Photo:John Shearer/Getty; David Livingston/Getty
John Shearer/Getty; David Livingston/Getty
Ashton KutcherandMila Kunisare addressing their controversial letters of support toward theirThat ’70s ShowcostarDanny Masterson.
In a video on Saturday, the couple discussed why they wrote the letters of support for Masterson — who was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Thursday for two rapes that took place during the height of hisThat ’70s Showfame — and voiced their support of the victims.
The actor went on to describe how the letters came about and said that they were written as a favor to Masterson’s family.
“A couple months ago Danny’s family reached out to us and they asked us to write character letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years, so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing,” he said.
“The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury’s ruling,” Kunis, 40, added.
“They were intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or re-traumatize them in any way,” Kutcher said. “We’d never want to do that, and we’re sorry if that has taken place.”
Meanwhile, Kunis named Masterson as someone with “exceptional character” in her own letter and said she “could sense his innate goodness and genuine nature” while working with him onThat ’70s Show.
“Throughout our time together, Danny has proven to be an amazing friend, confidant, and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me. His caring nature and ability to offer guidance have been instrumental in my growth both personally and professionally,” she wrote.
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After the letters were released, Kutcher and Kunis received criticism online for vouching for Masterson, who wasfound guiltyon two counts of rape in May, despite anot guiltyplea. One personwrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “I swear the more we learn, the more we see lots of celebrities really aren’t good people.” Othersexpressed their disappointmentin the actors for the letters.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
