Danny Masterson Case: Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis Address Criticism for Sending Character Letters to Judge

Hollywood actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, renowned for their roles on the popular TV series "That '70s Show," have come forward to address the controversy surrounding their prior support for their co-actor Danny Masterson ahead of his recent sentencing for rape, per CNN.

Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being found guilty of raping two women in 2003. He maintains his innocence and intends to appeal the verdict.

In a heartfelt video posted on their Instagram account this Saturday, Kutcher expressed that they had been approached by Masterson's family to write character letters detailing their perspective of a man they had known for 25 years.

The intention behind these letters was to give the judge a broader understanding of Masterson's character for consideration during sentencing.

Speaking alongside Kutcher, Kunis clarified that the Masterson character letters were not intended to challenge the integrity of the judicial system or the verdict reached by the jury.

Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Among 50 People Who Wrote Danny Masterson Character Letters

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, along with almost 50 of Danny Masterson's associates, family members, and close friends, penned Masterson character letters seeking leniency for the actor before his recent sentencing, according to CBS News.

In his letter addressed to LA County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo, Kutcher described Masterson as a "role model" and an "exceptionally honest and conscientious individual" who had set high standards for interpersonal relationships.

Kutcher further expressed his belief that Masterson does not continue to threaten society and even shared that he trusted Masterson enough to leave him alone with his own children.

Meanwhile, Kunis wholeheartedly endorsed Masterson's character, saying she could genuinely vouch for his exceptional qualities.

She said she had sensed his innate goodness from their first meeting.

Despite these heartfelt character references, Judge Charlaine Olmedo handed down the harshest sentence permissible by law to Danny Masterson.

Danny Masterson Sentencing

Danny Masterson, recognized for his role in the popular TV series "That '70s Show," has been sentenced following a prolonged legal ordeal from crimes committed in the early 2000s.

The actor, now 47, faced accusations that he leveraged his prominent status as a Scientologist to evade accountability for his actions, BBC noted.

During the sentencing proceedings, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo allowed the victims of Masterson's crimes to deliver impact statements, giving them a voice in court. Masterson, however, remained silent throughout the hearing.

His conviction came in May after a re-trial, as the initial jury in 2022 failed to reach a verdict. Following his conviction, authorities deemed Masterson a flight risk, leading to his immediate incarceration.

Masterson was found guilty of sexually assaulting three women at his Hollywood residence from 2001 to 2003, during the height of his television career.

The jury heard testimony that he had administered drugs to his victims before the assaults. Two of the three accusers saw justice served.

In contrast, the charges brought by the third accuser resulted in a mistrial, with prosecutors deciding against a re-trial.

Notably, Danny Masterson faced initial accusations of rape in 2017 amidst the #MeToo movement's momentum. He consistently denied these allegations, asserting that all encounters were consensual.

The case unfolded after a thorough three-year investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.

However, charges were not filed in two additional cases due to insufficient evidence and the expiration of the statute of limitations.

The sentencing hearing also saw the presence of Jessica Barth, the founder of Voices in Action, an organization born in the wake of the #MeToo movement, advocating for survivors of sexual assault.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Mila Kunis' & Ashton Kutcher's Letters Supporting Danny Masterson Released - From COURT TV