Danny Masterson is accused of allegedly raping three women.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s website, Danny was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on Wednesday (June 17), but was later released on a $3.3 Million bond – the same day the Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced that the actor was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear.
The 44-year old actor is being charged with a raping a 23-year-old woman in 2001, a 28-year-old woman in April 2003, and a 23-year-old woman in late 2003, the incidents are claimed to have happened in his Hollywood Hills home.
According to the DA’s office, his arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 18. If convicted as charged, he could be looking at up to 45 years in prison.
Danny’s attorney, Tom Mesereau, said in a statement: “Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify.”
“Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out. The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false,” the statement added.
In 2017, the That 70’s Show actor was under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department over multiple sexual assault allegations. Danny has denied the allegations against him.
Netflix later announced that his character was being written off of The Ranch, where he starred alongside his former 70’s Show co-star, Ashton Kutcher, amid the rape allegations.
In other news…
You actor Chris D’Elia has responded to allegations of sexual harassment and grooming of underage women.
Earlier this week, a Twitter user accused him of attempting to get photos of her and trying to meet up with her when she was just 16 years old.
“imagine being 16 and being groomed by a stand up comedian twice ur age and the only reason you never met up and never got physically m*lested was because u had just gotten a boyfriend ur own age,” she tweeted. She also shared screenshot of the email exchanges she allegedly had with him.
Another Twitter account, @SheRatesDogs, which documents bad behavior by men, then reposted several more accounts from women, including one that had come in years before.
The actor has since issued a statement denying any illegal and non-consensual activity.
“I know I have said and done things that might have offended people during my career, but I have never knowingly pursued any underage women at any point,” he said in his statement, via TMZ. “All of my relationships have been both legal and consensual and I have never met or exchanged any inappropriate photos with the people who have tweeted about me.”
“That being said, I really am truly sorry. I was a dumb guy who ABSOLUTELY let myself get caught up in my lifestyle,” he added. “That’s MY fault. I own it. I’ve been reflecting on this for some time now and I promise I will continue to do better.”
