Shocking news rippled through Hollywood on Thursday as actor Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in a Los Angeles court for the rape of two women almost two decades ago.
Even more surprising, however, are the letters of support he received from notable figures including his That 70’s Show co-stars Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher.
The sentencing came after a jury found Masterson, 47, guilty of two counts in May, following seven days of deliberation.
The attacks reportedly took place in Masterson's Hollywood Hills home back in 2003, at the peak of his fame with the Fox network sitcom. Despite the guilty verdict on these two counts, the jury couldn't reach a unanimous decision regarding a third count, which involved an allegation that Masterson also raped a longtime girlfriend.
While the trial has concluded, what's garnering additional attention are the letters of support for Masterson. Among the 50 people who wrote in, Kunis and Kutcher were particularly notable.
In their letters, which were published by Los Angeles-based court reporter Meghann Cuniff, the celebrity couple praised Masterson’s "exceptional character" and pleaded with Judge Charlaine Olmedo for leniency.
Kutcher referred to his former That ‘70s Show co-star as a "role model" and "a person that is consistently there for you when you need him."
"As a friend, Danny has been nothing but a positive influence on me. He’s an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being," Kutcher wrote.
"Over 25 year relationship I don’t ever recall him lying to me. He’s taught me about being direct and confronting issues in life and relationships head-on, resolving them, and moving forward," Kutcher continued.
Similarly, Kunis called Masterson her "dear friend" and "confidant, and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me."
"Danny Masterson’s warmth, humor, and positive outlook on life have been a driving force in shaping my character and the way I approach life’s challenges," Kunis wrote. "His unwavering commitment to being an exceptional older brother figure to me has had a transformative impact on my life, instilling in me a sense of self-belief and encouraging me to aim for greatness, but all while maintaining a sense of humility."
The letters raise a series of pressing questions about the role of celebrity influence in legal proceedings and the ethical lines crossed when vouching for someone convicted of such serious offenses.
Prosecutors during the trial painted a picture of Masterson using his prominence in the Church of Scientology to evade the consequences of his actions. Notably, all three women involved in the allegations were members of the Church at the time of the attacks. The Church's role in this matter, intertwined with Masterson's celebrity status, adds another layer of complexity to a case already brimming with sensitive issues.
As the entertainment industry grapples with ongoing discussions around power dynamics and sexual assault, Masterson's sentencing and the subsequent revelations about the support he received mark a crucial chapter in these conversations.
This conviction and sentencing come at a time when Hollywood is under intense scrutiny for its handling of sexual assault allegations, propelled further by movements like #MeToo.
The role of celebrity friends in such legal and ethical quagmires only serves to intensify the spotlight on an industry struggling to clean its act.
While the case may be closed legally, the conversation it has incited is far from over, as the public continues to wrestle with the implications of celebrity, power, and the responsibility that comes with both.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
