Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis Vouch for Convicted Rapist Danny Masterson in Sentencing Letters
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Ashton Kutcher called convicted rapist Danny Masterson “an extraordinarily honest and intentional friend,” while Mila Kunis referred to his “innate goodness and genuine nature” in letters submitted on the actor’s behalf before he was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The letters, shared by journalist Meghann Cuniff on her Substack, were revealed one day after Masterson was formally sentenced on Sept. 7. Back in May, Masterson was found guilty of two counts of forcible rape in his second trial on the charges (the first trial ended in a deadlocked jury, resulting in a mistrial). While Masterson was originally charged with three counts of forcible rape, the jury was unable to come to a unanimous decision on the third count.
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Rumors that Kutcher and Kunis — who are married and both starred on That ‘70s Show with Masterson — were among the 50 people who wrote letters in support of Masterson had been swirling since the sentencing. Both described their professional and personal relationships with Masterson and vouched for his character.
Kutcher also specifically addressed the sentencing in the final paragraph of his letter, writing: “While I’m aware that the judgement has been cast as guilty on two counts of rape by force and the victims have a great desire for justice, I hope that my testament to his character is taken into consideration in sentencing. I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society and having his daughter raised without a present father would [be] a tertiary injustice in and of itself.”
Elsewhere in his letter, Kutcher described Masterson as “a positive influence on me” as well as a “role model.” Kutcher credited Masterson with keeping him from “falling into the typical Hollywood life of drugs,” saying the actor exerted “positive peer pressure” to keep him from taking up these bad habits. He also brought up Masterson’s support for firefighters after the 9/11 attacks, and spoke about a supposed incident at a pizza parlor where Masterson jumped to the defense of a woman who was being berated by her “belligerent” boyfriend.
Kutcher also spoke about following Masterson’s lead as a father — “He set a standard of being a hands on dad” — and praised his work ethic (along with That ‘70s Show, the pair also starred together on the Netflix show The Ranch). “I can honestly say that no matter where we were, or who we were with, I never saw my friend be anything other than the guy I have described,” Kutcher said.
In her letter, Kunis called Masterson “an amazing friend, confidant, and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me.” Like Kutcher, she spoke about Masterson’s “unwavering commitment to discouraging the use of drugs,” his “commitment to being a loving and responsible parent,” and his “profound sense of responsibility and care for those around him.”
“Danny Masterson’s warmth, humor, and positive outlook on life have been a driving force in shaping my career and the way I approach life’s challenges,” Kunis said. “His unwavering commitment to being an exceptional older brother figure to me has had a transformative impact on my life, instilling in me a sense of self-belief and encouraging me to aim for greatness, but all while maintaining a sense of humility.”
Kutcher and Kunis weren’t Masterson’s only high-profile advocates either. Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith — both of whom also starred on That ‘70s Show — submitted letters on his behalf, as did the actors Giovanni Ribisi (who, like Masterson, is a member of the Church of Scientology) and Billy Baldwin (who is married to Masterson’s wife’s half-sister, Chynna Phillips).
Masterson has consistently denied the rape charges against him. During the trial, his three accusers all delivered emotional testimony claiming that Masterson drugged them before raping them. In turn, Masterson’s defense team focused on the inconsistencies of the accusers’ stories, arguing that their claims were tainted and not credible because they’d spoken with each other.
The Church of Scientology was also a major topic during the trial. All three accusers are former members of the Church, and they alleged that it protected Masterson and discouraged them from coming forward with their allegations. Representatives for the Church have denied these claims, calling them fabrications.
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