Danny Masterson rape trial heats up with explosive opening remarks

Los Angeles, California - That 70's Show star Danny Masterson's sexual assault trial has begun with shocking open statements detailing his alleged horrific crimes.

That 70's Show star Danny Masterson's sexual assault trial began with shocking open statements detailing his alleged horrific crimes.
That 70's Show star Danny Masterson's sexual assault trial began with shocking open statements detailing his alleged horrific crimes.  © Collage: POOL / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP & ANNA WEBBER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

On Tuesday, the actor's explosive court case in LA Superior Court Judge Charlene Olmedo's courtroom continued after jury selection, with his lawyer and the district attorney giving gripping opening remarks.

The Ranch star was charged in 2020 for forcibly raping three women in separate incidents that took place between 2001 and 2003.

Masterson pleaded not guilty to all three charges in January 2021, but an LA-based judge ordered him to stand trial.

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During the preliminary hearing in May, prosecutors revealed that the alleged assaults took place at his home, with his accusers detailing the incidents - which the D.A. recounted during Tuesday's proceedings.

Per Deadline, during a two-hour and 15-minute opening statement, Deputy District Attorney Reinhold Mueller's recounted that Masterson allegedly drugged and raped the women, who were identified by their initials as J.B., N.T., and C.B.

Mueller also brought to light one of the shocking incidents that happened to victim "J.B." by explaining that she didn't go to the police at the time because that she assumed the assault - which also might have resulted in a "pregnancy and a miscarriage" - was consensual.

"What she didn’t believe was consensual was that he flipped her over and penetrated her anus," Mueller added.

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Danny Masterson has pled guilty to the three charges against him and is currently facing 45-years-to-life if found guilty.
Danny Masterson has pled guilty to the three charges against him and is currently facing 45-years-to-life if found guilty.  © POOL / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Following the D.A.'s remarks, Masterson's lawyer Philip Cohen addressed the court by claiming that "cross-contamination" allegedly occurred because the victims all spoke to each other "before talking to the LAPD."

"This case is about three women who are going to tell you about three nights almost 20 years ago," Cohen told the jury. "This other stuff is truly the elephant in the room."

The actor's attorney doubled down on the inconsistencies in the women's stories, supported by what they allegedly told officials and their lack of photographic evidence.

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Furthermore, Cohen requested a mistrial twice due to commentary over Scientology, the controversial religion Masterson follows, which was referenced during the D.A.'s remarks.

Judge Olmedo denied the actor's attorney's request.

If Masterson is found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of 45 years to life in state prison.

Cover photo: Collage: POOL / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP & ANNA WEBBER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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