That ’70s Show sitcom actor Danny Masterson was charged on Wednesday with three counts of rape, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced.
According to a news release from the district attorney’s office, the 44-year-old actor stands accused of raping three women between 2001 and 2003. All of the alleged rapes occurred in the actor’s home, the news release said.
Masterson was arrested on Wednesday morning, but later released on $3.3 million bail, authorities said. His arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 18.
“The defendant is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman between January and December 2001,” the release said. “In April 2003, Masterson allegedly raped a 28-year-old woman and sometime between October and December of that year he is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman who he had invited to his Hollywood Hills home.”
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The actor’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,” Mesereau continued.
Masterson was also known for his role on Neflix’s comedy series The Ranch, before he was fired in December 2017 amid sexual assault allegations.
If convicted in the rape cases, the actor faces a maximum sentence of 45 years to life in prison.
