Danny Masterson charged with raping three women, faces up to 45 years in prison

Variety

The former star of That '70s Show and The Ranch was formally charged this afternoon was raping three women at his home between 2001 and 2003. He faces a maximum 45 years in prison. The 44-year-old actor was arrested this morning and released this afternoon on $3.3 million bail. The LAPD began investigating Masterson in late 2016. A year later, in December 2017, Netflix fired him from The Ranch in the aftermath of the Harvey Weinstein sexual misconduct reckoning. Masterson is charged with raping a 23-year-old woman sometime between January and December 2001, a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 and a 23-y ear-old woman in December 2003. All incidents allegedly took place at his Hollywood Hills home. Last year, The Daily Beast reported on how the Church of Scientology allegedly went after Masterson's accusers. Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey declined to file charges in two other cases, citing insufficient evidence in one case and the statute of limitations in the other. Tom Mesereau, Masterson’s attorney, issued a statement vowing to fight the charges. “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,” Mesereau said. “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.”