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Netflix ditches Danny Masterson amid sexual assault allegations

Danny Masterson as Jameson 'Rooster' Bennett on <i>The Ranch</i>.

Danny Masterson as Jameson 'Rooster' Bennett on The Ranch. Photo: Netflix

Actor Danny Masterson has been written out of the Netflix series The Ranch after rape allegations were levelled against him.

“As a result of ongoing discussions, Netflix and the producers have written Danny Masterson out of The Ranch,” a Netflix spokesman told CNN.

“Yesterday was his last day on the show, and production will resume in early 2018 without him.”

Masterson, who has steadfastly denied the allegations, said he was “very disappointed” with Netflix’s decision.

“From day one, I have denied the outrageous allegations against me. Law enforcement investigated these claims more than 15 years ago and determined them to be without merit,” Masterson said in a 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.

“I understand and look forward to clearing my name once and for all,” Masterson concluded.

The 41-year-old actor has appeared on one and a half seasons of the Netflix comedy, which also stars Ashton Kutcher and Sam Elliott.

Four women have accused Masterson of sexual assault, all of which a representative for Masterson has previously denied.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to E! Entertainment that it is currently conducting an investigation involving Masterson.

“Three women have come forward and disclosed that they were sexually assaulted by Masterson during the early 2000s,” the LAPD said in a statement.

Netflix’s decision to fire Masterson – who rose to fame in early 2000s sit-com That ’70s Show – came a day after The Huffington Post reported Andy Yeatman, director of global kids’ content at Netflix, told one of Masterson’s accusers his seniors didn’t believe the accusations.

In a statement, a Netflix spokesperson called the comments “careless” and “uninformed” and said Yeatman wasn’t aware the woman he spoke to had accused Masterson of rape.

Topics: Netflix
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