Danny Masterson Pleads Not Guilty To Raping Three Women

HOLLYWOOD, CA — Actor Danny Masterson pleaded not guilty Wednesday to raping three women between 2001 and 2003 at his Hollywood Hills home. The plea was entered by Masterson's attorney, Thomas Mesereau.

Masterson, best known for appearing on 'That '70's Show,' could face 45 years to life in state prison if convicted.

According to the complaint, Masterson initially raped a 23-year-old woman sometime in 2001 at his home. The criminal complaint later says Masterson went on to rape a 28-year-old woman in April 2003, and a second 23-year-old woman between October and December 2003.

The District Attorney's Office declined to file sexual assault charges against him in two other alleged incidents, citing insufficient evidence on one and the statute of limitations on the other.

Masterson, best known for his role on 'That '70s Show,' was arrested last June 17 by the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division and released about three hours later on a $3.3 million bond.

In August 2019, a separate civil suit was filed against Masterson and the Church of Scientology by four women who claim they were stalked and harassed after filing sexual assault allegations against the actor.

The actor and his attorney have continued to claim innocence throughout the accusations.

"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 said after charges were announced. "The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false."

City News Service contributed to this report.