Poll Danny Mastersons rape conviction wont affect most peoples ability When an artist is accused or convicted of serious crimes like rape or sexual assault, the question arises whether we can still derive enjoyment from their art. A recent survey conducted by Yahoo Entertainment in partnership with YouGov aimed to explore this complex issue by gathering the opinions of 1,636 U.S. adults. This inquiry came in the aftermath of That ’70s Show star Danny Masterson’s sentencing to 30 years to life in prison following his conviction for raping two women.
The survey revealed that over two-thirds of respondents, precisely 68%, were aware to some extent of Masterson’s conviction and subsequent sentencing. Additionally, 18% of those polled were well-informed about the case.
When asked about the impact of the conviction on their ability to enjoy That ’70s Show, only 14% of respondents indicated that it did affect their enjoyment. Meanwhile, 44% of those surveyed mentioned that they had never watched the sitcom in the first place. It’s worth noting that That ’70s Show originally aired from 1998 to 2006.
Masterson is not the sole celebrity facing serious accusations like sexual misconduct in recent years. This issue has recurred, with notable figures such as Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein being convicted of sexual crimes. Bill Cosby, renowned for his role in the groundbreaking sitcom “The Cosby Show,” faced allegations of rape and sexual misconduct by over 60 women and counting. In 2018, he was convicted of aggravated felony assault, but his conviction was later overturned on a technicality three years later, leading to his release.
Meanwhile, Harvey Weinstein, known for his involvement in many critically acclaimed films over the past few decades, is currently serving time in prison for multiple convictions related to rape and sexual assault. Weinstein has faced accusations from upwards of 90 women regarding sexual misconduct, which ultimately led to his downfall in Hollywood.
A more recent example involves Russell Brand, who has not yet been convicted, tried, or charged but has already faced professional repercussions. Following accusations of sexual misconduct from multiple women, he has been dropped by various entities, including his talent agency and the BBC. Russell Brand vehemently denies these allegations and is currently under investigation by the London police. Additionally, some of his work has already been removed from certain platforms.
In a recent poll, respondents were asked whether TV streaming networks should implement policies to prevent the streaming of shows featuring stars convicted of serious crimes, such as rape. Approximately 26% of those surveyed answered affirmatively.
Interestingly, nearly a quarter of the participants, totaling 24%, expressed their reluctance to watch movies involving other actors and movie directors with similar convictions. Additionally, 20% of respondents believed that others might also refrain from watching content featuring such individuals.
Within the entertainment industry itself, there appears to be a degree of receptiveness to the return of controversial figures, at least in some cases. Renowned directors like Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, and Luc Besson, all of whom have faced cancellations in the past due to allegations of sexual misconduct, recently unveiled new projects at the Venice Film Festival, which concluded earlier this month.
Returning to the Masterson situation, a significant 19% of those surveyed expressed the opinion that television networks should discontinue broadcasting reruns of That ’70s Show. This perspective was also echoed by some individuals on social media. The fate of the nostalgic comedy, which featured Mila Kunis and her eventual spouse Ashton Kutcher (who has publicly apologized for supporting Masterson in court), remains uncertain. Yahoo Entertainment has initiated contact with Peacock, the platform that advertises exclusive availability of the show on its site, as well as Prime Video, where the series can be purchased, seeking their comments on the matter.