American actor and DJ Danny Masterson has been charged with raping three women in the early 2000s, BBC News reports.
Masterson, 44, is perhaps best known for his role as Steven Hyde in the US period sitcom That '70s Show, but he has also found recent success alongside Ashton Kutcher on the Netflix comedy series The Ranch - of which he was written out following sexual allegations.
Credit: 589Per CNN, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced Masterson's arrest on Wednesday.
Per information on the LA County Sherrif's department website, the actor was arrested at 11:30 AM (PT) on Wednesday and released shortly before 3:00 PM (PT) on a $3.3 million bail.
Masterson - has been married to model and actor Bijou Phillips since 2011 - is now facing 45 years in prison, after being charged with forcibly raping three women - all in their 20s - between the years of 2001 and 2003.
Authorities also state that the alleged attacks took place in Masterson's Hollywood Hills home.
The actor has denied the charges he faces and has argued that his membership of the Church of Scientology has resulted in his persecution.
Two other cases against Masterson were dropped due to insufficient evidence and the statute of limitations expiring.
Credit: 1741Masterson's lawyer Tom Mesereau has said in a statement to the press that the actor "is innocent", adding:
"Obviously, Mr Masterson and his wife are in complete shock considering that these nearly 20-year-old allegations are suddenly resulting in charges being filed, but they and their family are comforted knowing that ultimately the truth will come out.
"The people who know Mr. Masterson know his character and know the allegations to be false."
In 2017, Masterson was written out of The Ranch following the allegations, with his character's motorcycle went off the side of a dangerous road, leaving him he is missing and presumed dead.
At the time, Masterson denied the allegations, saying:
"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."
Last year, four women then filed a lawsuit against Masterson and the Church of Scientology, alleging that they were stalked, harassed, and intimidated after reporting claims of abuse.
Masterson's arraignment is currently scheduled for September 18.