Actor Danny Masterson, best known for his role on “That ’70s Show,” has been charged for raping three women in separate incidents from 2001 through 2003, officials announced Wednesday.
The 44-year-old actor was slapped with three counts of rape by force or fear, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Masterson is accused of raping a 23-year-old woman in the winter of 2001. He is also charged with allegedly raping a 28-year-old woman in April 2003 and another 23-year-old woman around the fall and winter of 2003, officials said, adding that all the incidents allegedly occurred at his Hollywood Hills home.
The DA’s office said it declined to bring charges against Masterson for two other alleged sexual assault incidents because of insufficient evidence in one case and the other case passing outside of the statute of limitations.
Masterson faces up to 45 years in prison if convicted at trial.
He is due in court on Sept. 18.
Masterson’s criminal defense attorney maintained his client’s innocence.
“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,” Tom Mesereau said in a statement to The Post.
Masterson and his wife of nine years, actress Bijou Phillips, are “in complete shock” over the charges, Mesereau said.
“They and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out,” he added. “The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false.”
The couple were married in 2011 and share a 6-year-old daughter.