A lawyer for That ’70s Present actor Danny Masterson pleaded not responsible on his behalf Wednesday to the rapes of three girls within the early 2000s.
Defence lawyer Tom Mesereau entered the plea for Masterson, who was not current in court docket, to a few fees of rape by power or concern in Los Angeles County Superior Courtroom.
The incessantly delayed listening to coincided with the inauguration in Washington of President-elect Joe Biden, leading to far much less media consideration than Masterson’s preliminary court docket look in June. His arraignment has been postponed a number of occasions since.
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Prosecutors have alleged that Masterson, 44, who has been free on bond since his June 17 arrest, raped a 23-year-old girl someday in 2001, a 28-year-old girl in April of 2003, and a 23-year-old girl between October and December of 2003. All the alleged rapes occurred at his Hollywood Hills house.
Masterson might withstand 45 years in jail if convicted.
Mesereau, whose earlier shoppers have included Michael Jackson and Invoice Cosby, stated in court docket in June that the fees have been the results of unfair hype from media retailers and political stress to prosecute his shopper. The lawyer stated his staff would show that Masterson shouldn’t be responsible.
Masterson’s arrest got here after a three-year investigation that resulted within the uncommon prosecution of a well-known Hollywood determine within the #MeToo period. Regardless of dozens of investigations, most have led to no fees primarily based on lack of proof or an excessive amount of time having handed for the reason that alleged sexual assaults.
The ladies who’ve accused Masterson of sexual misconduct claimed they’ve suffered “harassment, embarrassment and re-victimization” by the actor and the Church of Scientology, of which he’s a member, since Masterson and the church realized they have been “co-operating with authorities.”
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“We’re grateful that the Los Angeles County District Lawyer’s workplace is lastly in search of felony justice towards Masterson,” they stated collectively in a press release. “We’re assured that the reality will probably be recognized and hope that the fees filed at present are the primary steps on this lengthy journey of therapeutic, justice and holding those who victimized us accountable.”
In 2017, actor Leah Remini, a former member of the Church of Scientology, accused the Los Angeles Police Division of protecting up Masterson’s investigation with a purpose to appease Scientology leaders.
Months later, Remini continued to talk out towards Masterson, and the finale episode of her Emmy-winning collection Scientology and the Aftermath was supposed to incorporate two of the 4 girls who accused Masterson of sexual assault, however that episode was reportedly shelved in February 2019.
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After months of back-and-forth, Remini’s two-hour particular, titled Ready for Justice, aired in August 2019. She interviewed Masterson’s accusers about their experiences with the previous The Ranch actor and condemned the Church of Scientology, alleging it was defending him from justice.
Masterson was fired from the Netflix collection The Ranch and quietly dropped by his former expertise company, United Expertise Company (UTA), after the LAPD confirmed it was investigating sexual assault allegations towards him from a number of girls in 2016 and 2017.
“I’m clearly very disillusioned in Netflix’s resolution to write down my character off of The Ranch,” the actor wrote in a press release on the time of his firing.
“From Day 1, I’ve denied the outrageous allegations towards me. I’ve by no means been charged with against the law, not to mention convicted of 1.
“On this nation, you’re presumed harmless till confirmed responsible. Nevertheless, within the present local weather, it appears as if you’re presumed responsible the second you’re accused. I perceive and stay up for clearing my title as soon as and for all.”
A litigation lawyer for the Church of Scientology additionally launched a press release in August 2019 calling the lawsuit “a sham.”
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“From every little thing we’ve learn within the press, this baseless lawsuit will go nowhere as a result of the claims are ludicrous and a sham,” the assertion learn. “It’s a dishonest and hallucinatory publicity stunt. Leah Remini is benefiting from these individuals as pawns in her money-making rip-off.”
The alleged rapes occurred on the top of Masterson’s fame, when he starred as Steven Hyde on Fox TV’s retro sitcom That ’70s Present from 1998 to 2006 alongside Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Topher Grace.
— With information from Chris Jancelewicz
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When you or somebody you realize is experiencing abuse or is concerned in an abusive state of affairs, please go to the Canadian Useful resource Centre for Victims of Crime for assist. They’re additionally reachable toll-free at 1-877-232-2610.
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