'70's Show' Actor And LI Native Danny Masterson's Rape Trial Begins

ALBERTSON, NY—Danny Masterson, 46, is best known for his role on the television show "That 70's Show" and this week he stands trial for three counts of rape in Los Angeles. Masterson grew up on Long Island, in Albertson, and attended Garden City High School.

According to ABC 7 News, Masterson's family attended the trial, along with his wife Bijou Philips.

On Tuesday, the first day of the trial, jury selection and opening statements both referred to the role the Church of Scientology may have played. All three women were members of the church, and Masterson is a current Scientologist.

“This is not going to become a trial on Scientology,” Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo said at a pre-trial hearing. The three women maintain they were slow to go to the authorities because of the culture of the church.

The women accused Masterson of rape between 2001 and 2003 at his home in Los Angeles.

Jane Doe 1 will testify Wednesday. Masterson's defense will argue that the sex was consensual.