Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are declaring their support for victims and issuing a public apology. As The Shade Room previously reported, it was revealed last week that the couple wrote letters supporting their former “That ’70s Show” co-star Danny Masterson ahead of his prison sentencing earlier this month.
Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life after being convicted on two counts of rape.
RELATED: Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis Highlighted Danny Masterson’s ‘Exceptional Character’ In Support Letters Ahead Of Sentencing
Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis Release A Video Apology
Over the weekend, Kushton took to his official Instagram account to share a video of himself alongside his wife. As the video began, Kushton explained that they “are aware of the pain” caused by the “character letters” they wrote to support Masterson. However, Kunis chimed in to assert that they “support victims.”
“We support victims,” she explained. “We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future.”
Kutcher explained that “a couple months ago,” Masterson’s family asked the actors to write support letters. However, the letters were only meant to “represent the person that we knew for twenty-five years.”
“So that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing,” Kutcher continued.
The Couple Asserts That They Stand With Victims & The Judicial System
As the video continued, Kunis chimed back in.
“The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury’s ruling,” she explained.
Kutcher explained that the letters were “intended for the judge to read.” Furthermore, the actor added that the couple’s support letter was not intended to retraumatize Masterson’s alleged victims “in any way.”
“We would never want to do that,” he continued. “And we’re sorry if that has taken place.”
Before concluding the video message, Kunis explained that their hearts go out to “every single person who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or rape.”
At this time, it’s important to note that the couple’s statement arrived after Chrissie Bixler shared an Instagram Story addressing Kutcher’s alleged “secrets” and Kunis’ child experiences. Bixler is Masterson’s ex-girlfriend who also accused the actor of rape, as per TMZ.
However, he was convicted of the crime against two other women.
They posted that after Chrissie Bixler (one of the victims) posted this. pic.twitter.com/G2JvCiFUBX
— 🕊️ armie (@armienohammer) September 9, 2023
More Information Regarding The Actors’ Support Letters For Danny Masterson
As The Shade Room previously reported, news of the couple’s support letters for Masterson surfaced on September 8 by one of Masterson’s victims, Neisha Trout.
The letters will be leaked soon, but I want you all to know that post Danny Masterson's conviction & after they read all of the gruesome sworn-under-oath testimony of 5 of Danny's victims, Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis submitted letters to the judge asking her for leniency on Danny
— Niesha Trout (@nieshatrout) September 8, 2023
Later that day, legal reporter Meghann Cuniff confirmed Trout’s statements by publishing copies of the actors’ letters. As The Shade Room previously reported, Kutcher referred to Masterson as a “positive influence.”
Additionally, Kutcher seemingly explained that despite Masterson’s guilty conviction, he doesn’t believe the actor is a “harm to society.”
“While I’m aware that the judgement has been cast as guilty on two counts of rape by force and the victims have a great desire for justice. I hope that my testament to his character is taken into consideration in sentencing. I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society and having his daughter raised without a present father would a tertiary injustice in and of itself.”
Meanwhile, Kunis “wholeheartedly” vouched “for Danny Masterson’s exceptional character.”
“Danny Masterson’s warmth, humor, and positive outlook on life have been a driving force in shaping my character and the way I approach life’s challenges. His unwavering commitment to being an exceptional older brother figure to me has had a transformative impact on my life, instilling in me a sense of self-belief and encouraging me to aim for greatness, but all while maintaining a sense of humility.”
As The Shade Room previously reported, Danny Masterson was sentenced to thirty years to life in prison on September 7. Before this, the rapper was found guilty of two counts of rape in June. The actor’s lawyer has since shared that he “did not commit the crimes for which he has been convicted.” Additionally, it has been reported that the attorney plans to appeal his client’s sentence.