Evidence in Danny Masterson rape case to be presented at Tuesday hearing as prosecutors pursue trial
Nearly a year after actor Danny Masterson was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear, prosecutors are expected to try to share evidence against the “That ‘70s Show” star at a preliminary hearing Tuesday.
The prosecutors will attempt to prove the need for a trial for Masterson, who has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Masterson is accused of raping three woman between 2001 and 2003 in separate alleged incidents at his Hollywood Hills home. He was charged last June in Los Angeles County and is free after posting bail.
Tuesday’s preliminary hearing date was set in March following several delays, with a judge ordering at the time that Masterson be in attendance.
“This case has been pending now coming up to a year,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo said in March.
“Ultimately, at the end of that day, that’s what it is,” she said. “It’s not complicated.”
Masterson, 45, is best known for his portrayal of Steven Hyde on the comedy series “That ’70s Show.” He also starred on “The Ranch” as Jameson “Rooster” Bennett, and was removed from the Netflix sitcom after allegations against him emerged.
An attorney for Masterson said last year that the actor “is absolutely not guilty and we’re going to prove it.”
A conviction could carry a prison sentence of up to 45 years for Masterson.
With News Wire Services
