Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have posted a video on Instagram apologizing for the "pain that has been caused" after their letters supporting Danny Masterson emerged. The pair wrote letters of support for Danny before he was sentenced to 30 years behind bars for rape on September 7.
"We support victims, we have done this historically through our work and we will continue to do so in the future," said Mila in the video, which comes after 24 hours of shock and confusion at their public support for Danny. You can watch the whole video below:
"A couple of months ago, Danny's family reached out to us and they asked us to write character letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing," Ashton shared.
Mila added: "The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury's ruling."
© John ShearerAshton concluded: "They were intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or retraumatize them in any way. We would never want to do that, and we're sorry if that has taken place," and Mila closed the video by sharing: "Our heart goes out to every single person who's ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape."
"While I’m aware that the judgement 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," Ashton wrote in his letter.
“I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society and having his daughter raised without a present father would a tertiary injustice in and of itself. Thank you for taking the time to read this."
“Danny has consistently displayed a profound sense of responsibility and care for those around him. He demonstrates grace and empathy in every situation, be it within the entertainment industry or in our personal lives. His steady support and understanding presence make him a reliable source of guidance and comfort for all of us," Mila wrote in her own letter.
© LUCY NICHOLSON"I wholeheartedly vouch for Danny Masterson’s exceptional character and the tremendous positive influence he has had on me and the people around him," she added.
"His dedication to leading a drug-free life and the genuine care he extends to others make him an outstanding role model and friend.”
Over 50 people, including Ashton and Mila, and their co-stars Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, provided statements in support of the That 70's Show actor.
The letters were posted by Tony Ortega on his Substack. As reported widely, Mila and Ashton were aware that their letters were not to sway the judge towards Danny's innocence but to help the judge choose the sentencing.
© FOXDanny was sentenced to 15 years to life on each of the two charges.. He was ordered to serve them consecutively meaning he is not eligible for parole for 30 years. He will be 77.
“Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s voice and choice. Your actions 20 years ago were criminal, and that is why you are here,” Judge Charlaine Olmedo said in the courtroom on Thursday September 7.
At the sentencing in Los Angeles' downtown court, Jane Doe 1 called the 47-year-old actor “a true coward and heartless monster," as Jane Doe 2 spoke directly to Danny, who was in the courtroom.
"I still have to contend with what you did to me that night… That takes a life’s worth of therapy to repair. Every time I think I’m okay, that rape comes back to me," she said.
Jane Doe 3 revealed she has been diagnosed with PTSD.
© Michael StewartThe three women are all former scientologists, and Leah Remini - one of the most outspoken former members of the church - was seated in the front row of the sentence hearing.
During the sentencing and their own testimony, the women all claimed that the church dissuaded them from reporting the actor to the police.
Danny married Bijou Philips, the daughter of John Phillips of The Mamas and the Papas and his third wife, Geneviève Waïte, in 2011. They welcomed their daughter in 2014.
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