Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have issued a video statement after their personal statement for Danny Masterson was made public. Watch the response video below:
Ahead of Danny Masterson’s sentencing hearing, several high-profile actors and actresses wrote personal statements to the judge presiding over the hearing. According to journalist Meghann Cuniff, who sat through the trial and the hearing, Masterson’s “That 70s Show” co-stars Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Kurtwood Smith, and Debra Jo Rupp, are among the handful of people who vouched for Masterson’s character.
Personal Statements Written on Danny Masterson’s Behalf Revealed
According to Cuniff, who obtained copies of the letters, revealed that Kutcher raved about his 25-year friendship with Masterson, saying, “As a friend, Danny has been nothing but a positive influence on me. He’s an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being.”
He continued, writing about how he can’t recall a time Masterson ever lied to him and how he is “a person that is consistently there for you when you need him. We’ve traveled around the world together, raised our daughters together, and shared countless family moments.”
Kutcher went on to say that Danny was an “excellent” role model to him, adding that he “attributes not falling into the typical Hollywood life of drugs directly to Danny.” He called Masterson “kind, courteous, and hard-working,” before addressing his crimes.
“While I’m aware that the judgment 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.”
Kutcher’s wife, and fellow actor, Mila Kunis shared similar sentiments in her own letter. Kunis recalled meeting Masterson and how she could “sense his innate goodness and genuine nature.”
She went on to call Masterson “an amazing friend, confidant, and above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me.” Kunis also called out his “unwavering commitment to discouraging the use of drugs.”
“In conclusion, I wholeheartedly vouch for Danny Masterson’s exceptional character and the tremendous positive influence he has had on me and the people around him,” Kunis wrote. “His dedication to leading a drug-free life and the guanine care he extends to others makes him an outstanding role model and friend.”
Debra Jo Rupp, who played Kitty Forman, on the show, also acknowledged the guilty verdicts levied against Masterson, writing that “though it is so hard for me to wrap my head around this, I respect the law and the court. I always have.” However, she continued by using the letter “to tell you about the young man I know.”
Rupp then wrote about a “respectful and kind” Masterson who “always showed up” and never did drugs. Kurtwood Smith, who played Red, acknowledged Masterson’s crimes too and also called him a “good friend” and actor. You can read the full letters here.
After mentioning the support letters in court, Judge Olmedo addressed Masterson directly, reiterating to him that although he may think he is a victim in this situation, he is not.
“Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s choice and voice. Your actions 20 years ago were criminal, and that’s why you are here.”
The judge then sentenced Masterson to 30 years to life in prison after he was found guilty of two counts of drugging and raping two women in 2003.