That ‘90s Show was recently released on Netflix as a sequel to one of the most popular shows of its decade: That ‘70s Show. The sequel features many members of the original cast, including Ashton Kutcher, Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis and Wilmer Valderrama. Despite this, there is one vital character missing in the revamp: Danny Masterson.

As most of the gang gets back together for the spin-off Danny Masterson, who plays Steven Hyde, does not appear after being charged in 2020 with forcibly raping three different women roughly 20 years before. 

In January 2021, Masterson pleaded not guilty to his alleged crimes and in December of last year, the case was declared a mistrial after the court was unable to come to a conclusion.

Despite the fact that Steven Hyde was a main character in That ‘70s Show, Masteron’s absence was not addressed in the new series. In fact, Hyde’s name was not even mentioned throughout the entirety of the series. 

In the years after That ‘70s Show was on the air, Ashton Kutcher appeared on-screen with Danny Masterson in Netflix’s The Ranch but did not make a public comment about the trial until after Masterson was fired from the show. According to Esquire, Kutcher and Masterson do “remain in touch,” but Kutcher is a strong “advocate for those who’ve been or are being abused.” 

“I hesitate to say that I never saw any of that behavior because I feel like it sounds like I’m defending him, but the truth is I never saw any of that stuff,” said another That ‘70s Show co-star, Topher Grace, in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter.

Masterson made a public comment to People Magazine about his allegations:

“I have never been charged with a crime, let alone convicted of one. In this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, in the current climate, it seems as if you are presumed guilty the moment you are accused. I understand and look forward to clearing my name once and for all. In the meantime, I want to express my gratitude to the cast and crew that I’ve worked so closely with over the past three seasons. I wish them nothing but success. I am also so thankful to the fans that have supported me and continue to do so.”