Danny Masterson pleads not guilty to rape charges

Lalo Yasky/Getty Danny Masterson

Danny Masterson pleaded not guilty Wednesday to the rapes of three women in the early 2000s.

The actor’s attorney, Tom Mesereau, entered the plea on behalf of Masterson, who was not present in court, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed to PEOPLE. Masterson’s next court date is scheduled for March 24.

Mesereau did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

The previous That 70’s show Star was charged last June with raping three women in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003.

Prosecutors alleged that Masterson raped a 23-year-old woman sometime in 2001; a 28-year-old woman in April 2003; and a 23-year-old woman between October and December 2003. All of the alleged crimes occurred at Masterson’s home, according to prosecutors.

If found guilty, Masterson could face a possible maximum sentence of 45 years to life in state prison.

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Michael Buckner/Getty Images for the George Lopez Foundation Danny Masterson

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In October, a Los Angeles judge ruled that the actor’s case would continue. During the hearing, the judge rejected the defense’s argument that the case should be dismissed because the alleged rapes occurred outside the statute of limitations. diversity reported at the time.

SIMILAR VIDEO: That 70’s show Star Danny Masterson accused of raping three women

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Masterson’s arraignment was originally scheduled for November, but was pushed back to January after his attorney appeared before a judge and argued that the rape case was “politically motivated,” PEOPLE previously reported.

Masterson, who has been married to actor and model Bijou Phillips since 2011, has denied the allegations.

“Mr. Masterson is innocent and we are confident that he will be exonerated when all evidence finally comes to light and witnesses have the opportunity to testify,” Mesereau said in a statement in June. “Obviously, Mr. Masterson and his wife are completely shocked to see that these nearly 20-year-old allegations are suddenly leading to prosecution, but they and their family are reassured knowing that the truth will eventually come out. The people who know. “Mr. Masterson knows his character and knows the allegations are false.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.