Danny Masterson Pleads Innocent To Rape Allegations In Court

Danny Masterson reiterated his innocent plea in his Los Angeles rape cases this week.

Masterson was accused of raping three women between 2001-2003 inside his Hollywood Hills home. He made an appearance for the re-arraignment on the charges made against him. The former That 70s Show actor received a follow-up hearing for August 9.

The three women accusing Masterson of rape gave detailed testimonies last month during a four-day preliminary hearing. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge believed that there was enough evidence to summon Masterson before the court.

Chrissie Carnell Bixler claimed she was raped by Masterson twice at the age of 23 when the two lived together.

The other women accusing Masterson have not shared their full names publicly. They said Masterson raped them more than once in 2003.

Masterson has claimed his innocence over the years and called the accusations “outrageous” and “ridiculous.” The actor’s lawyer told the court that all sexual engagement was consensual.

The three women are suing Masterson and the Church of Scientology in civil court; they said they were stalked and harassed when they spoke up about their encounters with Masterson.

On December 31, Judge Steven Kleifield granted a motion from the Church of Scientology to require that the women settle their claims in arbitration due to agreements they signed while members of the church.

The women are appealing this decision, with oral arguments set for October 5 in California’s 2nd District Court of Appeal.

“Who knows how long it will take once it’s argued for them to rule, and then I would not be surprised at all if whoever doesn’t prevail on that will bring a petition for review to the Supreme Court,” said Judge Kleifield on Monday.

Because of the pending appeal, the judge moved the next status conference in Masterson’s civil courtroom to January 13, 2022.