Actor Danny Masterson, 44, has been charged with three counts of rape by force or fear.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced that the That 70’s Show star has been charged with forcibly raping three women on separate incidents occurring between 2001 and 2003.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Masterson is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman between January and December 2001 as well as allegedly raping a 28-year-old woman in April 2003.
He has also been accused of raping a 23-year-old woman who he had invited to his Hollywood Hills home between October and December of that same year.
The That 70’s Show actor could face up to 45 years to life in state prison if found guilty.
The D.A.’s Office declined to file sexual assault charges against Masterson in two other cases due to insufficient evidence and the statute of limitations.
In a statement to E! News responding to the charges, Masterton’s attorney said: “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.”
Danny Masterson is married to actress Bijou Phillips and has been since 2011.
PEOPLE previously reported that in August 2019, four women filed a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology.
The women, one of whom is Masterson’s ex Chrissie Carnell Bixler, claimed that they were stalked and intimidated after accusing the actor of sexual assault.
“This is beyond ridiculous,” Masterson said in a statement to the publication via his lawyer.
“I’m not going to fight my ex-girlfriend in the media like she’s been baiting me to do for more than two years. I will beat her in court — and look forward to it because the public will finally be able learn the truth and see how I’ve been railroaded by this woman. And once her lawsuit is thrown out, I intend to sue her and the others who jumped on the bandwagon for the damage they caused me and my family.”
In 2017, Masterton was fired from his role on Netflix’s The Ranch due to the sexual assault allegations. Masterson starred in and was a co-executive producer alongside his former That 70’s Show co-star Ashton Kutcher.
The case remains under investigation by Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division and Masterson will be arraigned in court on September 18.
If you or someone you know is affected by sexual assault or family violence, call the 1800RESPECT hotline or visit www.1800respect.org.au/. You can also call the Domestic Violence Hotline on 1800 656 463.
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