Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Apologize for Writing Character Letters for Danny Masterson in Rape Case: “We Support Victims”
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Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are apologizing for writing character letters on behalf of their That ’70s Show co-star Danny Masterson in the rape cases against him.
The actors took to Instagram to address the pain they may have caused with their letters, noting they did not intend to hurt anyone.
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“We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson,” Kutcher began in the video posted to his Instagram on Saturday. “We support victims. We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future,” Kunis added, sitting alongside her husband.
They explained that Masterson’s family reached out to them a couple of months ago and asked them to write letters to represent the person they had known for 25 years, so the judge could take that into consideration in regards to his sentencing.
“The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury’s ruling,” Kunis continued, with Kutcher chiming in, “They were intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or re-traumatize them in any way. We would never want to do that. And we’re sorry if that has taken place.”
The couple concluded their message to viewers, saying, “Our heart goes out to every single person who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape.”
Kutcher and Kunis’ apology comes shortly after their character letters for Masterson were made public, following his sentencing of 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in 2003.
In his letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Kutcher referred to his co-star as a “role model” with “exceptional character” and explained that Masterson was the reason Kutcher didn’t fall into drugs. “Any time that we were to meet someone or interact with someone who was on drugs, or did drugs, he made it clear that that wouldn’t be a good person to be friends with,” the Your Place or Mine star wrote.
Kunis wrote in her letter that Masterson had been an “exceptional older brother figure” to her. She also touted his avoidance of drugs, which inspired her to stay away from substances. “Danny’s steadfastness in promoting a drug-free lifestyle has been a guiding light in my journey through the entertainment world and has helped me prioritize my well-being and focus on making responsible choices,” the Friends With Benefits actress added.
Masterson’s other That ’70s Show co-stars Kurtwood Smith, Debra Rupp and David Trainer also wrote letters on behalf of him.
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