Ashton Kutcher AND Thousands Kunis respond to criticism regarding letters of support they wrote to their former TV partner Danny Mastersonahead of his 30-year sentence for sexual assault on Thursday.
“We understand the pain caused by the letters we wrote to Danny Masterson.“Kutcher and Kunis said in a video posted to Kutcher’s Instagram account. “We want to make it clear that we fully support the victims.” Kunis added. “We have always done this through our work and will continue to do so in the future.“.
Kutcher provided additional information about why he and Kunis wrote these letters: “A few months ago, Danny and his family asked us to write letters reflecting a man we had known for the last 25 years. This would allow the judge to take it into account when sentencing.
“.“The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the justice system or the validity of the jury’s decision.– Kunis said sadly. “They were intended to be read by the judge and were not intended to in any way undermine the victims’ testimony or cause them further trauma.Kutcher added. “We never wanted this to happen. We are very sorry that this happened“.
The couple concluded the video by reiterating their full support for victims of sexual assault. “Our thoughts go out to all people who have been victims of sexual assault, sexual assault or rape.“Kunis said.
Letters addressed to the judge Charlene Olmedowere made public by a journalist Tony Ortega, who shared them on Substack. Ortega is known for his news coverage of issues related to Scientology, of which Masterson is a prominent spokesman.
“Over the years, Danny has been a friend who has had a positive influence on me.“Kutcher wrote in his letter. “He is an extremely honest and knowledgeable person“. Kutcher emphasized that Masterson has always been a great role model and attributed his drug-free lifestyle to their friendship. “Whenever we encountered people using drugs, Danny was clear that they would not be good company. And for me, that meant that if I was using drugs, he wouldn’t want to be my friend, and I never wanted to question or jeopardize that.
“.In her letter of support, Kunis also emphasized: “Masterson’s unwavering commitment to combating drug use“. He described Masterson as “an extraordinary friend, confidant and, above all, an exceptional brotherly figure.“. Concluding the letter, he stated: “I wholeheartedly vouch for the exceptional character of Danny Masterson and the enormous positive impact he had on me and those around him.“.
Kutcher and Kunis co-starred with Masterson in the film It’s That ’70s Showwhich aired from 1998 to 2006 on Fox, and Kutcher also shared the screen with it in Ranch From Netflix from 2016 to 2017. Despite the allegations against Masterson, the two actors remained close over the years.
Masterson was sentenced Thursday in Los Angeles. On May 31, the actor was found guilty of two counts of rape after a previous attempt to prosecute him ended in overturning. However, the jury was unable to reach a verdict on the third charge of rape.
The charges against Masterson included three counts of rape, relating to separate incidents of sexual assault that occurred at his home between 2001 and 2003. As of 2021, Masterson has pleaded not guilty to all three charges.
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