What Has the ‘That ’70s Show’ Cast Said About Sexual Assault Allegations Against Danny Masterson?

usmagazine.com:

All eyes are back on the cast of That ‘70s Show — and Danny Masterson — as Netflix releases the sequel series, That ‘90s Show, featuring appearances by Laura Prepon, Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama.Masterson, who played Steven Hyde on the comedy series, which ran on Fox from 1998 to 2006, wasn’t asked back for the new show as he faces a second trial for sexual assault allegations.The actor made headlines in March 2017 when four women alleged Masterson had sexually assaulted them on separate occasions in the early 2000s.

A fifth woman subsequently came forward.“From day one, I have denied the outrageous allegations against me. Law enforcement investigated these claims more than 15 years ago and determined them to be without merit,” he said in a statement at the time. “I have never been charged with a crime, let alone convicted of one.

In this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, in the current climate, it seems as if you are presumed guilty the moment you are accused.”In June 2020, Masterson was charged with three counts of forcible rape, with Los Angeles County District Attorney explaining at the time that two of the women’s cases had insufficient evidence and statutes of limitations.

He subsequently pleaded not guilty.A trial began in October 2022. The following month, news broke that a judge declared a mistrial as the jury was unable to come to a unanimous vote.