Danny Masterson charged with raping three women
Actor Danny Masterson, best known for his role on “That 70s
Show,” has been charged for raping three women in separate incidents from 2001
through 2003, officials announced Wednesday.
The 44-year-old actor was slapped with three counts of rape
by force or fear, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s
office.
Masterson is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman in the
winter of 2001. He is also charged with allegedly raping a 28-year-old woman in
April 2003 and another 23-year-old woman around the fall and winter of 2003,
officials said, adding that all the incidents allegedly occurred at his
Hollywood Hills home.
The DA’s office said it declined to bring charges against
Masterson for two other alleged sexual assault incidents because of
insufficient evidence in one case and the other case passing outside of the
statute of limitations.
Masterson faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted at
trial.
He is due in court on Sept. 18.
Masterson’s criminal defense attorney maintained his
client’s innocence.
“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,” Tom Mesereau said in a statement to The Post.
Masterson and his wife of nine years, actress Bijou
Phillips, are “in complete shock” over the charges, Mesereau said.
“They and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately
the truth will come out,” he added. “The people who know Mr. Masterson know his
character and know the allegations to be false.”
The couple were married in 2011 and share a six-year-old
daughter.
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