Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis asked for a reduced sentence for Danny Masterson in his abuse trial – The USA Print

Thanks to the MeToo movement and renewed interest in true crime, it is now more common to hear the terrible stories of abuse happening in Hollywood. This promised land grants fame and fortune, and some take advantage of this to commit crimes and remain unpunished for many years. That’s what happened to Danny Masterson, best known for That ’70s Show, who after a long rape trial was finally sentenced to prison. Now that the case is closed, the celebrities who supported him could be in the crosshairs, and that includes Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis.

read: Mila Kunis responds to rumors about her hiring for Fantastic Four

The case against Danny Masterson was complicated by his relationship with Scientology

Scientology is a cult disguised as a religion that has been gaining power in the world for several years, especially in the United States. To achieve this, several public figures and personalities were sought to become members, with some still being part of the association, and others escaping and revealing their darkest secrets. The accusations against Masterson occurred in 2017, but the crimes occurred when he was enjoying fame thanks to the comedy series set in the seventies and was well protected by this group to which the victims also belonged.

The legal process was not easy, as Scientology tried to appeal to dismiss the charges, at which time the survivors made it known that they were harassed by members of the church and by Masterson himself. The first time the matter was brought to trial, it could not proceed because the lawyers could not agree on whether the actor drugged the women before attacking them. After that became clear, the paperwork was filled out once again and the trial began.

Over the weeks, details of the attacks that occurred at Masterson’s home emerged, covering everything from the violence they suffered during the attacks to the way senior members of Scientology attacked them. They were convinced not to talk about the matter or go to the police. Rape cases are not easy to prove when so much time has passed, but this case was positive for the survivors, as the actor was found guilty of two of the three charges he faced.

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Several celebrities called for a lighter sentence for Danny Masterson

Yesterday, the judge ordered Masterson to serve 15 years in prison on each count with the possibility of extending his sentence to life, giving him a minimum of 30 years behind bars. As expected, the actor’s family, which includes his brother Christopher Masterson from Malcolm in the Middle, 100% and his wife, Bijou Phillips, best known for Hostel: Part II – 44% were by his side until the end, but the real surprise came with the leak of some celebrities who supported him and even sent letters as a character reference for the trial assuring that he was a great man and friend.

According to Variety, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis They sent a letter asking the judge for a lighter sentence, with the actor asserting that Masterson was a “role model,” and the actress saying that he has a remarkable character as well as referring to him as an “exceptional older brother figure.” The outlet published part of these letters, with Kutcher’s saying:

While I am aware that the sentence has been found guilty of two counts of forcible rape and that the victims have a strong desire for justice, I hope that my testimony about their character will be taken into account when passing sentence. I don’t think he represents any continuing harm to society, and raising his daughter without a father present would be a tertiary injustice in itself. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

While Kunis explains:

I wholeheartedly vouch for Danny Masterson’s exceptional character and the tremendous positive influence he has had on me and the people around him. His dedication to living a drug-free life and the genuine care he provides to others make him an excellent role model and friend.

More than 50 people sent character letters supporting the actor, including his brothers and wife, but also colleagues like Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, who played Kitty and Red in That ’70s Show; Giovanni Ribisi, who also belongs to Scientology; Jim Patterson, creator of the series The Ranch and director David Trainer. Despite this long list, the public is most impressed by Kutcher and Kunis, since he has worked for years to save victims of sexual slavery and she recently released The Luckiest Girl in the World – 63%, a story about a teenager who survives a violent sexual assault.

Don’t leave without reading: That ’70s Show actor Danny Masterson sentenced to 30 years in prison for rape