Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have issued an apology after one of Danny Masterson’s accusers slammed the celebrity couple for writing character letters in support of the rapist.
Masterson, an actor known for his role in That ‘70’s Show, was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison in a Los Angeles court last week for the rape of two women 20 years ago.
After Masterson was found guilty of the crimes in May, Kutcher and Kunis wrote character letters for the judge to take “full consideration relative to the sentencing”.
“We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson,” Kutcher said in a joint apology video with Kunis posted on his Instagram account yesterday.
“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.”
Kutcher’s wife of seven years, Mila Kunis, said their hearts go out to all victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse and rape.
“We support victims. We have done this historically through our work and we will continue to do so in the future,” she said.
The celebrity couple said the letters were not intended to question the judicial system’s legitimacy, dismiss the jury’s verdict or re-traumatise victims.
“We would never do that, and we are sorry if that has taken place,” Kutcher said.
‘Just as sick.’
Actor Chrissie Carnell Bixler, who worked alongside Masterson, Kutcher and Kunis on That 70’s Show, was one of the three women who accused Masterson of rape.
In a statement on her Instagram story, Bixler said Kutcher was “just as sick” as her alleged perpetrator. The actor said she knows the “secrets” that Masterson “keeps for [Kutcher]”, a “plan” discussed in an alleged phone call in February 2001.
“I heard the plan. In my opinion, you’re just as sick as your ‘mentor’,” Bixler said.
“If that’s what you view as a normal relationship with a ‘big brother figure’ then I feel very sad for you, and I hope you consider getting into therapy.
“You all must forget I was there the whole time those first 5 years of That 70’s Show. I remember everything.”
Speaking directly to Kunis, Bixler said she knew of an alleged event that occurred between Kutcher and Masterson “in Toronto and after”.
While the jury found Masterson guilty over the other two allegations of rape, the jury dismissed the case brought forward by Bixler, his former girlfriend.
‘Integrity, compassion and respect for others.’
Kutcher’s character letter described Masterson as a “good friend”, “role model” and “dedicated and loyal husband”.
“Not only is he a good friend to me, I’ve witnessed him be a good friend to others and the kind of brother others would be lucky to have,” he wrote.
Kunis spoke of Masterson’s “extraordinary” role as a father to his nine-year-old daughter.
“Witnessing his interactions with his daughter has been heartwarming and enlightening,” she said.
“As a father, he leads by example, instilling in her values that reflect integrity, compassion and respect for others.”
Masterson, a prominent scientologist, has been in custody since May. It is understood he met the two women he raped through the Scientology Church.
In a statement from his lawyer, Shawn Holley, Masterson maintains his innocence.
“Mr Masterson did not commit the crimes for which he was convicted,” his lawyer said.
“The errors which occurred in this case are substantial and unfortunately led to verdicts which were not supported by the evidence.
“And though we have great respect for the jury and for our system of justice, sometimes they get it wrong and that’s what happened here.”
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