Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis send their controversial letters of support to their loved ones That 70s show actor Danny Masterson.
In a video on Saturday, the couple discussed why they wrote the letters of support for Masterson – who was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Thursday for the two rapes that occurred at the height of his death. That 70s show celebrate — and expressed support for the victims.
“We are aware of the pain caused by the letters we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson,” Kutcher, 45, said in a video posted on his Instagram alongside his wife Kunis, who said they “support the victims and will continue to do so in the future. ”
The actor went on to describe how the letters came about and said they were written as a favor to Masterson’s family.
Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis among ’70s stars who wrote letters of support for Danny Masterson ahead of sentencing
“A few months ago, Danny’s family approached us and they asked us to write letters that represent a person we’ve known for 25 years, so that the judge could take that fully into account in sentencing,” he said.
“The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the justice system or the validity of the jury’s decision,” Kunis, 40, added.
The couple said they never intended the letters to be public and apologized to the victims in Masterson’s case, who may have been hurt by their comments.
“They were intended for the judge to read, not to undermine the victim’s testimony or retraumatize them in any way,” Kutcher said. “We would never want to do that and we’re sorry if it happened.”
Kunis concluded the video by saying, “Our hearts go out to every person who has ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual assault or rape.”
Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping 2 women
In letters of support obtained by PEOPLE on Friday, Kutcher called Masterson, 47, a “role model” who he said helped him avoid falling “into the typical Hollywood drug life.”
He also recalled an incident at the pizzeria where he said Masterson stepped in to help a stranger who was being “scolded” by her boyfriend and noted that Masterson “always treated people politely, equally and generously.”
Meanwhile, in her own letter, Kunis called Masterson someone of “exceptional character” and said she “could feel his innate goodness and true nature” while working with him on That 70s show.
“During our time together, Danny has proven to be an incredible friend, confidant and, above all, an outstanding big brother figure. His caring nature and ability to offer guidance have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth,” she wrote.
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After the letters were published, Kutcher and Kunis received criticism online for vouching for Masterson, who was found guilty of two counts of rape in May, despite pleading not guilty. One person wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, “I swear, the more we learn, the more we see that a lot of celebrities really aren’t good people.” Other expressed their disappointment in actors for letters.
That 70s show and That show from the 90s stars Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp also sent letters defending Masterson’s character, along with Ethan Suplee, Eric Balfour, William Baldwin, Giovanni Ribisi, Marissa Ribisi, Jonathan Tucker, and Masterson’s siblings, Jordan, Christopher, Will and Alanna. He was the first to report on the contents of the letters Good morning America.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the crisis line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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Source: HIS Education