Ashton Kutcher und Mila Kunis versuchten, die Strafe von Danny Masterson zu mindern

The Hollywood couple Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have written supportive letters for US actor Danny Masterson in his rape trial. Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison for rape in two cases last Thursday. Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined the sentence in Los Angeles. The 47-year-old had already been found guilty in a criminal trial in early June.

Zwölf Geschworene befanden Masterson damals für schuldig, zwei Frauen im Jahr 2003 vergewaltigt zu haben, wie die Staatsanwaltschaft mitteilte. In einem dritten Fall von Vergewaltigungsvorwürfen einer weiteren Frau konnte sich die Jury nicht auf ein einstimmiges Urteil einigen. Der Schauspieler hat die Vorwürfe stets zurückgewiesen. Alle sexuellen Handlungen seien einvernehmlich gewesen, beteuerte er im Verlauf des Prozesses.

Kutcher, Kunis und Masterson spielten alle in der Sitcom »That ’70s Show« (»Die wilden Siebziger«) mit. Das Schauspieler-Paar schrieb die Briefe, bevor das Strafmaß verkündet wurde, wie unter anderem CNN berichtet .

I apologize for the convicted rapist.

In ihren Briefen, die zuerst von der Gerichtsreporterin Meghann Cuniff  und dem Journalisten Tony Ortega aus Los Angeles veröffentlicht wurden , verbürgt sich das Paar für den Charakter von Masterson und bittet Richterin Charlaine Olmedo um Nachsicht.

Neben Kunis und Kutcher reichten fast 50 weitere Personen Briefe zur Unterstützung von Masterson ein, obwohl ihn die Geschworenen bereits wegen Vergewaltigung verurteilt hatten. Die Briefe sollten das Strafmaß beeinflussen.

Kutcher wrote: „I am aware that he has been found guilty of two cases of rape with violence and the victims have a strong need for justice, but I hope that my testimony about his character will be taken into account during the sentencing.“ And further: „I do not believe that he permanently harms society.“

In Kunis‘ letter, it states, among other things: „I wholeheartedly vouch for Danny Masterson’s exceptional character and the tremendous positive influence he has had on me and the people in his circle. His dedication to leading a drug-free life and the genuine care he shows towards others make him an outstanding role model and friend.“ Additionally, she writes: „From the beginning, I could sense his inherent kindness and sincere nature. His caring demeanor and ability to give me advice have been of great significance to my personal and professional growth.“

It is not uncommon for family and friends to write letters in support of the accused before a conviction. Neither Kunis nor Kutcher argued in their letters that Masterson was not guilty of the crimes.

The police investigation against Masterson started in 2017. Among the three plaintiffs was also a former girlfriend of the actor. The women described similar circumstances, stating that Masterson drugged them in his house and then raped them. The controversial Scientology organization, which refers to itself as a church, was also mentioned in the trial. Masterson is a prominent member, and according to US media reports, the plaintiffs were also affiliated with the organization at some point.

The women stated that Scientology prevented them from reporting Masterson to law enforcement at the time of the rapes; the organization denied these allegations, as reported by the „Los Angeles Times“.

Ashton Kutcher und Mila Kunis erhielten für die Briefe viel Kritik von der Öffentlichkeit. Am Samstagabend veröffentlichten die beiden daraufhin ein Statement auf Instagram, in dem sie sich entschuldigten.