Kutcher, Kunis issue apology following social media backlash

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have publicly apologized after advocating for leniency on behalf of their fellow actor, Danny Masterson, who was recently convicted of rape. Masterson, renowned for his role in “That ’70s Show,” received a severe prison sentence of 30 years to life in Los Angeles for the sexual assault of two women back in 2003.

In an Instagram video posted on Saturday, Kutcher and Kunis expressed regret for any pain their character letters may have caused. Kutcher emphasized that the letters were only meant for the judge’s consideration, and their intent in writing the letters was not to undermine the victims’ testimony or re-traumatize them. He said, “We would never want to do that, and we’re sorry if that has taken place.”

 

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Kutcher revealed that Masterson’s family had approached them after the actor’s conviction in May, asking them to provide character references based on their 25-year acquaintance with him. These letters were subsequently made public by The Hollywood Reporter and other digital publications.

Masterson, who co-starred with Kutcher and Kunis in That ’70s Show from 1998 to 2006, received his sentence from Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo. The decision followed statements from the victims and pleas for fairness from the defense.

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In his letter dated July 27, 2023, Kutcher described Masterson as a person who treated others with “decency, equality, and generosity.” Kunis, in her letter, referred to Masterson as “an outstanding role model and friend” and an “exceptional older brother figure.”

Kunis made it clear in the apology video that their intent was not to diminish the testimony of the victims, and she expressed sympathy for all individuals who have experienced sexual assault, sexual abuse, or rape.