Actor Danny Masterson must stand trial on 3 rape charges

‘That ‘70s Show’ actor could get up to 45 years in prison

Last updated:
1 MIN READ
US actor Danny Masterson
US actor Danny Masterson
AFP

A judge has said ‘That ‘70s Show’ actor Danny Masterson must stand trial on three counts of rape.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo made the determination in the fourth day of a preliminary hearing where the prosecution laid out its evidence.

That included dramatic and emotional testimony from three women who took the stand to say that Masterson raped them in 2001 and 2003.

Masterson has denied the charges. His attorney, Thomas Mesereau, said that Masterson had consensual sex with the women and he would prove his client’s innocence.

During the hearing, Mesereau repeatedly challenged the women on discrepancies in their stories in the years since they said they were raped and suggested that the prosecution was tainted by anti-religious bias against the Church of Scientology.

Masterson is a prominent Scientologist, all three women are former Scientologists, and the church and its teachings came up constantly during testimony.

The 45-year-old actor has been free on bail since his June arrest. He is charged with three counts of rape by force or fear and could get up to 45 years in prison if convicted.

Sign up for the Daily Briefing

Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox

Up Next