Famous Hollywood duo Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have conveyed their remorse and issued apologies for the distress stemming from their written endorsements of actor Danny Masterson prior to his recent conviction and sentencing for rape. Masterson, recognized for his role alongside Kutcher and Kunis in the TV series “That ’70s Show,” was handed a prison sentence ranging from 30 years to life for the sexual assault of two women in 2003.
In a video posted on Instagram, the couple recognized the consequences of their letters and made it clear that their original intention was never to discredit the victims’ testimonies or inflict further trauma. They explained that they had been approached by Masterson’s family to provide character references for the actor, emphasizing the person they had known for over two decades.
Ashton Kutcher stated, “The letters 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.”
Both Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are actively engaged in philanthropic work, including efforts to combat sex trafficking through an organization Kutcher co-founded.
The apology video came in response to public scrutiny after their letters, in which Kutcher described Masterson as treating people “with decency, equality, and generosity,” and Kunis praised him as “an outstanding role model and friend” and an “exceptional older brother figure,” were made public.
In conclusion, Kunis expressed empathy for all victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or rape, saying, “Our heart goes out to every single person who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or rape.”
Masterson’s guilty verdict and the subsequent imposition of his sentence relied on the accounts provided by the victims. They described instances in which they were administered drugs and subjected to sexual assault within Masterson’s residence in the Hollywood area back in 2003. The actor had been at the peak of his fame during his time on “That ’70s Show.”