Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis shared a video on Instagram expressing remorse for the letters they wrote in help of their former That ’70s Present co-star Danny Masterson simply forward of his sexual assault sentencing.
“We’re conscious of the ache that has been attributable to the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson,” Mr Kutcher mentioned within the video posted to his account on Saturday.
“We help victims. We’ve got finished this traditionally via our work and can proceed to take action sooner or later,” his spouse added.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher had been amongst 50 individuals who wrote letters of help for Masterson forward of his sentencing on Thursday.
The 47-year-old star of That ‘70s Present was sentenced to 30 years to life in jail for the rapes of two ladies 20 years in the past.
Mr Kutcher defined on the video Masterson’s household had reached out to them about writing the character letters to “signify the person who we knew for 25 years.”
“The letters weren’t written to query the legitimacy of the judicial system, or the validity of the jury’s ruling,” Ms Kunis mentioned within the video.
“They had been supposed for the decide to learn and to not undermine the testimony of the victims or re-traumatise them in any manner,” Mr Kutcher added.
“We might by no means wish to try this, and we’re sorry that has taken place.”
Ms Kunis then advised their followers: “Our coronary heart goes out to each single one who’s ever been a sufferer of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape.”
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Kunis and Kutcher, who married in 2015, each co-starred within the American sitcom with Masterson, which ran for eight seasons and 200 episodes between 1998 and 2006.
Of their letters of help, printed by Los Angeles-based courtroom reporter Meghann Cuniff on Friday, the couple vouched for Masterson’s “distinctive character” and pleaded for Decide Charlaine Olmedo’s leniency.
Kutcher referred to as his co-star a “function mannequin” and “an individual that’s persistently there for you once you want him”.
“Whereas I’m conscious that the judgement has been solid as responsible on two counts of rape by drive and the victims have an amazing want for justice, I hope that my testomony to his character is considered in sentencing,” his letter reads.
“I don’t imagine he’s an ongoing hurt to society and having his daughter raised and not using a current father can be a tertiary injustice in and of itself. Thanks for taking the time to learn this.”
In the meantime, in her letter, Kunis referred to as Masterson “an incredible pal, confidant, and, above all, an excellent older brother determine to me”.
“Danny Masterson’s heat, humor, and optimistic outlook on life have been a driving drive in shaping my character and the best way I strategy life’s challenges,” she wrote.
“I wholeheartedly vouch for Danny Masterson’s distinctive character and the super optimistic affect he has had on me and the individuals round him. His dedication to main a drug-free life and the real care he extends to others make him an excellent function mannequin and pal.”
Masterson had initially been accused of drugging and raping three ladies at his house between 2001 and 2003. He was convicted of raping two of the ladies in 2003, however the jury was unable to achieve a verdict on the third allegation from November 2001, introduced ahead by a former girlfriend.