Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have apologised for writing character references for their former That 70s Show co-star Danny Masterson.
Last week, Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for the rape of two women in 2003. Not long after the sentencing took place, the couple’s character letters were made public.
Fans of the couple were quick to express their shock at the stars support for Masterson due to the seriousness of the allegations, and eventual sentence. Since the references surfaced online the, famous couple have taken to Instagram with an apology.
In the video, Kutcher explained that Masterson’s family had approached them after the actor was convicted for rape in May, 2023, and asked the couple to write character references for the “person that we knew for 25 years.”
The couple apologised for the pain they might have caused with the letters, and explained that they were “intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or retraumatize them in any way. We would never want to do that, and we’re sorry if that has taken place.
“Our heart goes out to every single person who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or rape.”
However, the couple’s apology hasn’t been enough to get them out of hot water—particularly after a series of old and problematic videos have gone viral in the days since.
What Did Mila Kunis And Ashton Kutcher Write About Danny Masterson?
The couple’s written character references were obtained by journalist, Tony Ortega and republished by multiple media outlets over the weekend. The letters both vouched for Masterson’s dislike of drugs, parenting abilities and good character, with Kutcher describing him as an “extraordinarily honest and intentional human being.”
“He has always treated people with decency, equality, and generosity,” Kutcher wrote. “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.”
Kunis described Masterson as an “older brother figure” with a “caring nature” and “innate goodness,” writing, “Danny has consistently displayed a profound sense of responsibility and care for those around him. He demonstrates grace and empathy in every situation, be it within the entertainment industry or in our personal lives.”
The couple weren’t the only people to provide Masterson with character references, with fellow That 70s Show stars, Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, also submitting letters.
What’s Going On With The Old Videos Of Ashton Kutcher And Mila Kunis?
Since the couple’s letters were published online, a number of social media users have alleged that Kutcher has shown questionable behaviour in the past. These claims come from old videos of Kutcher and Kunis in the early 2000s, which have since gone viral.
In one video of Kutcher from 2003, the then 25-year-old talks about the then 15-year-old Hilary Duff on his MTV show Punk’d, saying Duff is “one of the girls that we’re all waiting for to turn 18. Along with the Olsen twins.”
Another video showed old footage from The Rosie O’Donnell Show, where Kutcher and Masterson make a bet about French-kissing then 14-year-old Kunis.
“Danny goes to him and goes, ‘Dude, I’ll give you $10 if you French kiss her,’” Kunis says in the clip.
Kunis also shared that Kutcher’s attempt wasn’t successful, with the actress stating “He never got his tongue in my mouth.”
Fans have expressed outrage at the resurfaced videos, with one X (formerly Twitter) user claiming, “These interviews are horrifying.”
“Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis on their on-screen relationship in “That 70s Show” which started when he was 19 and she was 14. They had an on-screen kiss, and Danny Masterson bet Kutcher $20 to surprise French kiss her. Producers should have been arrested,” another wrote.
The couple haven’t yet commented on the videos.
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