Actors Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are being dragged for penning letters of support for Danny Masterson ahead of his sentencing. “Believe victims,” wrote Christina Ricci. “It’s not easy to come forward. It’s not easy to get a conviction.” OK, well said, but they weren’t arguing for Masterson’s innocence. They submitted a character letter ahead of his sentencing,
The most interesting part of this specific topic, to me, is that they submitted them believing they would be under seal. It’s terrifying to me, as a previous victim/witness in a felony case, that medical records (for example) submitted under seal could just be made public if the judge feels like it.
I had no idea this could happen and it’s shocking and extremely important for people to take note of, in case they ever find themselves in a courtroom for anything.
Once again, thank you for getting at the fundamental question at the heart of it: 2 things can be true at once, NOTHING is binary and humans are in fact actually capable of conceiving of a better system than continuing to expand this monstrous punishment bureaucracy.
PR flub? Watch some of the out-of-Scientology YouTubers who will prove to anyone willing to see it how much the couple accepted or excused Masterson’s vile behavior and how much of a victim 14-year-old Mila was herself.
Oh, that's an easy one. Because she is a grown adult who is now hurting victims herself, by not believing women she personally knew, whose testimony held up in court and a jury believed.
THIS. ALL OF IT. They describe a convicted rapist as father and husband of the year. Thank God the judge saw through it and threw the book at him, making an example of a high profile rapist as deterrent to protect victims.
I’m not accusing her of disbelieving victims. I’m saying that Kunis and Kutcher ARE part of the problem by describing a convicted rapist as husband and father of the year. Did you read their letters posted here? Powerful people defending a rapist. What do you not understand about how wrong that is?
I'm talking about Mila and Ashton. Did you read their letters? Let's look at some excerpts of how they described a man who drugged and raped multiple women.
Ashton:
"As a role model, Danny has consistently been an excellent one."
" He also set an extraordinary standard around how you treat other people."
"He has always treated people with decency, equality, and generosity."
"While I'm aware that the judgment has been cast as guilty on two counts of rape by force and the victims have a great desire for justice. I hope that my testament to his character is taken into consideration in sentencing. I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society..."
Mila:
"One of the most remarkable aspects of Danny's character is his unwavering commitment to discouraging the use of drugs."
"Danny's steadfastness in promoting a drug-free lifestyle has been a guiding light..."
"His genuine concern for those around him and his commitment to leading by example make him an outstanding role model and friend."
"As a father, he leads by example, instilling in (his daughter) values that reflect integrity, compassion, and respect for others."
"Danny has consistently displayed a profound sense of responsibility and care for those around him. He demonstrates grace and empathy in every situation, be it within the entertainment industry or in our personal lives."
"In conclusion, I wholeheartedly vouch for Danny Masterson's exceptional character and the tremendous positive influence he has had on me and the people around him. His dedication to leading a drug-free life and the genuine care he extends to others makes him an outstanding role model and friend. Please feel free to reach out if you require any further information or clarification."
Honey, people are reaching out. You're experiencing the reach-out. Enjoy.
Tana: take a break for an hour and listen, you deserve some good news...the Colorado Dept of Corrections just opened a new facility in January based in the Norwegian model; there is some serious hope...https://spotify.link/RPhqTzG75Cb
Why were they advocating for a lighter sentence for a rapist? Why not acknowledge rape as the global public health crisis that it is and throw the book at him? Why are people defending people who defend rapists instead of victims?! This is insanity!
You are missing the point. Kunis and Kutcher wrote the letters prior to the 30 yea sentence. They did not have to write glowing letters of endorsement describing him as father and husband of the year. Did you even read their letters? Yes, they ARE part of the problem of enabling rape culture and I’m SO pleased that the judge wasn’t having it. Let’s stop defending those who defend rapists. Side note: Kutcher even dated a woman who was a victim of femicide and made many references to pedophilia, as one of the victims pointed out on social media in the TMZ article I posted here. Shame on them both.
Very well written and excellent points. My first conviction was for possession with intent to deliver. I was 22, never been in trouble, and my co-defendant/boyfriend was 18. We were given $1 million bail each. We were basically forced to plead guilty. My lawyer put it like this: you either plead guilty and go home this week or you fight these charges, sit in jail for two years until you have your trial, and end up with a state sentence (maximum over 23 months) for insisting to go to trial. How is that justice? They’re completely trampling over our Constitutional rights. At the time I was young, desperate to get out of prison, and ready to get my next fix so I took the deal. I ended up being on probation/parole for eight years, which set me up for the revolving door of county jail. Side note: I just got denied for a job that wanted a recovering addict (I have 13 years clean from heroin) because of that possession with intent to deliver marijuana & LSD charge from 18 years ago. Our system is shameful and Americans should be outraged, but they don’t care about this issue unless it happens to them or someone they love. Thanks for your wonderful work, Tana!
This is really a global issue, as is femicide, and should not be minimized in any way. Personally, I’m disgusted at what Kunis and Kutcher did, but I’m much more disgusted with the males that rape and murder and they should have been too:
What I want to know is why Ashton calls Danny his mentor but the former is not a scientologist while the latter is? Are scientologists allowed to be friends with non-clear people? I sound like a conspiracy theorist but it’s a real question!
I mean yeah. People are understandably like "world's smallest violin" but I briefly dated someone semi-famous and their life, was, every 5 seconds a stranger came up and said/asked the same thing as the last one. The money seems nice but real fame seems awful.
Tana: take a break for an hour and listen, you deserve some good news...the Colorado Dept of Corrections just opened a new facility in January based in the Norwegian model; there is some serious hope...https://spotify.link/RPhqTzG75Cb
The point is that no one should ever write a letter on behalf of a rapist when this is a global public health crisis that affects over half the population. Why is it so difficult to point that out? But sure, go after those who speak out on behalf of rape victims as though your priorities aren’t all fucked up.
Before you run to defend a male over a woman who had lived it: he self promotes and attacks female victims by calling them assholes on his articles. And actually, as the expert that he claims to be, he absolutely DOES need to offer up some solutions to male-perpetrated violence:
“I’ve only spent the last several years writing and speaking about rape and sexual violence prevention, and where our policies fail, but yes you’re right, men never write about such things. Indeed, the main thesis of this very blog that you are commenting on is certainly not about such policy failure. I also have not written several law review articles on the topic.
I’ve have however spent years being kind and patient to people online who were not kind and patient to me, so the older I get, the less tolerance I have for assholes. I give what I get, more or less.”
The most interesting part of this specific topic, to me, is that they submitted them believing they would be under seal. It’s terrifying to me, as a previous victim/witness in a felony case, that medical records (for example) submitted under seal could just be made public if the judge feels like it.
I had no idea this could happen and it’s shocking and extremely important for people to take note of, in case they ever find themselves in a courtroom for anything.
That's a great point.
Once again, thank you for getting at the fundamental question at the heart of it: 2 things can be true at once, NOTHING is binary and humans are in fact actually capable of conceiving of a better system than continuing to expand this monstrous punishment bureaucracy.
🖤
Masterson "appears to have done" wasn't he found guilty . . . is that in doubt?
PR flub? Watch some of the out-of-Scientology YouTubers who will prove to anyone willing to see it how much the couple accepted or excused Masterson’s vile behavior and how much of a victim 14-year-old Mila was herself.
So then why are people piling onto her?
Oh, that's an easy one. Because she is a grown adult who is now hurting victims herself, by not believing women she personally knew, whose testimony held up in court and a jury believed.
THIS. ALL OF IT. They describe a convicted rapist as father and husband of the year. Thank God the judge saw through it and threw the book at him, making an example of a high profile rapist as deterrent to protect victims.
she's not disbelieving anyone. Read the post
I’m not accusing her of disbelieving victims. I’m saying that Kunis and Kutcher ARE part of the problem by describing a convicted rapist as husband and father of the year. Did you read their letters posted here? Powerful people defending a rapist. What do you not understand about how wrong that is?
I'm talking about Mila and Ashton. Did you read their letters? Let's look at some excerpts of how they described a man who drugged and raped multiple women.
Ashton:
"As a role model, Danny has consistently been an excellent one."
" He also set an extraordinary standard around how you treat other people."
"He has always treated people with decency, equality, and generosity."
"While I'm aware that the judgment has been cast as guilty on two counts of rape by force and the victims have a great desire for justice. I hope that my testament to his character is taken into consideration in sentencing. I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society..."
Mila:
"One of the most remarkable aspects of Danny's character is his unwavering commitment to discouraging the use of drugs."
"Danny's steadfastness in promoting a drug-free lifestyle has been a guiding light..."
"His genuine concern for those around him and his commitment to leading by example make him an outstanding role model and friend."
"As a father, he leads by example, instilling in (his daughter) values that reflect integrity, compassion, and respect for others."
"Danny has consistently displayed a profound sense of responsibility and care for those around him. He demonstrates grace and empathy in every situation, be it within the entertainment industry or in our personal lives."
"In conclusion, I wholeheartedly vouch for Danny Masterson's exceptional character and the tremendous positive influence he has had on me and the people around him. His dedication to leading a drug-free life and the genuine care he extends to others makes him an outstanding role model and friend. Please feel free to reach out if you require any further information or clarification."
Honey, people are reaching out. You're experiencing the reach-out. Enjoy.
THIS. ALL OF IT.
Tana: take a break for an hour and listen, you deserve some good news...the Colorado Dept of Corrections just opened a new facility in January based in the Norwegian model; there is some serious hope...https://spotify.link/RPhqTzG75Cb
I would pushback against the notion that SVU is unable to solve cases due to being understaffed.
https://theappeal.org/law-and-order-svu-mariska-hargitay-nypd-special-victims/
So you think the sentence for drugging and raping multiple women is too long?
FYI: Rape is on par with murder.
If people don't want to get dragged online, maybe don't defend rapists.
Having been raped I can assure you, I'm glad I wasn't murdered.
they weren't defending a rapist, they were advocating for a lighter sentence. And rape is not on par with murder
Why were they advocating for a lighter sentence for a rapist? Why not acknowledge rape as the global public health crisis that it is and throw the book at him? Why are people defending people who defend rapists instead of victims?! This is insanity!
This asshole got a 30-year sentence, publicly shamed, etc. How would it even be possible to be harsher than this outcome?
My son’s 2nd grade teacher got 60 years for raping boys:
https://www.iheartmyteacher.org/index.php?threads/joseph-michael-diaz-high-springs-florida-arrested-apr-2014.6819/
You are missing the point. Kunis and Kutcher wrote the letters prior to the 30 yea sentence. They did not have to write glowing letters of endorsement describing him as father and husband of the year. Did you even read their letters? Yes, they ARE part of the problem of enabling rape culture and I’m SO pleased that the judge wasn’t having it. Let’s stop defending those who defend rapists. Side note: Kutcher even dated a woman who was a victim of femicide and made many references to pedophilia, as one of the victims pointed out on social media in the TMZ article I posted here. Shame on them both.
What’s “insane” about three decades in prison for a serial rapist?
Thank you for getting it, Bill.
Very well written and excellent points. My first conviction was for possession with intent to deliver. I was 22, never been in trouble, and my co-defendant/boyfriend was 18. We were given $1 million bail each. We were basically forced to plead guilty. My lawyer put it like this: you either plead guilty and go home this week or you fight these charges, sit in jail for two years until you have your trial, and end up with a state sentence (maximum over 23 months) for insisting to go to trial. How is that justice? They’re completely trampling over our Constitutional rights. At the time I was young, desperate to get out of prison, and ready to get my next fix so I took the deal. I ended up being on probation/parole for eight years, which set me up for the revolving door of county jail. Side note: I just got denied for a job that wanted a recovering addict (I have 13 years clean from heroin) because of that possession with intent to deliver marijuana & LSD charge from 18 years ago. Our system is shameful and Americans should be outraged, but they don’t care about this issue unless it happens to them or someone they love. Thanks for your wonderful work, Tana!
And exactly what does this have to do with a convicted rapist sentenced to 30 years?
This is really a global issue, as is femicide, and should not be minimized in any way. Personally, I’m disgusted at what Kunis and Kutcher did, but I’m much more disgusted with the males that rape and murder and they should have been too:
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/jul/27/mumbai-student-sexual-assault-murder-shows-womens-safety-india-still-not-priority
What I want to know is why Ashton calls Danny his mentor but the former is not a scientologist while the latter is? Are scientologists allowed to be friends with non-clear people? I sound like a conspiracy theorist but it’s a real question!
Can we stay focused on the RAPE part of it?
Being a celebrity must suck on so many levels.
I mean yeah. People are understandably like "world's smallest violin" but I briefly dated someone semi-famous and their life, was, every 5 seconds a stranger came up and said/asked the same thing as the last one. The money seems nice but real fame seems awful.
Tana: take a break for an hour and listen, you deserve some good news...the Colorado Dept of Corrections just opened a new facility in January based in the Norwegian model; there is some serious hope...https://spotify.link/RPhqTzG75Cb
https://substack.com/profile/39654977-chandra-hardy/note/c-39893982?r=nlxz5&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
Another perspective:
https://open.substack.com/pub/jojofromjerz/p/accountability-for-danny-masterson?r=nlxz5&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
How about police do a better job of catching these people! 30% clearance rate is abysmal and the pukes in blue still get all the glory
They don’t even try most of the time. That’s why there are (or used to be?) so many unprocessed rape kits.
yet another example of the internet completely missing the point. It's a wonder these people don't choke on their toothbrush every morning
The point is that no one should ever write a letter on behalf of a rapist when this is a global public health crisis that affects over half the population. Why is it so difficult to point that out? But sure, go after those who speak out on behalf of rape victims as though your priorities aren’t all fucked up.
What point did We miss? I'll be playing The Internet this morning.
Before you run to defend a male over a woman who had lived it: he self promotes and attacks female victims by calling them assholes on his articles. And actually, as the expert that he claims to be, he absolutely DOES need to offer up some solutions to male-perpetrated violence:
“I’ve only spent the last several years writing and speaking about rape and sexual violence prevention, and where our policies fail, but yes you’re right, men never write about such things. Indeed, the main thesis of this very blog that you are commenting on is certainly not about such policy failure. I also have not written several law review articles on the topic.
I’ve have however spent years being kind and patient to people online who were not kind and patient to me, so the older I get, the less tolerance I have for assholes. I give what I get, more or less.”