Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis came to Danny Masterson’s defense in letters written prior to the convicted rapist’s sentencing.
Masterson’s “That ’70s Show” co-stars each penned a missive describing the disgraced actor’s “positive influence” on their lives with hopes that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo would take them into consideration before issuing the 30-year sentence he would go on to receive Thursday.
“As a friend, Danny has been nothing but a positive influence on me. He’s an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being,” Kutcher gushed, adding that Masterson served as a “role model” for him.
“I attribute not falling into the typical Hollywood life of drugs directly to Danny,” the “Just Married” star continued.
“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.”
Kutcher, 45, concluded his letter by stating that he does not believe Masterson, 47, “is an ongoing harm to society” and said that the “Men at Work” star’s 9-year-old daughter, Fianna, being raised without her father is a “tertiary injustice in and of itself.”
Kunis, meanwhile, credited Masterson with being an “amazing friend, confidant, and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me.”
“His caring nature and ability to offer guidance have been instrumental in my growth both personally and professionally,” the “Friends With Benefits” actress, 40, wrote as she echoed her husband’s sentiments about Masterson keeping her clear of drugs.
“Moreover, Danny has consistently displayed a profound sense of responsibility and care for those around him,” Kunis continued.
For more Page Six you love …
“He demonstrates grace and empathy in every situation, be it within the entertainment industry or in our personal lives.”
Fellow “That ’70s Show” stars Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith also penned letters in Masterson’s defense, as did actors Giovanni Ribisi and Billy Baldwin, the latter of whom is the “Ranch” alum’s brother-in-law.
“I have truly never met a person that was a more caring, dedicated, trustworthy, and loyal family member and friend,” Baldwin, 60, wrote.
Masterson was found guilty in May of committing two rapes in 2003. (A third accuser’s case was ultimately dismissed.)
The conviction came at the end of a retrial after the first trial resulted in a hung jury in November 2022.
The three accusers were members of the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson is a part.
The women revealed they delayed in coming forward because the controversial organization allegedly discourages its members from reporting crimes to authorities.
None of them are still members of the church.
Masterson, who plans to appeal the sentence, had his wife Bijou Phillips‘ support in the courtroom and throughout the trial. She also wrote a character letter to the judge.
The model and actress, 43, looked sullen following Thursday’s hearing as she attempted to hide behind a taller man while exiting. She kept her wedding ring on as a symbol of her solidarity.
