Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis Slammed As Hypocrites Over Danny Masterson Support
The following article includes mentions of rape and sexual assault.
Fans have condemned Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis for supporting Danny Masterson due to their history of activism. Back in March 2017, the "That's '70s Show" actor made headlines when he was accused of sexually assaulting three women, per People. Four years later, Masterson was formally charged with raping three women between 2001 and 2003. After a lengthy court battle full of heartbreaking testimonies from his victims, Los Angeles Superior Court judge Charlaine F. Olmedo sentenced "The Ranch" actor to 30 years to life in prison. "I know that you're sitting here steadfast in your claims of innocence, and thus no doubt feeling victimized ... But Mr. Masterson, you are not the victim here," Olmedo said in court, per AP News.
In the aftermath of Judge Olmedo's ruling, new information has slowly started to emerge about the case, including the letters that Masterson's family and friends sent on his behalf. While it was evident that the "Royal Pains" actor would receive support from his wife Bijou Phillips, fans were surprised to discover that Kutcher and Kunis also sent in letters. Due to the couple's history of supporting human rights causes –– including sexual assault victims –– their kind words for Masterson have not sat well with pop culture enthusiasts.
Fans call out Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher for supporting Danny Masterson
On September 8, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher's letters of support for Danny Masterson were made public by the Scientology news blog, The Underground Bunker. In their statements, the pair asked the judge for a lenient sentence for the "That '70s Show" actor by recounting their shared history with him. "As a friend, Danny has been nothing but a positive influence on me," Kutcher wrote. Kunis echoed similar sentiments, noting: "I believe it is essential to share the remarkable influence Danny has had on my life and the lives of others." Since their letters were made public, the two actors have received pushback from fans for supporting Masterson, who was sentenced 30 years for two counts of rape. One person on Twitter wrote, "Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher writing letters in support of Danny Masterson is f****ng unconscionable."
Another person called out the married couple for openly condemning Will Smith after the Oscars slap but not Masterson and his crimes. "So Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher were disgusted and sat down/didn't clap when Will Smith won an Oscar... but they support and 'speak highly' of a serial rapist?" they tweeted. Kutcher and Kunis' support also shocked fans due to the former co-founding the Thorn organization, which is devoted to fighting sex trafficking and child abuse. "Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, who famously founded a non-profit to fight child sexual abuse, went on record in support of a RAPIST," a Twitter user wrote.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).