Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher's Shocking Letters: The Controversial Support for Danny Masterson Before Conviction!

Summary

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher wrote letters supporting Danny Masterson, their former co-star, prior to his conviction for rape.

In her letter, Kunis referred to Masterson as a "role model" with "exceptional character," while Kutcher urged the consideration of his character in the sentencing process. These letters by Kunis and Kutcher shed light on a power dynamic prevalent in Hollywood, where the voices of the accused frequently hold more weight than those of the victims.

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher wrote letters advocating for their former That '70s Show co-star, Danny Masterson, before his conviction. Masterson, known for his portrayal of Hyde in the show, faced public allegations of rape in 2017, relating to incidents said to have occurred in his home in 2001 and 2003. This year, Masterson was found guilty of two of these charges and recently received a sentence of 30 years to life in prison.

Variety reported that Kutcher and Kunis were amongst the individuals who sent letters of support for Masterson prior to his conviction. In her correspondence, Kunis praised Masterson as a "role model" with exemplary character. Kutcher's intention in his letter was to ensure that his depiction of Masterson's character would be taken into account during the sentencing process. Alongside Kunis and Kutcher, 48 other individuals also wrote letters to the judge, addressing the allegations against Masterson. In his letter, Kutcher wrote:

I understand that the defendant has been found guilty of two counts of rape by force and the victims are seeking justice. However, I sincerely hope that the court considers my testimony regarding his character during the sentencing. I firmly believe that he does not pose a continued threat to society, and depriving his daughter of a present father would be an additional injustice. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Kunis' letter stated:

Why Kunis and Kutcher’s Letters Are Problematic to Look Back On

Justice has been served in the case of Masterson. His allegations were taken seriously, resulting in charges and ultimately a conviction. Moreover, his actions had repercussions even prior to sentencing. Masterson faced consequences as he was terminated from his show The Ranch and dropped by his talent agency after the 2017 allegations came to light. Additionally, he was not extended an invitation to join the cast of That ‘90s Show, the Netflix spinoff sequel to That ‘70s Show.

That said, the words spoken by Kunis and Kutcher before his sentencing highlight a prevailing issue of power when it comes to influential men in Hollywood. While the #MeToo movement has started to address this issue, there continues to be a tendency to prioritize the statements of the accused over those of the victim, especially when it involves a well-known and respected figure like Masterson. Furthermore, Kutcher's belief that Masterson posed no ongoing threat to society contributes to the dismissal of victims who come forward years after experiencing rape and sexual assault.

In an alternate reality, the letters of support written by Kutcher and Kunis for their That '70s Show co-star might have swayed the outcome of the Masterson case, given their influential status. Unfortunately, this has further tarnished the already damaged reputation of That '70s Show, as they have chosen to support their co-star who is an accused rapist. Fortunately, the court did not side with them in this case, and Masterson's victims can now receive the justice they deserve.

Source: Variety