Danny Masterson’s wife Bijou Phillips told the judge she and their daughter were “heartbroken” by his rape conviction in a letter of support before sentencing.
Hoping to lobby Judge Charlaine Olmedo to choose a lighter term, Phillips described her partner of 47 years as a loving husband and father who struggled to make ends meet after he was accused and later convicted of violent rape.
“I can say that Danny has truly been my life-saving partner,” she wrote.
Phillips told Olmedo — who hit the “That 70s Show” star with the maximum sentence of two consecutive 15-year terms Thursday — Masterson developed the farm and vineyard after his career declined.
“After he lost the show and his acting career, he devoted himself to finding another way to make a living,” he wrote.
“He took classes to learn about growing grapes, wine and he became a sommelier,” he said. “He also studies the business end of it.
Echoing letters of support from Masterson’s co-stars Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, Phillips insists he is against drugs and has “never smoked a cigarette in his life.”
Danny Masterson’s wife looked devastated as she left a California courthouse where her “That’s ’70s Show” star husband had just blown his final kiss. Mona Shafer Edwards / BACKGRID
Despite the temptations of Hollywood, Masterson tried to warn other actors about the dangers of drug abuse and be a role model, he said.
His absence, she said, would destroy their family – especially her nine-year-old daughter, Fianna.
“My daughter and I are sad that she is not home with us,” she wrote. “It’s very difficult without him here. Even though he is now in prison, he calls her every day. He helps her with her homework every night. He taught him math well and patiently.”
Bijou Phillips hid behind large sunglasses and appeared emotional as she passed photographers on the sidewalk outside following the sentencing. Snorlax / MEGA
Phillips acknowledged the seriousness of the crimes Masterson had been convicted of, but pleaded with Olmedo to consider their family’s circumstances when dealing with his fate.
“We need it more than you can imagine,” he said. “I know he has been convicted of a serious crime. But the man I married was just an amazing husband to me and a devoted father to our daughter.”
Masterson, 47, remained stony-faced as Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo handed down the maximum sentence. Snorlax / MEGA
Debra Jo Rupp shared the screen with Masterson.FilmMagic
Debra Jo-Rupp, another of Masterson’s co-stars on his hit sitcom, also weighed in on his behalf in a letter to Olmedo.
He said Masterson maintained his humility despite his rapid rise to fame.
“Danny was always respectful and kind,” she said. “On the day of the show when the camera crew was coming in, Danny was the one who shook hands with every cameraman before we started. He knows everyone’s name, where they live and about their family. I do not. He is loved.”
Jo-Rupp also stated that she and Masterson were the only two actors who took the time to attend Wilmer Valderrama’s high school graduation.
Actor Billy Baldwin portrayed him as a generous friend who was quick to lend a hand to those in need.
Billy Baldwin also wrote a letter in support of Masterson. Deadline via Getty Images
Giovanni Ribisi is a childhood friend of Masterson who also wrote to the judge asking for leniency in sentencing.
“Danny was always quietly there for family, friends, community, and even strangers, with support, words of wisdom, or sage advice about life, career, relationships and most importantly, family and parenting,” he said. “All without seeking recognition or praise.”
Childhood friend and fellow actor Giovanni Ribisi also asked for some leniency, calling Masterson a selfless friend and family member.
“I have always known Danny as a central figure in my peer group, because of his integrity, his stance against drugs, his hatred of violence and most importantly the respect he shows for women and children,” he said.
Masterson was found guilty of raping two women in 2003 at his home in the Hollywood area.
Both victims testified at trial that he drank their drinks, then violently raped them when they were unconscious and unable to give consent.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
