Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis Among ‘That ’70s Show’ Stars Who Wrote Letters in Support of Danny Masterson Before Sentencing

Danny Masterson had some support from his own That 70s show costars ahead of sentencing.

On Thursday, the actor was sentenced to 30 years in prison for two rapes that occurred at the height of his death. That 70s show glory. Before the decision, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis sent letters defending Masterson’s character.

In an excerpt of a letter Kutcher, 45, wrote to the court, the actor called Masterson, 47, a “role model.”

“As a role model, Danny has consistently excelled,” Kutcher wrote in a letter obtained by PEOPLE. “I attribute it directly to Danny that he didn’t fall into the typical Hollywood drug life.”

Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping 2 women

John Shearer/Getty; David Livingston/Getty

He later shared an incident from a pizzeria where Masterson allegedly jumped in to help a stranger who was being “scolded” by her boyfriend.

“We’ve never met or seen these people before, but Danny was the first person to jump to this girl’s defense. It was an incident he didn’t have to be involved in, but he proactively decided to because of the way this man was acting he wasn’t right,” Kutcher wrote. “He always treated people decently, equally and generously.”

Kutcher’s letter referred to Masterson as an “extraordinarily honest and purposeful human being” and said that Kutcher – who also starred in Ranch with Masterson — I can’t remember his colleague lying.

Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Kunis, 40, wrote her own letter, in which she named Masterson in part as someone of “exceptional character.”

“I first met Danny when we were working together on That 70s show, and from the very beginning I could feel his innate kindness and genuine nature,” Kunis wrote. “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 were key to my personal and professional growth.”

After echoing her husband’s sentiments about how Masterson kept her away from the drug pressure of the industry, she added: “His genuine concern for those around him and his commitment to leading by example make him an outstanding role model and friend.”

Danny Masterson blew a kiss to wife Bijou Phillips in the courtroom after he was sentenced to 30 years in prison

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The two letters were bundled into a group of dozens of references intended to vouch for Masterson’s character. He was the first to report on the contents of the letters Good morning America.

That 70s show and That show from the 90s star Kurtwood Smith also contributed in good faith for Masterson. “I consider Danny a good friend. Our friendship revolved around work…Danny was a leader among his contemporaries in the cast. He was a little older and a lot more experienced, and he took that position seriously. In the 8 years we’ve been doing the show, we’ve never had the problems that some other series have had with their younger members,” he wrote.

Debra Jo Rupp spoke about the lack of drug use on A show from the 70s set. “He was loved and well respected,” she wrote. “One of the first things Danny did with them was sit down [the teens] all the way down (he had a little meeting) and made them make a pact that no one would do drugs because of the nature of our show. The spotlight would be on them and he wanted them all to succeed. I remember thinking it was such a clever thing and something I would never have thought of. As a result, you never saw them in the tabloids. Danny took care of that and I was so grateful.”

Ethan Suplee, Eric Balfour, William Baldwin, Giovanni Ribisi, Marissa Ribisi, Jonathan Tucker and Masterson’s siblings, Jordan, Christopher, Will and Alanna, also wrote letters of support for the actor.

This isn’t the first time Kutcher has spoken about Masterson’s character. In January, he expressed hope that Masterson was innocent of the charges. “I’m not a judge. I’m not a jury. I’m not a prosecutor. I’m not a victim. Nor am I accused. And so, in that case, I have no room to comment.” He said Esquire. – I simply don’t know.

He added that he wanted Masterson “to be found not guilty of the charges that have been brought against him,” while also sharing his support for victims of abuse, saying, “I feel truly sorry for anyone who feels like they’ve been hurt in any way.”

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Masterson’s rape trial began last October, although the first resulted in a mistrial. He pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty in May of two counts of rape. He faced a maximum sentence of 30 years to life when he entered court Thursday for his sentencing — which he received.

Ranch the actor plans to appeal his verdict.

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