Settlement deals

This disgraced A- list actor from an acting family is quietly reaching settlement deals with some of his victims.

Danny Masterson

Danny Masterson Pleads Not Guilty to Rape Charges 7 Months After Being Charged

Danny Masterson pleaded not guilty to the rape charges against him on Wednesday, January 20, Us Weekly can confirm.

The That ‘70s Show alum, 44, was not present at the Los Angeles criminal court hearing on Wednesday, but his attorney, Tom Mesereau, entered a plea of not guilty on all charges on his behalf.

Mesereau also objected to media being present in the courtroom for Masterson’s trial, saying, “We want a fair trial and an unbiased jury. We want a jury that is not contaminated by negative media coverage, and in the interest of fairness, we’re requesting that there be no media presence.”

The prosecutor, however, did not agree with Mesereau’s objection. Masterson’s next hearing is scheduled for March 24, which will be a preliminary hearing setting.

The Ranch alum was charged with three counts of rape in June 2020, three years after he was first accused of sexual assault. Masterson was arrested and later released on $3.3. million bail after the Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced the charges against him on June 17.

The Yes Man actor was accused of sexually assaulting a 23-year-old woman between January and December 2001, a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 and a second 23-year-old woman between October and December 2003.

He is facing a maximum sentence of 45 years to life in state prison if convicted of rape by force of the three women.

“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,” his defense attorney told Us in a statement at the time. – Source