Actor Danny Masterson, best known for his work in That ’70s Show, has been fired from Netflix amid allegations of rape from several women.
He’s been working on an original Netflix comedy series The Ranch, however on Tuesday the streaming giant released a statement saying Masterson will not return in 2018.
“As a result of ongoing discussions, Netflix and the producers have written Danny Masterson out of The Ranch,” the statement from Netflix reads, as reported by Variety.
“[Monday] was his last day on the show, and production will resume in early 2018 without him.”
Four women have accused the actor of rape and their allegations are currently being investigated by the Los Angeles County District Attorney and Los Angeles Police Department.
The first alleged victim to speak out said she was 16-years-old when Masterson allegedly raped her, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
She made her allegations public via the docu-series from producer Leah Remini on Scientology and the Aftermath, implying the religion had a role in covering up Masterson’s alleged crime.
Masterson and his actress wife Bijou Phillips are Scientologists.
Masterson denies all allegations and, in a statement released today, said he's disappointed with Netflix's decision.
"I am obviously very disappointed in Netflix’s decision to write my character off of The Ranch. From day one, I have denied the outrageous allegations against me," Masterson's statement reads, as reported by Variety.
"Law enforcement investigated these claims more than 15 years ago and determined them to be without merit. I have never been charged with a crime, let alone convicted of one."
Season Two, Part Two, of The Ranch, starring Ashton Kutcher, is scheduled to air on December 15 and Masterson is included in these episodes. His character will not be involved moving forward.
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Top Comments
So much for innocent until proven guilty.
I can understand if even one had resulted in a charge but at the moment it is just accusations.
I completely agree, then again I was thinking that maybe it's preemptive in case it goes sour they'd have to scrap all the filming as ratings would suffer. In saying that I cannot understand why this has been reported publicly if it apparently was dealt with over a decade ago?
Seeing Danny Masterson is not in prison, "innocent until proven guilty" is working exactly as it is intended. But only the legal system has to adhere to that. Netflix are under no obligation to keep someone on if he is damaging their reputation. In the current climate, this would be terrible publicity for them. People have lost their jobs for far less, particularly in the US, where you can be fired for any reason at all in a lot of states.