Content Warning: This article discusses sexual assault and rape. If you or someone you know are affected by the following story, you are not alone. To speak to someone, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Danny Masterson, best known for his roles in That ’70s Show and The Ranch, has been arrested and charged with forcibly raping three women in separate incidents in his Hollywood Hills home, Los Angeles County officials announced on Wednesday.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department website, the actor was arrested at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday and released shortly before 3 p.m. on a $3.3 million bail.
According to the press release, Masterton is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman between January and December 2001. He also allegedly raped a 28-year-old woman in April 2003, as well as another 23-year-old woman between October and December of that year.
If convicted he faces 45 years in jail.
He continued, “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 accusations first arose in 2017, with Masterson slamming the allegations.
“I have never been charged with a crime, let alone convicted of one. In this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty,” he said at the time.
“However, in the current climate, it seems as if you are presumed guilty the moment you are accused.”
Masterson has also said he believes that the accusations stem from his association in the Church of Scientology.
Attorneys for the three women involved have confirmed they are also part of a civil lawsuit filed last year against Masterson and the Church of Scientology, saying they had been stalked, harassed and intimidated after reporting the alleged abuse.
The alleged victims’ statement reads in part:
“All we have wanted was justice, accountability, and truth. Instead, we were subjected to continued harassment, embarrassment, and re-victimisation by Masterson and the Church of Scientology.”
An attorney for the Church of Scientology has branded the lawsuit as “baseless”.
Masterson married fellow Scientlogiest Bijou Phillips in 2011 after meeting in 2004.
