Cheryl Burke's "Worst Nightmare": Understanding the Danny Masterson Case and Its Lingering Impact

Cheryl Burke, the celebrated "Dancing with the Stars" (DWTS) professional dancer, recently expressed her "worst nightmare" being the possibility of seeing Danny Masterson, the actor convicted of rape, again. This statement, while personal, shines a spotlight on the complexities of the Masterson case and its repercussions for survivors and the entertainment industry. This explainer breaks down the situation, examining who is involved, what happened, when and where it occurred, and why Burke's statement carries significant weight.

Who is Involved?

  • Cheryl Burke: A professional dancer known for her long tenure on DWTS. She has been vocal about her experiences with abuse and trauma.

  • Danny Masterson: An actor best known for his role in the sitcom "That '70s Show." He was convicted of raping two women in May 2023.

  • Bijou Phillips: Masterson's wife and an actress. She filed for divorce from Masterson shortly after his sentencing.

  • The Victims: Three women, identified as Jane Doe 1, Jane Doe 2, and Jane Doe 3, accused Masterson of rape. Masterson was convicted of raping Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2.

  • The Church of Scientology: Masterson is a prominent member of the Church of Scientology, which has faced scrutiny for its alleged role in discouraging victims from reporting abuse.

    • What Happened?

    Danny Masterson was accused of raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003. The allegations surfaced publicly in 2017 amidst the #MeToo movement. The women accused Masterson of drugging and raping them in his Hollywood Hills home. The Church of Scientology's alleged involvement in suppressing the allegations and intimidating the victims became a central point of contention.

    Masterson was initially charged with raping three women in 2020. His first trial in 2022 ended in a hung jury. A second trial concluded in May 2023 with Masterson being convicted of two counts of rape. He was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in September 2023.

    Cheryl Burke was not one of Masterson's accusers. However, she testified during the sentencing phase, sharing her personal experiences with abuse and trauma, emphasizing the lasting impact of such crimes on survivors. She advocated for the maximum sentence, highlighting the need for accountability.

    When and Where Did This Occur?

    The alleged rapes occurred between 2001 and 2003 in Masterson's Hollywood Hills home. The trials took place in Los Angeles, California, highlighting the concentration of the entertainment industry and its related legal proceedings in the area. Burke's statement followed Masterson's sentencing in September 2023.

    Why Is This Significant?

    Cheryl Burke's statement is significant for several reasons:

  • Amplifying Survivor Voices: As a public figure, Burke's words bring attention to the impact of sexual violence and the importance of supporting survivors. Her visibility provides a platform to discuss the long-term effects of trauma.

  • Highlighting Systemic Issues: Burke's statement indirectly references the potential for survivors to encounter their abusers even after legal proceedings. Her "worst nightmare" of seeing Masterson again underscores the challenges of navigating a world where perpetrators may still hold power or influence.

  • Addressing the Church of Scientology's Role: The case has brought renewed scrutiny to the Church of Scientology and its alleged practices regarding sexual abuse allegations. Many critics have charged that the church actively worked to discredit the victims and prevent them from reporting the crimes to law enforcement.

  • Contributing to the #MeToo Conversation: The Masterson case, like other high-profile cases, continues the #MeToo conversation, demonstrating the ongoing need for accountability and systemic change within the entertainment industry and beyond.

    • Historical Context

    The Masterson case emerged in the wake of the #MeToo movement, a watershed moment that saw numerous women come forward with allegations of sexual harassment and assault against powerful figures in various industries. The movement exposed a culture of silence and impunity that had allowed abuse to persist for decades.

    The case also highlights the historical tension between the entertainment industry and accountability. For years, Hollywood has been criticized for protecting powerful individuals accused of misconduct, often prioritizing reputation and profit over the safety and well-being of victims.

    The Church of Scientology has a long history of controversy, including allegations of harassment, intimidation, and obstruction of justice. Its involvement in the Masterson case has further fueled scrutiny of its practices and influence.

    Current Developments

    Masterson is currently serving his sentence in a California state prison. He has maintained his innocence and is expected to appeal his conviction. His legal team has argued that the trial was unfair and that the evidence was insufficient to prove his guilt.

    Bijou Phillips filed for divorce from Masterson shortly after his sentencing. The divorce proceedings are likely to involve complex financial and custody arrangements.

    The victims continue to advocate for justice and accountability. They have spoken publicly about their experiences and are working to support other survivors of sexual violence.

    Likely Next Steps

  • Masterson's Appeal: Masterson's legal team will likely pursue an appeal, arguing that errors were made during the trial or that the evidence was insufficient. The appeals process could take months or even years.

  • Civil Lawsuits: The victims may pursue civil lawsuits against Masterson and potentially against the Church of Scientology, seeking financial compensation for the harm they have suffered.

  • Continued Advocacy: Survivors and advocacy groups will likely continue to push for systemic change within the entertainment industry and beyond, working to create safer and more equitable environments for all. They will continue to raise awareness about sexual violence and the importance of supporting survivors.

  • Public Discourse: Cheryl Burke's statement will likely continue to fuel public discourse about the Masterson case and the broader issues of sexual violence, accountability, and the role of institutions in protecting or enabling abuse.

Cheryl Burke's expression of fear encapsulates the lingering trauma and potential for re-victimization that survivors often face. The Danny Masterson case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in addressing sexual violence and holding perpetrators accountable, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and systemic change. The case's impact will likely reverberate through the entertainment industry and beyond for years to come.