Ashton Kutcher Breaks Silence on Danny Masterson’s Sexual Assault Trial: Navigating Friendship and Justice in Hollywood

In a highly anticipated statement that has sent ripples through Hollywood, actor Ashton Kutcher has finally addressed the grave sexual assault charges facing his longtime friend and former That ’70s Show co-star, Danny Masterson. Masterson is currently preparing for his second trial, following a mistrial in late 2022, reigniting public scrutiny on a case that has spanned years and deeply impacted the lives of those involved, including his former colleagues. Kutcher’s recent remarks, delivered after a period of prolonged silence, offer a complex glimpse into the difficult position many in the industry find themselves in when close associates face serious legal accusations.

Ashton Kutcher, 44, known for his roles in iconic sitcoms and a successful career in film and venture capital, expressed his earnest hope for Masterson’s innocence in an interview published online on January 31. Speaking with Esquire, Kutcher articulated a nuanced position, stating his desire for Danny “to be found innocent of the charges brought against him.” This sentiment reflects a personal plea from a friend, juxtaposed against the grim reality of the legal battle Masterson is embroiled in.

The actor elaborated on the inherent limitations of his personal perspective, underscoring that his role is not to adjudicate or prejudge the outcome. “Ultimately, I can’t know,” Ashton told Esquire. “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.” This statement highlights the tightrope walked by public figures who are personally connected to individuals facing serious allegations, attempting to balance loyalty with the acknowledgment of a legal process beyond their influence. Kutcher’s measured response aims to maintain neutrality while implicitly conveying the emotional toll such a situation takes on personal relationships.

The professional and personal bond between Danny Masterson and Ashton Kutcher dates back to their formative years on the set of Fox’s immensely popular sitcom, That ’70s Show. Masterson famously portrayed Steven Hyde, a cynical but intelligent character, while Kutcher played the dim-witted but lovable Michael Kelso. The show, which ran from 1998 to 2006, launched both actors into stardom and forged friendships that extended far beyond the soundstage. Their chemistry and comedic timing contributed significantly to the show’s enduring success and cultural impact. For over two decades, their friendship, alongside other cast members like Mila Kunis (who later married Kutcher), Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, and Wilmer Valderrama, seemed unshakeable, often visible in public appearances and shared professional ventures.

Since their time on the show, both actors have embarked on diverse career paths and personal journeys. Ashton Kutcher went on to achieve further success in film and television, including hit movies and the lead role in Two and a Half Men. He famously married and later divorced actress Demi Moore, before finding love and starting a family with his former That ’70s Show co-star, Mila Kunis. They now share two children. Danny Masterson also continued his acting career, notably reuniting with Kutcher on the Netflix series The Ranch, and married actress Bijou Phillips, with whom he also shares a child. However, Masterson’s post-That ’70s Show life has been overshadowed by serious allegations of sexual assault, with at least three women coming forward over the years, detailing claims of forcible rape. These allegations first gained significant public traction in 2017, leading to a period of intense scrutiny and, notably, Ashton Kutcher’s public retreat into silence regarding his friend’s legal woes, until his recent interview.

The initial wave of allegations in 2017 prompted a challenging period for Masterson’s friends and colleagues, particularly Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis. A source close to the couple spoke exclusively to HollywoodLife at the time, offering insight into their immediate reaction. “They are monitoring it all and being friends with Danny they never saw this behavior at all from him,” the insider revealed. “They know a completely different guy from the one that is being alleged to be doing so many horrible things.” This statement underscores the profound shock and disbelief experienced by those who held Masterson in high regard, grappling with the stark contrast between the person they knew and the accusations being leveled against him.

Even as the initial claims escalated into formal charges, the sentiment from those close to Kutcher and Kunis remained consistent: a fervent hope that the allegations were unfounded. “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, reflecting the internal conflict often faced by friends of accused individuals. The profound nature of the allegations meant that if proven true, it would represent a shattering revelation for those who considered Masterson a close friend. “They’d be floored if things turn out differently,” the insider concluded, highlighting the emotional investment and trust placed in their relationship with Masterson.

The severity of the accusations, which include multiple counts of forcible rape, had immediate professional repercussions for Masterson. In December 2017, amidst the mounting allegations and the burgeoning #MeToo movement which amplified calls for accountability in Hollywood, Danny Masterson was fired from Netflix’s The Ranch. His dismissal sent a clear message about the entertainment industry’s evolving stance on such matters, demonstrating a growing intolerance for alleged misconduct. At the time of his firing, another source told HollywoodLife in separate comments, “Danny has slammed the allegations so Ashton and Mila are both hoping for this sad story to turn around with a happy ending.” This quote encapsulates the lingering desire for a positive resolution from their perspective, even as the legal and public pressures intensified.

Masterson’s first trial in 2022 concluded with a hung jury, an outcome that prolonged the legal uncertainty and necessitated a second trial. This second proceeding brings renewed focus to the details of the allegations and the potential for a definitive legal judgment. The case has also drawn attention to Masterson’s involvement with the Church of Scientology, as some of the accusers are former members who claim the church attempted to silence them. This added layer of complexity further complicates the narrative surrounding the allegations and the ongoing legal battles. The public, and indeed, Masterson’s former co-stars, await the outcome of this pivotal trial, which carries significant implications for Masterson’s future and for the broader conversation about accountability within the entertainment industry.

Ashton Kutcher’s decision to break his silence, however carefully worded, marks a significant moment in the ongoing saga. It underscores the unique challenges faced by public figures balancing personal loyalties with the gravity of criminal accusations. His statements reflect a universally understood human dilemma: the struggle to reconcile the person you know with the allegations they face. As Masterson’s second trial commences, the world watches, not just for the verdict, but also for the ripple effects it will continue to have on the lives and careers of everyone connected to this high-profile case, including the enduring legacy of a beloved sitcom and the friendships forged within it. The path to justice is often long and arduous, and for those in Hollywood, it frequently plays out under the unyielding glare of public scrutiny.