Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis reportedly penned letters to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo in a display of solidarity with their former 'That '70s Show' co-star Danny Masterson, who had been convicted on two counts of rape.
Subsequently, on Thursday, September 7, the actor was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for sexually assaulting three women between 2001 and 2003 by allegedly "drugging" them.
Mila Kunis called Danny Masterson 'an outstanding older brother figure'
In letters submitted to the court before the sentencing, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher portrayed Danny Masterson in a light that sharply contrasted with the accusations brought against him by his victims.
"Throughout our time together, Danny has proven to be an amazing friend, confidant, and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me," wrote Kunis in her letter, adding, "His caring nature and ability to offer guidance have been instrumental in my growth both personally and professionally."
Kunis commended Masterson for his exceptional role as a husband and father to his daughter, writing, "Witnessing his interactions with his daughter has been heartwarming and enlightening."
"He prioritizes his family, education, and happiness above all else, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to being a loving and responsible parent. As a father, he leads by example, instilling in her values that reflect integrity, compassion, and respect for others," added the actress.
Kunis also acknowledged his steadfast dedication to discouraging drug use, saying, "His influence on me in this regard has been invaluable," continuing, "In an industry where the pressures and temptations of substance use can be overwhelming, Danny played a pivotal role in guiding me away from such destructive paths."
Ashton Kutcher claims Danny Masterson is a 'role model' for his kids
Meanwhile, Mila Kunis' husband, Ashton Kutcher, described Danny Masterson as a "role model" and someone who exemplifies extraordinary honesty.
He went on to express his deep trust in his 'That '70s Show' co-star, stating that he is among the very few people he would feel comfortable leaving alone with his son and daughter, whom he shares with Mila Kunis, as per Vanity Fair.
"While I’m aware that the judgment 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," read Kutcher’s letter.
"Any time that we were to meet someone or interact with someone who was on drugs, or did drugs, he made it clear that that wouldn't be a good person to be friends with," continued the actor, along with, "And for me, that was an implication that if I were to do drugs, he wouldn't want to be friends with me, which is something I never would want to risk or jeopardize."
Kutcher, who co-starred with Masterson not only in 'That '70s Show' but also in 'The Ranch', shared an anecdote from a pizza parlor as an illustration of Masterson's purported ability to "set an extraordinary standard around how you treat other people."
"There was an incident where we were at a pizza parlor and a belligerent man entered who is berating his girlfriend," he wrote, adding, "We had never met or seen these people before, but Danny was the first person to jump to the defense of this girl.
Kutcher continued, "It was an incident he didn't have to get involved in but proactively chose to because the way this man was behaving was not right. He has always treated people with decency, equality, and generosity."
The 'Your Place or Mine' actor concluded his letter, stating, "I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society and having his daughter raised without a present father would [be] a tertiary injustice in and of itself. Thank you for taking the time to read this."