Danny Masterson, best known for his appearance as Steven Hyde in That 70s Show, is accused of attacking the alleged victims in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003
Actor Danny Masterson has been told by a judge that he must stand trial on three counts of rape.
The actor, best known for his appearance as Steven Hyde in That 70s Show, is accused of attacking the alleged victims in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003.
LA County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo made the determination on the fourth day of a preliminary hearing in which the prosecution laid out its evidence.
The judge found that the women’s testimony was credible for the purposes of a preliminary heating.
Masterson has denied the charges.
The actor’s attorney has said that he will prove his client’s innocence and that Masterson had consensual sex with the women.
The actor is alleged to have raped a 23-year-old woman in 2001. He is also accused of attacking a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 as well as allegedly raping a 23-year-old he had invited to his Hollywood Hills home between October and December that year.
All of the alleged attacks took place at Masterson’s home, prosecutors said.
In a statement to the PA news agency last year, Masterson’s lawyer Tom Mesereau said the allegations are false.
He said: “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.
“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.
“The people who know Mr Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”
Masterson, who has identified himself as a practising Scientologist, has been married to the actress Bijou Phillips since 2011 and they have a six-year-old daughter.
If convicted as charged, Masterson, best known for playing Steven Hyde on sitcom That ’70s Show, faces a maximum sentence of 45 years to life in state prison.
