Masterson was also a DJ at Los Angeles Alternative Rock Station KDLD Indie 103.1. Related: How Danny Masterson Landed His Role On 'That '70s Show' The actor Danny Masterson, known for his roles in the sitcoms "That '70s Show" and "The Ranch," has been charged with raping three women in the early 2000s, the Los Angeles County District. ", "Danny Masterson and Bijou Phillips Marry", "Danny Masterson, Wife Bijou Phillips Welcome Baby Girl Fianna: Photos", "That '70s Show's Danny Masterson Is Being Investigated by LAPD Over Sexual Assault Claims", "Danny Masterson off 'The Ranch' amid rape allegations", "Fifth Woman Accuses Danny Masterson of Rape", "Top Talent Agency Cuts Ties With Danny Masterson Amid Rape Allegations", "Four Women Sue Danny Masterson, Church of Scientology Over Alleged Sexual Assault Cover-Up", "Danny Masterson, Church of Scientology Sued by 4 Sexual Assault Accusers for Alleged Stalking", "A&E Shelves Danny Masterson Sexual Assault Episode After Scientology Smear Campaign", "Leah Remini features allegations against Scientology, Danny Masterson", "At the Drive In Singer Accuses Actor Danny Masterson of Raping His Wife", "My wife is one of Danny Masterson's rape victims", "U might wanna go back and re read my 'nonsensical' lyrics", "Danny Masterson and Scientology Sued for Allegedly Stalking Rape Accusers", "Danny Masterson, Church of Scientology sued for alleged rape cover-up, stalking", "Fair Game: Secrecy, Security, and the Church of Scientology in Cold War America", "DESTROYER OF CULTS on Instagram: 'Here we have Bijoux Phillips aka Danny's wife mocking my wife by reciting the details of my wife's police report about the rape. I just think the good thing about that show everyone had so much success in lots of different ways that I think it would be hard to bring the group together, Topher said at the time. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. The That '70s Show actor pleaded not guilty to. "The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.". Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Masterson stated that he is "obviously very disappointed in Netflix's decision to write my character off of The Ranch. Actor Danny Masterson, best known for his role on That 70s Show, was charged with three counts of rape, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced Wednesday. CNN has not spoken to any of Mastersons accusers. 2. She referred to Scientology's "Tone Scale" to explain why she obeyed some of Masterson's "drill-sergeant" like commands." In her 2017 interview with the LAPD and DA's office, she said: "We're just trying to protect his rights. Download the NBC News app for breaking news and alerts. [15], Masterson starred alongside Sam Elliott, Ashton Kutcher, and Elisha Cuthbert in the Netflix comedy series The Ranch from 2016 to 2018. Meet Catfish's Kamie Crawford's Ex-Boyfriend Gordon, 90 Day Fiance's Paul and Karine's Sons Are 'Thriving' in Foster Care, Anna Duggar Is Constantly Praying About the Future of Her Marriage, Holly Madison 'Didn't Feel Protected' Against Negativity by Hugh Hefner, Chelsea Houska Reveals How She Landed HGTV Series, Talks Cringey Past, 90 Day Fiance's Paul, Karine 'Were Both Guilty' Amid Custody Battle, Sister Wives Meri, Janelle and Christine Not Seeking Spousal Support, Brad Pitt Is Enjoying Every Moment of Ines De Ramon Romance, Jenelle Evans Trying to Help Former BFF Taylor Lewis' Family After Death. Jennifer B. testified that she was a second-generation church member when she met Masterson and struggled to maintain her composure as she described the alleged sexual assault. [5] He has a brother, actor Christopher Masterson, who played Francis on Malcolm in the Middle. Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox. (Annie I. Did Danny Masterson Cost 'That '70s Show' Their Netflix Spot? Closed Captioning and Described Video is available for many CBC shows offered on CBC Gem. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. I just think the good thing about that show, Red and Kitty Forman Are Back! A Warner Bros. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. [1] He guest starred in three episodes of That '70s Show, alongside his brother, Danny. His defense attorney accused the three women of colluding against Masterson, claiming that they were in contact with each other and sued him in arbitration. When search suggestions are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. The 45-year-old Masterson remains free on on bail following his arrest in June. IE 11 is not supported. Born March 13, 1976, Daniel Peter "Danny" Masterson is best known for his role as the rebellious teen who ends up being adopted into the Forman family on the Fox sitcom That '70s Show which ran eight consecutive seasons from 1998 until concluding with the 200 th episode on May 18, 2006. Daniel Peter Masterson (born March 13, 1976) [1] is an American actor. That '70s Show (1998-2006) Full Cast & Crew See agents for this cast & crew on IMDbPro Series Directed by Series Writing Credits Series Cast verified as complete Series Produced by Series Music by Series Cinematography by Series Film Editing by Series Casting By Series Production Design by Series Set Decoration by Series Costume Design by Prosecutors declined to charge Masterson in connection with two other sexual assault allegations, according to the district attorney's office, because of insufficient evidence in one and because the statute of limitations had expired in the other. Prosecutors on Tuesday are to start providing evidence to a judge in an attempt to prove that actor Danny Masterson should stand trial in the rapes of three women. "You went over to Danny Masterson's house knowing full well you would be taking your clothes off, right?" The judge noted that the women hesitated to contact police for fear of running afoul of Church of Scientology rules and ending up isolated from friends and family members. The "That '70s Show" star is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman in 2001, according to the complaint. The three counts came after a three-year investigation beginning in 2017. [19][20], He appeared as part of a poker team, the Unabombers, in the 2005 GSN series The James Woods Gang vs. The press release from District Attorneys Office said the office declined to file sexual assault charges against Masterson in two other cases, one for insufficient evidence and the other based upon the statute of limitations for the crime alleged.. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A lawyer for the plaintiffs, Robert Thompson, said the criminal charges against Masterson are closely related to the accusations made in the lawsuit by the women who said that after they accused Masterson of sexual assault, people associated with the church had stalked, threatened and surveilled them as they spoke out about their allegations. / KCAL News. 'That '90s Show': Why Danny Masterson's Hyde Won't Be on Netflix's 'That '70s Show' Spinoff By Alyssa Fikse - October 11, 2021 12:34 am EDT 0 Fans of the beloved sitcom That '70s Show were thrilled to find out that Netflix had commissioned a 10-episode sequel series, That '90s Show. Masterson is charged with forcibly raping three women in separate incidents occurring between 2001 and 2003, a press release from the District Attorneys Office said. Masterson is best known for his role as Steven Hyde on the period teen sitcom That 70s Show, which aired for eight seasons on the Fox network from 1998-2006. In this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. ", Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller called the statements "pure speculation, with no basis in fact. NEXT:Mila Kuniss Biggest Roles, Including That 70s Show. Masterson could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted. A pretrial hearing has been set for Aug. 9. The charges were filed Tuesday and Masterson was arrested late Wednesday morning, jail records. Please enter valid email address to continue. [54][55], On June 7, 2021, Masterson pleaded not guilty to rape accusations alleged to have occurred between 2001 and 2003. In written responses to questions submitted by The Times, a spokeswoman for the Church of Scientology dismissed the womans testimony about the churchs internal practices. Actor Danny Masterson stands with his lawyer Thomas Mesereau as he is arraigned on rape charges at Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center on Sept. 18, 2020 in Los Angeles. If there is any consistency in these statements, it was because the defendant was consistent in these acts.. It is a priority for CBC to create a website that is accessible to all Canadians including people with visual, hearing, motor and cognitive challenges. More at IMDbPro Contact info Agent info Resume Born March 13, 1976 Add to list Awards He played the roles of Steven Hyde in That '70s Show (1998-2006), Milo Foster in Men at Work (2012-2014) and Jameson "Rooster" Bennett in The Ranch (2016-2018). (Getty Images), In a statement toFox News in June 2020 when the charges came down, Mesereau said his client "is innocent, and were confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify. He had a role in the 2008 comedy Yes Man. [17][18] Masterson is a self-described "rock and hip hop fanatic",[12] and is also a fan of indie, electro, and funk music, all of which he primarily DJs with. Different decade, Kurtwood tweeted following Netflixs announcement. ", "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. See the 'Counting On' Kids' Houses, Look How Much the Little Couple's Kids Will and Zoey Have Grown Up, Every Look From the Kardashian-Jenner Family at the 2021 Met Gala, Take a Tour of All the Houses (and Apartments) the Duggars Call Home, Not Meant to Be! -- a former girlfriend who had a six-year, live-in relationship with the actor -- testified that she reported to a church ethics official that she believed she was the victim of rape during an alleged incident of non-consensual sex with Masterson. Atty. In May, journalist Tony Ortega revealed that Masterson hired power lawyer Thomas Mesereau to serve as his criminal defense attorney. Los Angeles police took a report, but the district attorneys office declined to file charges against Masterson at the time. The actor was accused of assaulting three women by force or fear. He was released on $3.3 million bail after he was booked at the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center, according to LAPD spokeswoman Officer Rosario Cervantes. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted of all charges. He was ordered to stand trial May 21 by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo, who said that she "found all three witnesses to be credible and the evidence sufficient to support the charges.". Mesereau, whose previous clients have included Michael Jackson and Bill Cosby, said in court in June that the charges were the result of unfair hype from media outlets and political pressure to prosecute his client. They were heartfelt, and they each had their versions of what happened. His defense attorney, Thomas Mesereau, tried to undermine the womans account during his cross-examination Tuesday by pointing out what he said were inconsistencies in her testimony. Fortunately, fans do have their fond memories of the sitcom, even if it turns out that Masterson is in fact guilty. Masterson who gained fame on the sitcom "That 70s Show" and has been a practicing Scientologist for at least 20 years has denied all wrongdoing. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. All of the alleged crimes took place at Mastersons Hollywood Hills home, authorities said. In true sequel fashion, the series, That '90s . After the show wrapped, Rupp went on to appear in shows such as This Is Us, Greys Anatomy and The Ranch, as well as returning to her roots of Broadway plays. On the one hand, it is a shame that . [28][29][30], In March 2017, three women filed sexual assault allegations against Masterson, prompting a Los Angeles Police Department investigation. The That '70s Show actor was. Instead of creating a new role for Masterson, the production staff rewrote the character of Hyde to fit the way Danny acted him out. Hes continued to hold various acting jobs throughout the years. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. The Church of Scientology denied that it had pressured victims. Masterson, she alleged, carried her from a poolside area to an upstairs bathroom, where he stuck his fingers down the womans throat to make her vomit. 'That '70s Show' actor Danny Masterson ordered to stand trial on rape charges He faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted of all charges. Both parties rested their cases on November 14, 2022, and made their closing arguments the following day. As for his life at home, he wed actressAshley Hinshawin 2016 and the pair went on to welcome two children together. [61] The jury remained deadlocked once deliberations resumed; consequently, a mistrial was declared on November 30, 2022. Kutcher has had an incredible movie career following That 70s Show, from What Happens in VegastoNo Strings Attached. Even in this #MeToo era and heightened awareness of sexual abuse in Hollywood, the trial of Masterson would mark a rare instance allegations against a well known entertainment figure would get this far. The idea was that they all had to be 18 to audition, but Danny was about 22 at the time. If convicted, he could face up to 45 years in prison. We dont use it.. Mila and Ashton found love of course, so that's one happy years-later side effect of the show. Deputy Dist. The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false, the statement said. Valderrama lent out his iconic voice forHandy Manny as well as Agustn Madrigal in Encanto following his role as the foreign exchange student. Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines for June 7, Dolly Parton hopes Lisa Marie Presley and Elvis are 'up there being happy together', Jennifer Lopez reveals she was originally asked to join Madonna, Britney Spears during 2003 VMAs kiss, Jeremy Renner's 'Mayor of Kingstown' co-star calls him 'unstoppable': 'He is gonna be a handful', Miss Universe Organization slams 'false rigging allegations' after Miss USA crowned winner: 'Absurd', Selena Gomez reportedly dating Chainsmokers singer Drew Taggart after his split from Steve Jobs' daughter Eve, Marie Osmond on 50-pound weight loss journey: Food is not my enemy anymore. In 2017, Netflix and producers of The Ranch wrote Masterson off the show amid rape allegations. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Fellow Scientologists had rebuffed her attempts to talk, directing her instead to speak with high-ranking church officials, the woman said. By Princess Weekes May 2nd, 2022, 5:14 pm. [16], Masterson began DJing at Los Angeles night clubs in 1997 as a hobby, under the name DJ Donkey Punch, but it soon became a side business. If convicted, Masterson faces up to 45 years in prison. Masterson is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman whom he had invited to his home in Hollywood Hills some time between October and December of 2003, the district attorneys office said in a news release. He is also accused of raping a 28-year-old woman that same year as well as a 23-year-old woman in 2001. These Female Artists Have Cited Madonna As An Influence, Siegfried And Roy's Love Lives Were Extremely Private, Sparking Relationship Rumors, How Tia Mowry's Divorce Will Affect Her Life And Career, Mia Khalifa Might Have TikTok To Thank For Her New Career Path, These '80s Stars Left Showbusiness For Good. His character was the sarcastic best friend of Topher Graces Eric Forman. ", Three women have accused the 'The Ranch' actor Danny Masterson of raping them at his home in the Hollywood Hills. Bill Cosby also hired Mesereau for a retrial of sexual assault charges in Pennsylvania. Fortunately for the rest of the cast, Masterson hasn't exactly cast a shadow on their fame. [27] They have one daughter who was born in February 2014. Discovery Company. Market data provided by Factset. Actor Danny Masterson arrives at a benefit event in Los Angeles in 2014. Masterson's attorney, Tom Mesereau, insisted in a statement to NBC News that the actor was innocent and that he would be exonerated when "all the evidence comes to light. 'That '70s Show' actor Danny Masterson charged with three counts of rape in Los Angeles The Los Angeles County district attorney alleges that Masterson forcibly raped three women in separate. Three of the women had been personally involved with the church. We cant forget Fez! Christina B. (Lucy Nicholson/Pool Photo via AP, File). He played the roles of Steven Hyde in That '70s Show (19982006), Milo Foster in Men at Work (20122014) and Jameson "Rooster" Bennett in The Ranch (20162018). In Touch Weekly is part of the a360media Entertainment Group.Copyright a360media 2023. Aaron Carter's Net Worth Is Going Back Up, But How Much Does He Have Today. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Masterson appeared in all 200 episodes of the popular Fox sitcom between 1998 and 2006, playing alongside such well known actors as Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Topher Grace and Laura Prepon. After the show concluded Masterson acted in several movies and made guest appearances on television shows including Punk'd and MADtv. [21] He has hosted celebrity poker events, such as the Phat Farm Stuff Casino Weekend Poker Tournament, in which he won the tournament. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! June 7, 2021 / 4:30 PM [59] Near the end of the month-long trial, Masterson decided not to testify nor call witnesses in his defense. Along with 70's costars Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama, he co-hosted the Fox TV special Woodstock 1999. After all, the part was meant to be for a high schooler. As many sources like to point out, Danny was a bit older than the rest of the cast. Tom Mesereau, a member of his legal counsel, declared in September that the charges filed against Masterson by Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey are based on events that took place nearly 20 years ago, and further claimed they were applied out of pressure to prosecute Masterson as Lacey faces an election, as well as the result of unfair hype from media outlets. 2, said firmly. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Prior to the charges, Masterson was featured in Yes Man and starred in Men at Work before reuniting with Ashton for Netflixs The Ranch. Jonathan Tippet, who leads the LAPDs Robbery-Homicide Division, told The Times on Tuesday that the womans case became more viable when the other two accusers came forward in 2016. The judge found the three alleged victims' delays in reporting the alleged attacks to be reasonable given the tenets of the Church of Scientology, of which the actor is a longtime adherent. One plaintiff claimed her dog died from (unexplained) traumatic injuries to its trachea and esophagus, also alleging that church members chased her as she drove her car, filmed her without permission, harassed her online and posted ads to social media sites soliciting sex in her name. Prosecutors have alleged that Masterson, 44, who has been free on bond since his June 17 arrest, raped a 23-year-old woman sometime in 2001, a 28-year-old woman in April of 2003, and a 23-year-old woman between October and December of 2003. "That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson, charged with raping three women, made his first appearance Friday in a Los Angeles courtroom, where his attorney declared his innocence and denounced. Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. The woman was identified in court Tuesday by her first name and the initial of her last name. His arraignment has been postponed several times since. After starring in the third and fourth seasons of Cybill, Masterson decided he wanted to move on and audition for a show originally titled Teenage Wasteland, which later was changed to That '70s Show. At the time, the DAs Office declined to file sexual assault charges against Masterson in two additional cases -- one for insufficient evidence and the other based upon the statute of limitations for the crime alleged. When I first came to, he was saying What youre not gonna do is youre not gonna [expletive] tell anybody, the woman testified. The lawyer said his team would prove that Masterson is not guilty. Masterson has yet to directly respond to any of Bixler-Zavala's claims or his prior allegations made; the closest acknowledgment being Masterson's wife Bijou Phillips making an Instagram post mocking court papers against Masterson. In a statement, Mastersons lawyer, Tom Mesereau, said that the actor is innocent and that Masterson and his wife are in complete shock that the nearly 20-year-old allegations have resulted in charges. No one knows for sure what the details are or what truly happened years ago with Danny and the alleged victims. Following the conclusion of That . Defence lawyer Tom Mesereau entered the plea for. But I would love to do it.. After years of on-screen love with Kunis, the pair finally took their romance to real life and got married in 2015. Fans of the show may be curious as to how Danny landed his gig on the sitcom in the first place, though. If youre going to say the word rape dont say it now, she recalled the man admonishing her. Masterson faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted on all charges. Inmate records show that Masterson was booked into the Los Angeles County Jail on Wednesday and released on bond at about 2:45 p.m. local time. The women are considered victims of sexual assault and were not named in the district attorney's release. The District Attorney's Office declined to file sexual assault charges against Masterson in two other alleged incidents, citing insufficient evidence on one and the statute of limitations on the other. Masterson is best known for his role as Steven Hyde on the period teen sitcom "That '70s Show," which aired for eight seasons on the Fox network from 1998-2006.