexual assault in the early 2000s. He was therefore booted from 'The Ranch,' the Netflix sitcom he co-starred in with Ashton Kutcher from 'That '70s Show.'
In June 2020, Masterson was taken into custody and accused of three counts of rape. He entered an innocent plea to all counts after being released on a $3.3 million bail. Fast forward to 2023, Masterson was eventually found guilty on two of three counts of rape at his second trial on May 31, 2023. The jury, made up of five men and seven women, deliberated on the case for seven days over a period of two weeks before delivering a verdict.
