Ashton Kutcher Calls Danny Masterson an Excellent Role Model in Support Letter A

Transcript

00:00 Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis wrote letters in support of Danny Masterson ahead of his 30-year prison sentence.

00:06 Prior to the judge's decision, Danny's supporters, including his former That '70s Show co-stars Ashton and Mila,

00:13 wrote letters to the court, sharing their views on Masterson's character.

00:17 In the letters, which were included in court documents and obtained by E! News, Ashton says,

00:22 "As a role model, Danny has consistently been an excellent one.

00:25 I attribute not falling into the typical Hollywood life of drugs directly to Danny.

00:30 Anytime that we were to meet someone or interact with someone who was on drugs or did drugs,

00:35 he made it clear that that wouldn't be a good person to be friends with."

00:39 Kutcher then recalls a memory of Danny jumping, quote, "to the defense" of a young woman being berated by her boyfriend in a pizza parlor.

00:46 "He has always treated people with decency, equality and generosity."

00:50 Mila echoes her husband's words in her own letter, saying, "One of the most remarkable aspects of Danny's character

00:56 is his unwavering commitment to discouraging the use of drugs.

01:00 His influence on me in this regard has been invaluable."

01:03 The actress goes on to say, "Throughout our time together, Danny has proven to be an amazing friend,

01:08 confidant and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me.

01:12 His caring nature and ability to offer guidance have been instrumental in my growth, both personally and professionally."

01:19 Fellow That '70s Show stars Kurtwood Smith and Deborah Jo Rupp also penned letters of support

01:24 that are included in the court documents, among others.

01:27 On September 7th, NBC News reported that the actor was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison on each of two rape charges.

01:34 The judge reportedly ordered the star to serve the terms consecutively.

01:38 It follows the former sitcom star's trial in May, during which a jury found him guilty of raping two women at his Hollywood Hills home

01:45 from 2001 to 2003, during the time he starred on his popular sitcom.

01:50 The jury could not reach a verdict on a third count, which alleged Masterson raped a former girlfriend.

01:55 After the sentence was handed down, Danny's attorney, Sean Hawley, said in a statement to E! News that Masterson,

02:01 "did not commit the crimes for which he has been convicted, and we and the appellate lawyers,

02:06 the best and the brightest in the country, are confident that these convictions will be overturned."

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