Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Respond to Criticism Regarding Danny Masterson Letters: ‘We Support Victims’

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, who have come under criticism for writing character letters in support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson, are explaining their decision to do so.

On their joint Instagram accounts, the couple spoke together in a video. "We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson," Kutcher began.

"We support victims," Kunis said. "We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future."

Kutcher then noted, "A couple months ago, Danny's family reached out to us, and they asked us to write character letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years," adding that this was something they decided to do in order for the judge to have full consideration before sentencing.

"The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury's ruling," Kunis stated.

"They were intended for the judge to read," Kutcher clarified.

"Our heart goes out to every single person who's been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or rape," Kunis then said.

In the letter asking a judge for leniency, Kutcher called the couple's former That '70s Show star "an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being" and "a role model," saying that he is "among few people that I would trust to be alone" with the two children Kutcher shares with wife Mila Kunis.

"I hope that my testament to his character is taken into consideration in sentencing," he wrote.

The letter has drawn ire from such fellow actors as Ellen Barkin and That '70s Show alum Topher Grace, the latter who refused to vouch for Masterson.

Masterson was found guilty on two counts of forcible rape on June 1. Although he was charged with a third count that alleged he had raped his former girlfriend in November 2001, the seven-woman, five-man jury was deadlocked on a verdict for the third count after deliberating for eight days.

He was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Thursday, and he must register as a sex offender.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available 24 hours a day through RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.