HOLLYWOOD—Danny Masterson, star of Netflix original series “The Ranch,” and known for playing Steven Hyde on “That 70s Show,” shared a Father’s Day post on his Twitter account. The tweet occurred a few days after Part 5 of “The Ranch,” which Masterson was fired from in December 2017, got released online.
In the early 2000s, Masterson was under investigation by authorities after several women alleged that he sexually abused them. He denied those allegations and hired Thomas Mesereau as his criminal defense attorney. The investigation was closed when witnesses contradicted the victims’ testimonies.
“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. 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,” Masterson indicated in a statement.
In 2017, the Los Angeles Police Department re-opened the case and investigated allegations that three women made against Masterson during the #MeToo movement. The controversy surrounding the actor caused a Netflix boycott in support of the alleged rape victims and a demand that the actor be fired from “The Ranch.”
On December 4, 2017, Debra Messing tweeted: “#NetflixNO #DannyMasterson is under a CRIMINAL investigation and Netflix picked up his how and his contract, knowing this. The show should be suspended until an investigation is performed. #NetflixNO”
Another supporter of the victims stated via social media: “I hope you will all join me to #BoycottNetflix until they believe female rape victims.”
Netflix announced in early December that they fired Masterson from “The Ranch” stating: “As a result of ongoing discussions, Netflix and the producers have written Danny Masterson out of ‘The Ranch.’”
The fifth part of the show is Masterson’s last appearance on the series, and it premiered on June 15, 2018. Several of fans sent messages of support via his Twitter account. One fan tweeted: “No Rooster[Danny Masterson’s Character] No Ranch.” Another fan wrote: “Give me a Heads Up when ur Back on The Ranch so I can start Watching Again, sorry Ashton.”
One person on Twitter wrote: “How about a Father’s Day wish for all the girls you assaulted? May their fathers find you in a dark alley.”
A fan tweeted: “#dannymasterson #The Ranch #netflix really hope Netflix pulls their head out of their ass on this one.”
A supporter of the victims stated on Twitter “Absolutely Disgusting @netflix! I canceled as did my friends (178) and family because you were not supportive of the Victims of #DannyMasterson We do not SUPPORT ABUSERS!”
