, star of the TV series “That ’70s Show”, . After a long trial, it was proven that he drugged and then brutally raped two women 20 years ago. The trial was particularly difficult because of the involvement of the Church of Scientology, of which Masterson was a member.
The actor could count on the support of other people from the religious community. Some of them consciously lied in court and defended Masterson, who had played an important role in the community for years. The actor was defended not only by the church as an entire very rich institution, but also by his siblings and other high-ranking members. A disturbingly similar rescue came from i – an acting couple who have never confirmed their ties to Scientology. After their letters to judges in which they defended the rapist came to light, they decided to speak out.
Danny Masterson convicted of rape. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher apologize for defending him
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher did not believe in Danny Masterson’s guilt for a long time. Before the last hearing at which the verdict was to be passed, they wrote letters to Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo of the Los Angeles Superior Court in which they tried to provide testimony in favor of the actor. They worked with him on the set of “That ’70s Show” for years, but the letters indicate that the acquaintance may also be based on belonging to the Church of Scientology – the judge also received the twin confessions from the actor’s siblings and his friends associated with Scientology.
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher tried to convince the Court that Danny Masterson is a model citizen, responsible, avoids drugs, and a wonderful husband and father.
I am aware that he was found guilty of causing two rapes by force and the victims need justice. I hope that my words will be taken into account when the verdict is delivered. I do not believe he is still a threat to society, and depriving his daughter of her father will be an additional injustice, Kutcher wrote.
After the letters came to light, the acting couple decided to speak out.
A few months ago, Danny’s family asked us to write letters about his personality as we knew him for 25 years. These letters were intended for the judge. They were not intended to belittle the victims’ testimonies or re-traumatize them. We would never do this and we are sorry if this happened to you. We support victims of violence, sexual violence and all abuse, always, Kutcher and Kunis said in a video posted by the couple on Instagram.
Similar letters were written by actors Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith, Giovanni Ribisi, William Baldwin, Jonathan Tucker and screenwriter Jim Patterson. In total there were almost 50 people. Some of them openly admit to participating in the Church of Scientology. The religious group was mentioned many times during the trial. The women raped by Masterson were its members – the church denied their experience, defended the rapist, and forbade them to testify. The women were eventually thrown out of the church.
Source: Gazeta
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