Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher asked a judge for leniency before their former co-star Danny Masterson was convicted of raping two women.
The disgraced That 70s Show actor has been ordered to serve 30 years to life behind bars – and one victim described him as “pathetic, disturbed and completely violent”.
But new letters have emerged revealing ex-cast members, as well as siblings, wrote letters of support for Masterson – with Kunis describing him as a “role model”.
The actress, who played Jackie in the sitcom, wrote: “Throughout our time together, Danny has proven to be a great friend, confidant and most of all an excellent older brother figure to me.”
She went on to claim that Masterson had played an “important role” in guiding her away from drug use.
Kutcher described the convicted rapist as a “dedicated and loyal” husband and father – and in his letter he addressed the career-ending allegations against the 47-year-old.
“Although I am aware that the verdict has been a guilty verdict on two counts of rape by force and the victims have a strong desire for justice, I hope that my testimony about his character will be taken into account in sentencing,” he wrote .
“I don’t think he is a continuing harm to society and to have his daughter raised without a father present would be a tertiary injustice in itself.”
Kutcher – who is married to Kunis – went on to claim that Masterson “was the first person to jump to the defense” of a girl he didn’t know after she was berated by her belligerent boyfriend.
Masterson leaves with his wife Bijou Phillips
Masterson’s wife, Bijou Phillips, said in her letter to the judge that he had been a “life-saving partner”.
She wrote: “Our daughter and I are devastated that he is not home with us. It has been very difficult without him here. Even though he is now in prison, he calls her every day.”
The one-time actor’s legal team vows to appeal — and if unsuccessful, Masterson would not be eligible for parole until he retires.
During the trial, the women whose evidence led to his conviction said Masterson had given them drinks that made them feel dizzy in 2003 before they passed out and he raped them.