|
 Netflix did not give a reason for Masterson's exit but Los
Angeles police said in March that the actor, best known from
"That 70s Show," was being investigated for alleged sexual
assault of three women in the early 2000s.
"As a result of ongoing discussions, Netflix and the producers
have written Danny Masterson out of 'The Ranch,'" Netflix said
in an emailed statement. "Yesterday was his last day on the
show, and production will resume in early 2018 without him."
Netflix did not elaborate.
Reuters could not independently confirm the allegations and the
Los Angeles Police Department had no further information on
Tuesday.
Masterson, 41, again denied the accusations and said on Tuesday
he looked forward to clearing his name.
"I am obviously very disappointed in Netflix's decision to write
my character off of 'The Ranch.' From day one, I have denied the
outrageous allegations against me," Masterson said in an emailed
statement. "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."
[to top of second column] |
Masterson lost his job as several other U.S. entertainment or media
personalities have recently been fired over sexual misconduct
allegations.
Netflix confirmed on Monday that its flagship drama series "House of
Cards" would resume production in 2018 without star Kevin Spacey
following multiple allegations against him.. Spacey has apologized
to one of his accusers, actor Anthony Rapp, and according to his
representatives is seeking unspecified treatment.
Masterson started his career as a child model and actor and got his
break-out role in the 1998-2006 Fox television comedy series "That
70s Show," in which he played rebel adolescent Steven Hyde.
In "The Ranch," which premiered in 2016, Masterson plays the older
brother of his "That 70s Show" co-star Ashton Kutcher in a comedy
about a dysfunctional family living in Colorado.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Alden Bentley)
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