Danny Masterson, ‘That 70s show’ star faces 3 rape charges trial

Danny Masterson is facing rape charges.

Actor Danny Masterson from "That '70s Show" is scheduled to appear in court against three women who claim he sexually assaulted them between 2001 and 2003.

In the midst of his ascent to popularity, the actor, 46, who is also a Scientologist, has been charged with allegedly raping the women in his Hollywood Hills home. On the counts, he had entered a not-guilty plea.

The three women were members of the Church of Scientology, but since Masterson's alleged behavior, they have resigned.

Since his arrest in June 2020, the "Ranch" actor has been released on a $3.3 million bond.

Although the judge has stated her resolve not to have the church become the focal point of the proceedings, it will unavoidably loom big when the trial of Masterson in Los Angeles gets underway on Tuesday.

The longtime girlfriend of Masterson was one of the ladies. The second was an old friend, while the third was a more recent acquaintance.

The accused contended that they were first hesitant to approach authorities due to the church's insistence that issues involving its members be resolved privately.

At a pre-trial hearing, Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo stated, "This is not going to turn into a trial on Scientology." She did, however, say that she would allow discussion of the delay in the women reporting to the police.