All eyes are back on the cast from That 70s Show – And Danny Masterson – while Netflix released the sequel series, That 90s showwith appearances from Laura Prepon, Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher And Wilmer Valderrama.
Masterson, who played Steven Hyde on the comedy series that aired on Fox from 1998 to 2006, was not asked to return for the new show as he faces a second trial on sexual assault allegations.
The actor made headlines in March 2017 when four women claimed Masterson sexually assaulted them on different occasions in the early 2000s. A fifth woman later came forward.
“From day one, I have denied the outrageous allegations made against me. Law enforcement investigated these allegations over 15 years ago and found them to be baseless,” he said in a statement. at the time. “I have never been charged with a crime, let alone convicted. In this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, in the current climate, it seems that you be presumed guilty at the time you are charged.
In June 2020, Masterson was charged with three counts of forcible rape, with the Los Angeles County prosecutor at the time explaining that two of the women’s cases lacked sufficient evidence and statutes of limitations. He subsequently pleaded not guilty.
A trial began in October 2022. The following month, news broke that a judge had declared a mistrial because the jury was unable to reach a unanimous vote. While Masterson’s team asked to drop the case in January 2023, a judge rejected the proposal and a March 29, 2023 date was set for jury selection for a second trial.
“It looks like there are many more witnesses the people could choose to call or different arguments the people could choose to present,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo said at the time. “A different result on a new trial is at least a possibility.”
In May 2023, Masterson was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape following his second trial for charges dating from the early 2000s. Jurors found Masterson guilty of raping two women in 2003 and were in the impasse over a verdict for a November 2001 allegation involving an ex-girlfriend. He faces 30 years to life on both counts.
Masterson’s career came to a halt amid accusations, with Netflix cutting ties with the actor amid production on Season 3 of the ranch — a show he appeared on alongside Kutcher — in December 2017. Grace, meanwhile, was the first cast member to address the scandal.
“You know, I’m hesitant to say I’ve never seen this behavior because I feel like I’m defending it, but the truth is, I’ve never seen this,” the actor said. which played Eric Forman. The Hollywood Reporter in May 2018. “I was, of this casting, the most annoying. So when it came to hanging out after the show and partying, I was just boring.
When That 90s show premiered in January 2023, Masterson’s Hyde was not mentioned and excluded from a flashback scene taken from the OG show. He was, however, supportive of the series when it was initially announced in 2021.
“This is literally the most dope thing I’ve heard in a decade,” he wrote via Instagram before praising Kurtwood Smith And Debra Jo Rupp, who returned as Red and Kitty, respectively, to be full-time cast members. “So excited for @therealkurtwoodsmith and @debrajorupp two of the greatest humans and greatest actors on this planet. Can’t wait to watch and laugh. Same creators/writers/producers as 70s.”
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