Netflix is going forward with a series starring an actor accused of rape

A report says the investigation has stalled, despite multiple sources claiming 'compelling evidence' in the case

Netflix has said it will not be taking immediate action in the light of allegations against actor Danny Masterson.

The statement comes after resurfacing reports that Masterson is the subject of a criminal investigation by the LAPD, after four women alleged they were sexually assaulted by the actor. The Huffington Post has now reported the case has stalled, despite multiple sources claiming "compelling evidence" in the case.

The 40-year-old actor is best known for his role as Steven Hyde on That 70s Show, which aired from 1998 until 2006, but now stars on The Ranch, which is produced and aired by Netflix.

“We are aware of the allegations and the subsequent investigation, and will respond if developments occur,” a Netflix spokesperson has stated (via The Huffington Post). Netflix first announced that The Ranch: Part 4 will premiere in December on 17 October, seven months after news of the LAPD investigation was first made public by journalist Tony Ortega.

A representative for Masterson, who has not been charged with a crime, denied the allegations in a statement on Friday. Masterson is a longtime member of the Church of Scientology, and claims the allegations were motivated by a producer on the anti-Scientology series Leah Reminini: Scientology and the Aftermath.

The statement also said one of the accusers was his longtime girlfriend who continued to date him after the alleged incident, reading: “The alleged incident occurred in the middle of their six-year relationship, after which she continued to be his longtime girlfriend." It also said another one of the accusers had brought the same allegations to the LAPD about 14 years ago but police “determined the claim had no merit.”

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