‘That 70’s Show’ Star Danny Masterson Charged With Three Rapes

The actor was taken into custody today before noon.

Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde on That 70's Show and also a famous follower of Scientology, has been charged with three separate counts of rape from three women who are only being identified as Jane Does.

The 44-year-old is accused of felony forcible rape on three separate occasions between 2001 and 2003, which was during the height of the popularity of the show. Two of the women were 23; the third was 28 at the time of the alleged crime.

This is not the first time that Masterson has been accused of rape; an investigation was opened back in 2017 after a blog post that accused the church of Scientology of covering up rape claims. He "vehemently" denied these claims, and accused former Scientologist and fellow actress Leah Remini of using him to boost ratings for her TV show, Scientology and the Aftermath.

Remini claimed that Masterson's ex-girlfriend, as well as two other women, contacted her about the rape claims. Masterson's rep said that the ex-girlfriend stuck around for their relationship after the alleged altercation, also claiming that she pursued him after they broke up.

Documents show that the actor could face 45 years to life in prison if convicted of the charges; his bail was set at $3.3 million.

Tom Mesereau, Masterson's attorney, says he “is innocent, we’re confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify.” He went on to say that Danny and his wife are in complete shock over the allegations.