Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis speak out amid backlash over Danny Masterson character letters

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have released a joint video as they face criticism following their support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson.

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have released a video message after receiving heavy backlash for praising former co-star and convicted rapist Danny Masterson in character letters ahead of his sentencing.

The couple, who appeared alongside Masterson in hit sitcom That 70’s Show, took to Instagram on Saturday insisting they “support victims”.

“We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson,” Kutcher began.

His wife added: “We support victims. We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future.”

The Punk’d creator then explained that Masterson’s family had contacted them months ago, requesting that they “write character letters to represent the person we knew for 25 years so that the judge could take that into consideration - relative to the sentencing.”

Kunis insisted the documents were “not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury’s ruling.”

The couple released a video amid heavy backlash.

Kutcher agreed, adding that they were “intended for the judge to read” and not written to “undermine the testimony of the victims or retraumatise them in any way.”

“And we’re sorry if that has been the case,” he said.

“Our heart goes out to every single person who has ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape,” Kunis finished.

Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life on Thursday. Picture: Lucy Nicholson – Pool/Getty Images

Masterson and Kutcher co-starred in Netflix series The Ranch.

Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison on Thursday for two rapes he committed in 2003.

Following the decision, Kutcher and Kunis’ letters to Los Angeles Superior Court Charlaine Olmedo were made public, with Kutcher describing his former co-star as “nothing but a positive influence” and “an extraordinary honest and intentional human being”.

The trio were among the core cast of That 70s Show.

He added that he didn’t believe Masterson is an “ongoing harm to society”.

Meanwhile, Kunis described the actor as an “amazing friend, confidant, and above all, an outstanding older brother figure” to her.

“He demonstrates grace and empathy in every situation, be it within the entertainment industry or in our personal lives,” she added.

Masterson is reportedly now waiting to be transferred to a California State prison.

He will not be eligible for parole until he is 77 years old.

- with Page Six