Workplace s*xual harassment became a major topic of discussion after the Harvey Weinstein s*xual assault cases of 2017. Hollywood has since seen a number of celebrities getting outed for their bad behavior on and off sets toward women. The latest celebrity on the list was actor Danny Masterson who played Steven Hyde in That 70’s Show.
On September 7, 2023, Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he was found guilty of the r*pe of two women in separate incidents in 2001 and 2003. The District Attorney representing the victims stated:
“This has been a long and arduous road for the victims of Mr. Masterson. They not only survived his abuse, they also survived a system that is often not kind to victims.”
Not only Danny Masterson, but the grievous crimes have also landed some other famous Hollywood celebrities in jail.
6. Drake Bell
The famous Nickelodeon actor from Drake & Josh and The Amanda Show was convicted of attempted child endangerment. The actor and musician was arrested on June 4, 2021, after police found that Bell had sent inappropriate messages to a 15-year-old girl who attended one of his concerts. Bell pleaded guilty to the charges, however, the victim later accused him of s*xually assaulting her, in addition to the existing charges. Bell was sentenced to two years probation.
5. Mark Salling
Mark Salling, who acted in Glee, was arrested on suspicion of possessing child p*rnography on December 29, 2015. The actor, who was also Naya Rivera’s ex-boyfriend, was later released on bail, but a police search further found more p*rnographic material at his Los Angeles home. In September 2017, he pleaded guilty to the charges, and sentencing was set for March 2018. The actor committed suicide by hanging before the sentencing.
4. Mike Tyson
Before turning his life around, Mike Tyson had a troubled personal life. In July 1991, Tyson was arrested for the r*pe of 18-year-old Desiree Washington, a former beauty pageant contestant, and he was sentenced to six years in prison in February 1992. He served half of the sentence before getting prematurely released after three years. Tyson maintains his innocence to this date but admits that he enjoyed his prison time, even getting some tattoos and a girlfriend while in prison.
3. Roman Polanski
Roman Polanski still remains a fugitive of the US justice system, after he escaped the country to avoid facing jail time for unlawful s*x with a minor in 1977. The director initially pleaded guilty to the charges, underwent psychiatric treatment, and even spent 42 days in jail. However, he fled the country upon learning of the possibility of further jail time. Polanski resides in Europe and is still entangled in a 4-decade long legal battle.
2. R. Kelly
The former King of R&B, R. Kelly was arrested for s*xually assaulting young fans. The singer was convicted of s*x trafficking and s*xual exploitation of a minor. Kelly has been incarcerated since July 2019. The long trial brought out the abusive nature of Kelly’s assault, including locking fans and aspiring singers in rooms without food for days. In separate charges in Chicago, the singer is facing additional jail time for child p*rnography.
1. Bill Cosby
The famous American comedian, Bill Cosby, was convicted of aggravated indecent assault in 2018 and spent almost 3 years in jail before the conviction was overturned. Several women came forward with accusations against The Cosby Show actor in 2014. Cosby’s insurer has settled a majority of these cases against Cosby’s will, however, the actor, who was hailed as America’s dad, still has a long way to go with legal battles.
