Former That '70s Show actor Danny Masterson is officially heading to court to face charges of rape.
This morning, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter ruled that the case against the actor can move forward, rejecting the request by the star's legal team to throw out the case under the statute of limitations, Deadline reports.
Masterson was not in the courtroom today, but he will have to be in court for his arraignment on November 2.
The judged also ruled today that media will be allowed to attend the proceeding despite Masterson's request to keep reporters out of the courtroom.
As previously reported, Masterson was charged in June with three counts of rape. If convicted, the actor faces up to 45 years in prison.
The prosecutor in the case, Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller of the Sex Crimes Division, said all of the alleged crimes occurred at Masterson's home in the Hollywood Hills between 2001 and 2003.
In a statement this summer, Masterson's lawyer Tom Mesereau said the following:
Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we're confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify. 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.
This morning, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Eleanor Hunter ruled that the case against the actor can move forward, rejecting the request by the star's legal team to throw out the case under the statute of limitations, Deadline reports.
Masterson was not in the courtroom today, but he will have to be in court for his arraignment on November 2.
The judged also ruled today that media will be allowed to attend the proceeding despite Masterson's request to keep reporters out of the courtroom.
As previously reported, Masterson was charged in June with three counts of rape. If convicted, the actor faces up to 45 years in prison.
The prosecutor in the case, Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller of the Sex Crimes Division, said all of the alleged crimes occurred at Masterson's home in the Hollywood Hills between 2001 and 2003.
In a statement this summer, Masterson's lawyer Tom Mesereau said the following:
Mr. Masterson is innocent, and we're confident that he will be exonerated when all the evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify. 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.
