Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis apologize for letters praising convicted rapist Danny Masterson
Warning: This article contains mentions of rape and sexual assault.
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis apologized for writing letters defending convicted rapist Danny Masterson, saying that they're "aware of the pain" that it caused his victims.
"We support victims. We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future," Mila said in a video posted on Ashton's Instagram page on Sunday, Sept. 10.
Ashton said that they were asked by Danny's family to describe the person they "knew for 25 years so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing."
"The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury's ruling," Mila noted.
"They were intended for the judge to read," Kutcher said, stressing that they submitted it "not to undermine the testimony of the victims or re-traumatize them in any way. We would never want to do that. And we're sorry if that has taken place."
In the said note, Ashton—who starred alongside Danny in retro sitcom That '70s Show—said the older actor had been "nothing but a positive influence" on him.
"I met Danny Masterson when I was 20 years old in 1998," the actor wrote, according to a letter published in US media. "He instantly became a friend, dedicated co-worker, and role model to me. And has remained as such for 25 years.
"He's an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being. Over (the) 25-year relationship I don't ever recall him lying to me. He's taught me about being direct and confronting issues in life and relationships head-on, resolving them, and moving forward."
Ashton, whose letter was reportedly one of dozens submitted to the judge to ask for leniency, said he was aware his friend had been found guilty, but wanted his character reference to be taken into account 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."
Fellow That '70s Show star Mila also vouched for Danny, telling the judge he had "innate goodness and genuine nature".