(Greg Gayne / Netflix)
In response to multiple long-brewing sexual assault allegations levied against him, That ’70s Show veteran Danny Masterson will be written out of the third season of The Ranch TV show on Netflix. Deadline reports Netflix issued a statement confirming that Masterson’s last day on set was yesterday. Production on The Ranch will resume in the new year. As of now, the embattled actor will reportedly appear in those episodes already filmed. Now, the actor says he intends to clear his name of all charges.
Streaming on the Netflix paid subscription platform, The Ranch also stars Masterson’s former ’70s Show colleague, Ashton Kutcher, as well as Sam Elliot, Debra Winger, Grady Lee Richmond, Laura Vallejo, Elisha Cuthbert, Bret Harrison, and Kelli Goss. Set in Garrison, Colorado, this sitcom follows the dysfunctional Bennett family on their Iron River Ranch. Each season of 20 episodes is split into two 10-episode parts, and Netflix primarily ignores season numbering entirely, by using the sequential “part” numbers, instead.
Danny Masterson is firing back at Netflix after the streaming service announced it was dropping the actor from its series “The Ranch” following rape accusations made against him more than a decade ago.
“I am obviously very disappointed in Netflix’s decision to write my character off of ‘The Ranch,’” Masterson said in a statement to TheWrap. “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.”
The actor continued, “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. In the meantime, I want to express my gratitude to the cast and crew that I’ve worked so closely with over the past three seasons. I wish them nothing but success. I am also so thankful to the fans that have supported me and continue to do so.”
The Ranch, Part Four (i.e. season 2B) premieres on Netflix on December 15, 2017.
What do you think? Are you a fan of The Ranch TV series? Do you think it can survive without Masterson? Will you watch still watch it?
Guilt or innocence are legal terms to be used in the court of law, but in the public, it’s more the opinion than the facts that count. Anyone can accuse others of commiting a crime on any public platform, other than the courts, to sway there opinion. It’s too bad peoples lives get turned sideways because any accusations made in their direction outside the court of law. 15 years in the past means nothing when someone has an agenda. Too bad Danny your chacter has been taken, without proper justice
It appears as though Masterson was not found guilty of any rape charges and it seems unreasonable to fire him based on unsubstantiated allegations. Danny plays an integral part in the series and will be sorely missed if his contract is not renewed.
The Ranch is a fabulous,quirky series .I fail to comprehend why Danny Masterson was sacked.Rape is a heinous charge and will be addressed through due process in the appropriate time in an entirely different theatre.If found guilty Masterson will receive a court sentence.But none of that should impact on Masterton’s occupation .The issues are separate
Love the show !! Can’t wait until new episodes are back !
Netflix, wake up. Mr. Masterson has been cleared of these 15 plus year old claims. We still have innocent till proven guilty in this Country.
It makes me sick that Netflix presumes he is guilty and ruins a good show due to the political correctness climate. Sorry Netflix you should bring Rooster back. Bad move writing him out
I was incredibly disappointed by Danny Masterson’s firing. And while I’ll continue watch this great show, I sure hope he’ll be back one day to reclaim his role.
BY FAR THIS IS MY FAVORITE SHOW THE FIRING OF DANNY WAS WRONG….HE WAS NEVER CONVICTED. IT IS TOO EASY TO RUIN SOMEONE’S LIFE OUT OF FEAR………..CALL IT AN OVER THE TOP OF BEING OVERLY POLITICALLY CORRECT WITHOUT MERIT…..
Dropped our Netflix about a month ago. The Danny Masterson firing was wrong. I never heard where he was found guilty. We enjoyed the Ranch, Longmire, and Ozark, but this move was not right. Netflix has punished Masterson due to their liberal, political bias. Netflix officials have brought their political views into their business decisions. Danny Masterson loses as well as Netflix.
My favorite show on Netflix. Please don’t cancel the show. One of the better ones.
Thi s is one of the best shows on tv!!! My hubby & i watch all series he’s usually in bed by 7-7:30 d/t way he works & stays up watching d/t lov ing show!! Never been fan of Ashton but am not really hope show comes bach!!!!!
the women on this show are SMOKIN HOT
Love The Ranch even though I am a Democrat. These are some of my favorite actors and actresses and I certainly hope the show continues. I binge watched it from the beginning and am now hooked. While Roosters Character is a bit hard to take, we will miss him on the show. I also feel that the way he left leaves lots of room for him to come back and could lead to some very interesting show themes. My hope is he is found innocent and the people making these decisions allow him back in.
The Ranch is for sure a great show to watch I for one love the show an i think the whole cast plays a big part in making the show including Danny. And with Danny gone the show will change some what of course it wont be the same but if you think about it the way Danny left it could be possible for him to come back at a later time provided he clears his name once an for all i cant judge Danny i don’t have all the facts but i still for one will continue to watch… Read more »
I’ll be canceling my Netflix