Danny Masterson has responded to Netflix’s decision to fire him from The Ranch with an angry statement denying the sexual assault allegations against him.

“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 to CNN.

“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.”

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Netflix fired Masterson from the original series The Ranch, which co-stars Ashton Kutcher, telling the Huffington Post that the actor would not be joining the production when it resumes in 2018. The decision came months after reports first surfaced of Masterson allegedly drugging and raping women in the early 2000s. Four women have come forward with similar allegations and Los Angeles authorities are investigating the claims.

[Feature image: Associated Press]