Danny Masterson accused of drugging and raping women, prosecutor claims

Actor Danny Masterson, known for his roles in the television series "That '70s Show" and "The Ranch," has been accused of drugging and raping multiple women, according to a statement by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Masterson, 45, was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred between 2001 and 2003. The prosecutor's statement claimed that Masterson "drugged" his victims before sexually assaulting them.

The actor has denied the allegations and his lawyer has criticized the prosecution for its handling of the case, calling it "politically motivated." Masterson was released on bail after being booked on the charges and is scheduled to appear in court in June.

The allegations against Masterson first came to light in 2017 when several women accused him of sexual assault. At the time, the actor denied the allegations and suggested that his accusers were part of a conspiracy against him because of his association with the Church of Scientology.

Masterson has been a high-profile member of the Church of Scientology for many years, and the organization has been accused of covering up allegations of sexual abuse and harassment by its members in the past.

The actor's arrest and charges come amid a larger cultural reckoning with sexual assault and harassment in the entertainment industry and beyond. Many survivors of sexual assault have come forward in recent years to share their stories and demand accountability for those who have harmed them.