Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have issued an apology in a video posted on Instagram regarding the letters they wrote advocating for leniency on behalf of their former co-star, Danny Masterson. Masterson was recently sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in 2003. The couple explained that they had been asked by Masterson’s family to write character letters to describe the person they had known for 25 years, to be considered during the sentencing.
Kutcher emphasized that their intention with the letters was not to question the judicial system’s legitimacy or the jury’s verdict, but rather to provide a character reference. They clarified that their aim was never to undermine the testimony of the victims or cause further trauma.
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In their letters, Kutcher expressed his belief that Masterson is not an ongoing harm to society, while Kunis described him as an outstanding role model and friend. The couple apologized for any unintended harm their letters may have caused and reiterated their support for victims of sexual assault, sexual abuse, and rape.
Kutcher and Kunis have a history of involvement in philanthropic efforts, including combating sex trafficking through an organization co-founded by Kutcher. They concluded their video by expressing sympathy for all victims of sexual violence.