Hollywood actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have issued an apology regarding the character letters they wrote in support of ‘That ’70s Show’ actor Danny Masterson before his recent rape sentencing. Both actors, who co-starred with Masterson on the show, sent character references to the judge during his trial, describing Masterson as a “role model,” an “outstanding older brother figure,” and praising his “exceptional character.”
Facing substantial backlash, the couple shared a video on Instagram expressing regret for any pain caused by the public release of the letters. In the video, they clarified that the letters were intended for the judge’s consideration and not to undermine the victims’ testimony or re-traumatize them. They emphasized their support for victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and rape, highlighting their historical commitment to this cause through their work.
Kutcher mentioned that Masterson’s family had requested the character letters, as they had known him for 25 years. In his letter, Kutcher advocated for leniency, asserting that he did not believe Masterson posed an ongoing threat to society and expressed concern about the impact on Masterson’s daughter if he were absent from her life.
Similarly, Kunis referred to Masterson as an “amazing friend, confidant, and an outstanding older brother figure.”
On September 7, Masterson was sentenced to at least 30 years in prison for the rape of two women at his home two decades ago. He was convicted in May for drugging and raping fellow members of the Church of Scientology between 2001 and 2003 at his Hollywood Hills residence. Masterson gained fame for his role as Steven Hyde in ‘That ’70s Show,’ alongside Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, and later appeared with Kutcher in Netflix’s ‘The Ranch’ before being fired in 2017 following multiple rape allegations and investigations by the Los Angeles police.
