Porn actor Ron Jeremy was declared mentally incompetent by a Los Angeles judge Tuesday, leaving him unable to stand trial for dozens of rape and sexual assault charges.

Superior Court Judge Ronald S. Harris said on Tuesday that Jeremy, 69, was in the midst of "incurable neurocognitive decline" and could not stand in defense of charges brought up by 21 different women.

Jeremy has been in prison since his arrest in 2020. He denied any wrongdoing at the time and vowed to clear his name. In August 2020, Jeremy wrote on Twitter: "I can't wait to prove my innocence in court! Thank you to everyone for all the support."

He was not present for the latest hearing.

Born as Ronald Hyatt, Ron Jeremy became one of the most prolific performers in the adult film industry, starring in over 2,000 movies since the 1970s. Nicknamed "The Hedgehog," Jeremy became a recognizable pop cultural novelty through reality shows, public appearances, and music videos.

Prosecutors said he attacked 21 women - who ranged in age from 15 to 51 - between the years 1996 and 2019. The allegations against Jeremy include 12 counts of forcible rape, seven of forcible oral copulation, six of sexual battery, and two of penetration while the victim was asleep or unconscious, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

The alleged crimes took place at bars and nightclubs in the Los Angeles area, and at Jeremy's home.

Court proceedings were suspended last year after Jeremy's lawyer said his client had not been able to recognize him during a visit to his cell.

The Los Angeles Times reported earlier this month that Jeremy had "severe dementia".

Following the judge's decision on Tuesday, the same lawyer told the Associated Press: "It is unfortunate due to mental condition he will not go to trial and have the opportunity to clear his name."

Jeremy was initially charged after a district attorney's task force was set up to investigate entertainment industry sexual misconduct following the Harvey Weinstein reports in 2017, which made the #metoo movement an international phenomenon.

Jeremy was among a brief list of men charged in the task force's work, along with Weinstein himself, who was convicted of rape and sexual assault in December.

California Los Angeles