Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have publicly apologized for writing letters in support of Danny Masterson before his sentencing in his Los Angeles rape case. They expressed their remorse on Instagram, acknowledging that their intention was never to undermine the victims’ testimony or cause further trauma through the letters submitted to Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo of the Los Angeles Superior Court.
We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters
Kutcher mentioned in the video.
on behalf of Danny Masterson,
We support victims. We have done this historically through our work
Kunis followed.
and will continue to do so in the future,
Kutcher went on to clarify that a few months ago, Masterson‘s family approached them, requesting character letters to vouch for the person they had known for 25 years. The purpose was to provide the judge with a comprehensive perspective for consideration during the sentencing process.
The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system
said Kunis, the That ’70s Show co-star.
or the validity of the jury’s ruling,
They were intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or re-traumatize
Kutcher added.
them in any way. We would never wanna do that. And we’re sorry if that has taken place.
Our heart goes out to every single person who’s ever been
Kunis concluded the video.
a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape.
This statement from the couple comes shortly after a source reported that they were among 50 individuals who had submitted letters to the judge, seeking leniency for the disgraced actor. In their letters, the couple, known for their roles as Michael Kelso and Jackie Burkhart in the popular Fox sitcom, emphasized their extensive history and friendship with Masterson, describing him as a “role model” with “outstanding character.”
Actors Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, best known for their roles as Kitty and Red Forman on the show, also penned letters to the judge. Additionally, actors Giovanni Ribisi and William Baldwin submitted letters. It’s worth noting that William Baldwin’s wife, Chynna Phillips, is the sister of Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips.
Kutcher and Kunis issued their apology a day after Ashley Hinshaw, the wife of That ’70s Show star Topher Grace, who portrayed Eric Forman, shared her thoughts on Instagram in response to Masterson’s sentencing.
To every rape victim that is [re-traumatized] by witnessing society debate
and focus their attention on what is going to happen to the RAPIST…I see you.
Hinshaw said.