Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis write letters vouching for rapist Danny Masterson
Hollywood stars Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis wrote letters vouching for disgraced actor and convicted rapist Danny Masterson before his sentencing, documents show.
The documents, obtained by ABC News, reveal the actors 'spoke highly' of Masterson. According to reports from ABC News and Good Morning America, Kutcher referred to Masterson as a "role model" and Kunis commended his "exceptional character".
In Kutcher's letter, he wrote: "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. Thank you for taking the time to read this.”
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Ashton and Mila met on the set of That '70s show (Getty Images for Disney)Kunis’ letter says, “I wholeheartedly vouch for Danny Masterson’s exceptional character and the tremendous positive influence he has had on me and the people around him.
"His dedication to leading a drug-free life and the genuine care he extends to others make him an outstanding role model and friend.”
These letters were not the only ones submitted. More than 50 letters were reported to be sent in, including from other members of the That '70s Show cast. Those who sent letters of support include Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty Forman) and Kurtwood Smith (Red Forman). Member of the Church of Scientology also wrote letters of support, including actor Giovanni Ribisi. Moreover, Masterson's wife stood by his side through the trial and case.
Masterson was sentenced to 30 years behind bars on Thursday for the rape of two women. A third case was brought against him, but was dismissed when the jury could not come to a unanimous decision. Prior to the sentencing, the judge heard impact statements from his accusers.
Fans are calling Kutcher's letter hypocritical, pointing out that he is the co-founder of Thorn. The non-profit boasts that they "build technology to defend children from sexual abuse". He has testified before Congress in regards to his vocal concern on the topics of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison (Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)The Thorn website states: "[Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore] describe [learning about child trafficking] as this moment where you learn something about the world that you can’t un-know."
Survivors said that they were raped during the time that Masterson, Kutcher, and Kunis were filming That 70's Show. Unlike Kutcher and Kunis, Masterson did not make an appearance in the revival That 90's Show as a result of his legal proceedings.
Prosecution asserted that Masterson used his prevalence in the Church of Scientology to cover up the assaults. Survivors alleged that the Church discouraged them from coming forward.
Former Scientologist and vocal supporter of the survivors, Leah Remini, said in a statement: "Scientology managed to cover up Danny's crimes with the help of its intelligence agency, the Office of Special Affairs, top 'church' officials like Kirsten Caetano Pedersen and Julian Swartz, its network of media-hungry unethical attorneys, private investigators, agents, and civilian Scientologists who engaged in a conspiracy to cover up crimes of sexual violence."
The Mirror contacted Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' publicists. Additionally, The Mirror contacted Thorn and the Church of Scientology for comment.
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If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673) or visit to receive confidential support.
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