KARACHI: Star of That ‘70s Show Danny Masterson has been charged on Wednesday with the rapes of three women in the early 2000s.
The charges come after a three-year investigation of the actor, who also starred on Netflix’s The Ranch.
Masterson, 44, was arrested late Wednesday morning, and released after posting a $3.3 million bail, according to the Guardian.
He has been charged with raping a 23-year-old woman in 2001, a 28-year-old woman and a 23-year-old woman in 2003. If convicted, he could face up to 45 years in prison.
The actor’s lawyer said his client was innocent.
“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,“ Masterson’s attorney Tom Mesereau said in a statement. “The people who know Mr Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”
According to the Guardian, the alleged rapes took place while Masterson was starring in the popular sitcoms That ’70s Show alongside Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace.
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Comedian Chris D’Elia has also been accused of sexual misconduct by numerous women, many of whom alleged the comedian had first contacted them as teenagers, according to Vanity Fair.
In a statement given to TMZ, the comedian denied the allegations of the girls being underage. “I know I have said and done things that might have offended people during my career, but I have never knowingly pursued any underage women at any point.
All of my relationships have been both legal and consensual and I have never met or exchanged any inappropriate photos with the people who have tweeted about me. That being said, I really am truly sorry. I was a dumb guy who ABSOLUTELY let myself get caught up in my lifestyle. That’s MY fault. I own it. I’ve been reflecting on this for some time now and I promise I will continue to do better.”
