Danny Masterson has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape. The "That 70's Show" star's attorney, Tom Mesereau, entered the plea on Wednesday on behalf of his client, who was not present in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Fox News reported.
Masterson has been accused of raping three women by "force or fear" in the early 2000s at his Hollywood Hills home. The first incident took place in 2001 when the actor reportedly raped a 23-year-old woman. The second alleged rape of a 28-year-old woman took place in April 2003 and the third reported rape of a 23-year-old woman occurred between October and December of 2003.
Masterson has denied the allegations. Last year Mesereau said the charges were the result of unfair media hype as well as political pressure.
"There have been repeated attempts to politicize this case," Mesereau said according to Associated Press. "He is absolutely not guilty and we’re going to prove it."
Mesereau vowed to fight the charges.
"Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we're confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify," Mesereau said in a previous statement. "The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false."
Mesereau added that the accusations came as a shock to Masterson and his family.
"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," he said, per BBC.
Masterson, who has been free on $3.3 million bail since his arrest in mid-June, could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
Zoe Papadakis ✉
Zoe Papadakis is a Newsmax writer based in South Africa with two decades of experience specializing in media and entertainment. She has been in the news industry as a reporter, writer and editor for newspapers, magazine and websites.
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