" Believe victims . "
This story contains discussion of rape and sexual assault.
Christina Riccihas something to say regarding the headlines lately.
Last week, actorDanny Mastersonwas sentenced to30 years to lifein prison after being found guilty of raping two women in his Hollywood Hills home in the 2000s.
Shortly after the sentencing, it was revealed hisThat ’70s ShowcostarsAshton KutcherandMila Kunisboth wrote lettersto the judge in support of Danny.
The couple was met withwidespread criticism, and they soon uploaded a video onInstagramexplaining their actions. Ashton remarked the letters were to “represent the person that [they] knew for 25 years” so that the judge could take their sentiments into “consideration relative to the sentencing.”
The couple took turns speaking into the camera, and Mila added, “The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury’s ruling.”
Ashton followed Mila’s response saying that the letters were “intended for the judge to read” and “not to undermine the testimony of the victims or re-traumatize them in any way.” He added, “We would never want to do that. We’re sorry if that has taken place.”
Mila concluded their response by saying, “Our heart goes out to every single person who’s ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse, or rape.”
And Christina posted anInstagram storyseemingly referencing the recent events. She wrote how sometimes “people we have loved and admired” can also do “horrible things” and that “people we know as ‘awesome guys’ can be predators and abusers.”
She also added her stance in support of the victims. She wrote, “If we say we support victims — women, children, men, boys — then we must be able to take this stance.”
“Unfortunately, I’ve known lots of ‘awesome guys’ who were lovely to me who have been proven to be abusers privately,” she said. “I’ve also had personal experience with this.”
“Believe victims. It’s not easy to come forward. It’s not easy to get a conviction,” she wrote.
You can read more about the trial and following eventshere.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call theNational Sexual Assault Hotlineat 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local centerhere.
