[56] The defense filed a motion to dismiss the case based on a lack of evidence presented during the May preliminary hearing, prompting Judge Olmedo to send a motion that this request be heard before another judge on November 10, 2021. Any statement or implication to the contrary is false.. Have a tip? In court papers responding to the accusations by the women, a lawyer for Masterson called the lawsuit a money grab and a publicity stunt orchestrated by Mastersons ex-girlfriends. A lawyer for the church described one of the womens claims in court papers as false and malicious" and said her experiences with her trash disappearing and people loitering near her house were simply the price of modern, urban life., That 70s Show Actor Danny Masterson Charged With Raping 3 Women, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/17/arts/television/danny-masterson-rape-charged.html. 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. "We want to do anything we can to tone down the cameras and the circus-like atmosphere that have pervaded this case," the attorney said. Los Angeles police took a report, but the district attorneys office declined to file charges against Masterson at the time. 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. It's no doubt a challenging time for the actor and his family, plus his fellow cast members. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and that you have read our Privacy Policy. Discovery Company. Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde, is the only star who will not return to Point Place as he was charged with three counts of rape in June 2020 and subsequently fired from his previous. 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. [62], Sexual assault allegations and criminal trial, Teen Choice Award for Best Performance in a TV Series by a Young Ensemble, "Actor Danny Masterson charged in three rape cases", "Judge Declares Mistrial in Danny Masterson Rape Case", "Meet Danny Masterson's Family, From His Famous Siblings to His Parents", "Here's What 'That 70s Show' Star Danny Masterson Is Doing Today", "Danny Masterson Fired From Netflix's 'The Ranch' Amid Rape and Assault Allegations", "Interview With DJ Mom Jeans (AKA Danny Masterson)", "Behind Bars: Downstairs Owner Danny Masterson", "James Woods Takes on the Pros in GSN's New Poker Royale Series 'The James Woods Gang us. The charges of pressure by the church were repeated in a lawsuit filed last year against Masterson and the church by four women who have accused Masterson of rape. 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. [52] On May 21, 2021, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo said that she "found all three witnesses to be credible and the evidence presented during a preliminary hearing sufficient to support the charges. The. But the blend of comedy and 'life lessons' really engaged fans. 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. The woman said she believed at the time that if she violated the churchs doctrine she would be excommunicated from the church and disavowed by her family and friends, many of whom were also Scientologists. The That '70s Show actor was. She told the judge that she drifted in and out of consciousness the night of the incident in April 2003 after Masterson gave her a drink mixed with drugs and vodka. The district attorneys office said that it had declined to file separate sexual assault charges against Masterson in two other cases because, in one instance, there was insufficient evidence and, in another, because of the statute of limitations. or redistributed. She stated that, "he came in and he was just so funny", and that he redefined where the role was going and made the role of Steven Hyde the, "tough, funny guy. "That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson was charged with rape in three separate cases alleged to have occurred nearly two decades ago, Los Angeles officials announced Wednesday. (Annie I. Masterson who surrendered his passport to court officials has denied the allegations and remains free on $3.3 million bail. He also allegedly raped a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 and a 23-year-old woman sometime between October and December of that year, according to the press release. All fans know is that in many ways, the realization about Danny's behavior has forever marred the way they'll see his character on 'That '70s Show.' Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The 45-year-old Masterson remains free on on bail following his arrest in June. Masterson left the Netflix series "The Ranch" in 2017 after four women accused him of rape, accusations that Masterson denied at the time. The "That '70s Show" star is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman in 2001, according to the complaint. The 45-year-old actor, best known for "That '70s Show" and "The Ranch," is accused of raping three women at his Hollywood Hills home between 2001 and 2003. 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! 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. DANNY MASTERSON, CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY SUED FOR ALLEGED RAPE COVER-UP, STALKING. Scroll below to see what the rest of the That 70s Show cast is up to today. Mastersons accusers are also part of a civil lawsuit filed against him in 2019. He portrayed Jerry Rubin in the 2010 movie, The Chicago 8. Masterson starred in musicals at the age of eight, and began acting as well. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. In this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.. The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false, the statement said. Few TV shows have had such a significant impact on modern culture as 'That '70s Show.' Sure, it spanned countless seasons (and years), just like other sitcoms. In 2017, Netflix and producers of The Ranch wrote Masterson off the show amid rape allegations. ", DANNY MASTERSON RAPE ALLEGATIONS FROM FELLOW SCIENTOLOGISTS RESURFACE, "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 continued in thestatement. Masterson, star of the sitcom "That '70s Show," has denied that he engaged in any sexual misconduct. Unfortunately for fans -- and the rest of the cast -- Masterson is now facing formal charges, with his case starting in early 2021. [59] Near the end of the month-long trial, Masterson decided not to testify nor call witnesses in his defense. Masterson portrayed a lead character in the films Scary Movie 2, Waterborne, Made for Each Other and Intellectual Property. That '70s Show star Danny Masterson, 44, has been charged with three counts of rape "by force or fear." The incidents occurred between 2001 and 2003, the Los Angeles District Attorney's . 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. Another blast is on the way. The Church of Scientology denied that it had pressured victims. [31] Masterson, through his agent, has denied the allegations. If convicted, he could face up to 45 years in prison. All of the allegations of rape occurred in the actors home, the news release said. Masterson's arrest came after a three-year investigation that resulted in the rare prosecution of a famous Hollywood figure in the #MeToo era. The idea was that they all had to be 18 to audition, but Danny was about 22 at the time. By Princess Weekes May 2nd, 2022, 5:14 pm. If youre going to say the word rape dont say it now, she recalled the man admonishing her. Lane is a writer who loves entertainment and media and watches as many movies as she reads books. 2, said firmly. His arraignment is scheduled for September 18. Mesereau - best known for winning acquittals for late pop star Michael Jackson who was tried on child molestation charges in 2005 in Santa Barbara County - previewed his aggressive defense of Masterson throughout this week's dramatic preliminary hearing. Masterson starred with his real-life wife, Bijou Phillips, in the 2009 drama The Bridge to Nowhere. 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. DANNY MASTERSON ACCUSER DETAILS ALLEGED RAPE, SAYS HE HIT HER WHEN SHE FOUGHT BACK, The That 70s Show star, 45, appeared in court for his arraignment at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles. Steven Hyde : That was like eight burns in one sentence. '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. All Rights Reserved. His bail was set at $3.3 million, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department, and his arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 18. [44] Masterson has since responded to one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, claiming: "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. Please note that this form cannot be used to reset your Google or Facebook password. A pretrial hearing has been set for Aug. 9. Fellow Scientologists had rebuffed her attempts to talk, directing her instead to speak with high-ranking church officials, the woman said. [1] He guest starred in three episodes of That '70s Show, alongside his brother, Danny. The three counts came after a three-year investigation beginning in 2017. The Men at Work alums case is scheduled to be retried in March 2023. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, 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. A pretrial hearing was set for August 9, 2021. Three of the women had been personally involved with the church. 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. The Spider-Man 3 star told the outlet that he didnt think a reunion show would be possible due to the stars hectic schedules. But I would love to do it.. On the one hand, it is a shame that . Box 500 Station A Toronto, ON Canada, M5W 1E6. IE 11 is not supported. He later went on to appear as a shark on Shark Tank. Prior to the charges, Masterson was featured in Yes Man and starred in Men at Work before reuniting with Ashton for Netflixs The Ranch. He did not address the stalking or harassment claims. A spokeswoman for Scientology disputed the womans claims about the church. Prosecutors on Tuesday are set to begin presenting evidence to a judge as they attempt to show "That '70s Show" actor Danny Masterson should stand trial in the rapes of three women. Danny Masterson arrives at the Youth for Human Rights International Celebrity Benefit in Los Angeles on March 24, 2014. left the Netflix series "The Ranch" in 2017. This California farm kingdom holds a key, These are the 101 best restaurants in Los Angeles, New Bay Area maps show hidden flood risk from sea level rise and groundwater, Gina Lollobrigida, film star who conquered Italy, Hollywood and the world, dies at 95, Storm sets new L.A. rain records. The defense has also accused the women of coordinating their testimony, allegations that L.A. County Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller rejects. These were not rehearsed statements, Mueller said. Since his That 70s Show days, Smith has appeared in 24,Neighbors From Helland AmazonsPatriot,in addition to an extensive voice acting career. 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. The three counts of rape by force. Hecovers the Western U.S., specializing in crime, courts and homeland security. It is unclear whether those allegations are related to the charges announced Wednesday. These days, she is serving mom realness in her hit movie franchise,Bad Moms. Instead of creating a new role for Masterson, the production staff rewrote the character of Hyde to fit the way Danny acted him out. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Theyre all alright! 2023 Cable News Network. Download the NBC News app for breaking news and alerts. Masterson could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted. Mesereau pressed the court that the media presence would be unfairly prejudicial to Masterson and taint potential jurors. ", "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. [61] The jury remained deadlocked once deliberations resumed; consequently, a mistrial was declared on November 30, 2022. 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. Christina B. [42][43][36] Such stalking and harassment claims are indicative of a Scientology policy titled Fair Game, which the Church claims was cancelled by L. Ron Hubbard in 1968, yet the plaintiffs' lawyers claim it continues still against any detractors and exchurch members, through 'outsourcing' to private investigators and off-duty police officers. In 2017, after Netflix fired Masterson from The Ranch amid allegations that he had raped four women, the actor responded that law enforcement investigated these claims more than 15 years ago and determined them to be without merit.. Fortunately, fans do have their fond memories of the sitcom, even if it turns out that Masterson is in fact guilty. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! "The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.". After a judge ruled last month that Danny Masterson must stand trial on three counts of rape, the actor now has a pre-trial court hearing date scheduled for Aug. 9, 2021. Prosecutors have alleged that Masterson, who has been free on a $3.3 million 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. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. ", "We are thankful that the Los Angeles County District Attorneys office is finally seeking criminal justice against Masterson after a three-year investigation," the statement read. 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