Ashton Kutcher Reacts To Danny Masterson Sexual Assault Charges – Hollywood Life
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Danny Masterson is about to face sexual assault charges in his second such trial, and his longtime pal and former That 70s Show co-star is finally breaking his painful silence on the alleged encounters. Ashton Kutcher, 44, says he hopes Danny innocent, adding that what he really wants is for Danny “to be found innocent of the charges brought against him.”
“Ultimately, I can’t know,” Ashton told Esquire in an interview published online on January 31. “I’m not the judge. I’m not the jury. I’m not the DA. I’m not the victim. And I’m not the accused. And so, in that case, I don’t have a space to comment. I just don’t know.”
Danny and Ashton famously starred as Hyde and Michael in the wildly successful Fox sitcom, which ran from 1998-2006. Since then, Ashton has married and divorced Demi Moore and married and had children with Mila Kunis, also a former co-star on the show. Danny has married and had children, too — but he’s also had at least three women come forward with allegations of sexual assault over the years. Ashton, once very public about his friendship with Danny, has retreated into silence as the case against Danny progressed.
A source close to Ashton and Mila spoke to HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY about the matter back in 2017. “They are monitoring it all and being friends with Danny they never saw this behavior at all from him,” the insider said. “They know a completely different guy from the one that is being alleged to be doing so many horrible things.”
Even years ago, the sentiment seemed to be that Ashton “hoped” it all wasn’t true. “They are keeping close tabs on anything and everything and are there for Danny and obviously hoping that the claims are untrue because the Danny they know is a nice and respectable guy,” the source continued. “They’d be floored if things turn out differently.”
Amid the allegations, which have included forcible rape, Danny was fired from Netflix’s The Ranch that same year. “Danny has slammed the allegations so Ashton and Mila are both hoping for this sad story to turn around with a happy ending,” another source told HL in separate comments at the time.
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Source link HOLLYWOOD – Actor Ashton Kutcher has responded to the news that his former That ’70s Show castmate, Danny Masterson, is being charged with three counts of rape. Kutcher is expressing his “deep sadness” for the women who’ve come forward with their allegations.
Masterson, 44, was charged with three counts of rape by force or fear in June 2020 after a years-long investigation into allegations of sexual assault. The Los Angeles County District Attorney has charged the actor with the assaults of three women between 2001 and 2003.
In response to the news, Kutcher made a statement expressing his “deep sadness” for the women who’ve come forward. He also said that he “will continue to support them in their journey for justice.”
Kutcher’s statement also said that he will continue to “cooperate with the ongoing criminal proceedings against” Masterson, and stated that he does “not want to be associated with the terrible crimes” alleged to have been committed by Masterson. He went on to call for “justice in this case and that those who are guilty are brought to justice.”
Kutcher and Masterson starred as a dynamic duo on Fox’s comedy, That ’70s Show, for 8 years. Previous to these charges being made, the two were friendly and often attended Hollywood events together.
Masterson has denied the multiple charges of rape and will face trial in Los Angeles County. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and could face up to 45 years to life in prison if convicted.
It is unclear at this time how Kutcher’s statement will affect the ongoing criminal proceedings against Masterson. However, it is clear that he is committed to supporting the women who’ve come forward and ensuring justice is served.
