40 Comments

I spoke briefly about this at the end of last night's council meeting, recognizing the pain this leaves for his wife, family and friends while appreciating the justice granted to his victims. I said, "You can't be joyful about this" even though I knew many people were. It's a crime that men have gotten away with for far too long and I'm glad to see punishment came even when fame and money would usually till the scale away from justice. But I wanted to mention the verdict to point out that Scientology played a large role in this trial and this win helps the civil case to shed more light on Scientology's years of unfettered abuse and hoped this would tip the scales in that courtroom so that Scientology would face the justice they far too often get away with on the basis of, "We're a religion. You can't touch us." Touch away, I say.

Expand full comment

This is a hard read. I have no doubt that he has done kind things for many of his friends and coworkers. But in the dark, towards vulnerable people who he didn’t work with and didn’t have to respect or impress, he was a violent rapist.

Both of those things can be true.

It’s so disappointing that his supporters’ opinions have not changed, even with all the evidence. I can only think that they don’t believe the women because they don’t want to, and I find that reprehensible.

Expand full comment

Exactly. None of this makes what DM did ok

Expand full comment

indeed

Expand full comment

It strikes me at first glance that so many if these letters sound the same. Like there were talking points distributed: anti-drug, daughter ballet class, working the land himself, and of course the detox program for 9/11 first responders, which none mentioned was a Scientology front and scam.

Expand full comment

I'm stretching here, but for some of the people who wrote letters - due to the similar focus and wording - it almost sounds like they may have been or are in Scientology even if it is not known to the public. Not sure how one would find out.

Expand full comment

I felt the same about the letters sounding the same, almost verbatim.

Expand full comment

So of the 17 letters you posted, 8 were from scientologists (throws those in the trash heap as unreliable lies.)

The only two that were unexplainable to me were from Kutcher and Kunis. They are now on my ugh list.

Expand full comment
Sep 14, 2023·edited Sep 17, 2023

I've been watching Growing up in Scientology with Aaron Smith-Levine on Youtube. Super insightful.

Expand full comment

Uhuh, DonkeyPunch could be nice to some people and spit on and rape others. Ted Bundy was said to be charming too.

Expand full comment

Reading this broke me in a way I didn’t expect. The stark contrast of someone being important and inspiring and loving to so many people, while also a horrendous monster to others. It makes me sick and hurt for those that have to sit with those competing truths.

Expand full comment

Abusers are very charming. I was fired from a job 45 years ago when my ex husband convinced my employers I was a compulsive liar after I told them about the abuse and they confronted him. If monsters looked like monsters all the time, they wouldn’t get away with it. It’s their charm that allows them to continue to abuse.

I once told a friend, “I never felt so loved or so hated as when I was with him (my ex) ... sometimes within the same 15 minute period.”

Expand full comment
Sep 8, 2023·edited Sep 14, 2023

I just read Ashton's letter. He neglects to mention that That 90's show excludes Danny Masterson's character because of this. I also notice that Ashton uses past tense when he states he thinks Danny Masterson is " no longer a threat." It's subtle, but telling: At some point, Mr Kutcher thought Danny was dangerous. Why Ashton thinks Danny should be available - as a father- is beyond me. I'd be curious to know what kind of dirt DM has on Ashton that prompted Ashton and Mila to write those compulsive, complementary statements.

Expand full comment

What a crazy plot twist it would be if Ashton and Mila were Scientologists, too! Not to start any conspiracies or anything :)

Expand full comment

Update: Ashton and Mila are not Scientologists, just indebted for some reason.

Expand full comment

Someone gave all the letter writers a format and guidance in what they said. If Rapey was so anti-drug, why did he ruffie so many women? The full tale of what the CO$ did for its harassment campaign has not been told yet, But thanks to the Does, that tale will be told. I salute their courage and they have a lot of baggage to cure.

Mueller and his assistant did a very good job of telling the story and putting the pieces together. Give Judge Olmedo props for her taking and keeping control of the courtroom. But most of all, salute the Does for their courage.

Expand full comment
Sep 14, 2023·edited Sep 14, 2023

DM's "anti-drug" schtick was probably designed as a shield - for roofieing women. You know, because, "if he's 'anti-drug,' he COULDN'T possibly be roofieing women to rape them." Also, someone correct me if I'm wrong, but Scientology also proclaims to have strict anti-drug protocols. Not that they adhere to those - obvio

Expand full comment

That was an incredibly hard read. My thanks to Tony and Meghann for all their coverage and securing and publishing these letters. This also backs up my theory that, based on the notes Tony received, that one of the Jane Does shaded Ashton Kutcher in her her victim's impact statement.

Others are correct - even if someone is allegedly a good friend, father, husband, etc. it doesn't mean they can't be able to do what he was convicted of doing. I'm glad these letters are part of the public record. My love and support to all of the Jane Does (those known and unknown) who have to hear about all these people trying to make DM sound like a saint.

Expand full comment

These letters were just so difficult to read and makes me so angry again on behalf of the Jane Does. Ashton has shown how hypocritical he is, but really disappointed to see Mila, Kurtwood, and Debra write on Danny's behalf. The letters from his wife and family talking about how amazing he is/what a great father makes me sick - all people brainwashed by the "most ethical group" on the planet.

Expand full comment

Hm. No letter from Laura Prepon, though?

Expand full comment

It is interesting how so many of these letters begin with the same format which indicates directions given in how to write such character witness letters for the court, what to say, what not to say. It would be interesting to know who gave such directions: Scientology, lawyers, both

I wonder if Steven Mona, the retired NYPD Lieutenant, is the same as the Retired NYPD Officer Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison For Actions Related to Capitol Breach, who assaulted Law Enforcement Officer With Flagpole, Tackled Him, and Tried to Remove Officer’s Helmet and Gas Mask. Just curious. If they are one and the same, perhaps he and Danny can continue their friendship sharing letters about what it's like to live a life behind bars.

It would be interesting to know who of the letter writers are Scientologists.

Expand full comment

Certainly the attorneys, who in turn are following Co$ mandates, direct the letter writing campaign.

Expand full comment

Very sad. I know some of these people. I used to work for Al.

While they may be sincere, I have to ask: Did they know? Had they heard the talk? Were they told to keep it quiet? Even Hubbard said that Suppressive Persons can be very charming and friendly while they stab you in the back. But sometimes loyalty blinds us. Sometimes, people with a connection won't listen. And then they have to write letters like this in support of a monster.

Expand full comment

Certainly, with the misuse of the concept 'loyalty', as occurs with the concept of 'snitch', its broad and true meaning is perverted, and injustice and/or corruption is perpetuated.

Expand full comment

Until people understand that our dear friends and family may be one way to us and something entirely different to their victims, there is no hope in this world. What every one of those letters leaves out is the life king trauma of his victims, the ripples from that trauma, and the lives that those women were born to lead. Those lives altered when Danny Masterson brutally raped them. While I am sympathetic to the Masterson children, that is what their father did to them. He committed brutal, life-altering crimes, and though he’s been sailing away for 20 years, his victims have been imprisoned with trauma and PTSD that affect every relationship ship in their lives. It’s time for Danny to be accountable for his violence.

Expand full comment

Sorry for all of the typos. I’m really saddened and angry. Should have proofread.

Expand full comment

f Several of letters addressed DM's stance on drug use, including his kindness, etc. Most reflected on the side they knew. None of them mentioned the long-term relationship with Jane Doe2? In fact, none of them mentioned any other girlfriend or dalliances. But they know him well.

Not well enough. None were present when he drugged and raped several women and more than came forward. What did they think his DJ name meant? (Which I wouldn't have known if not seeing it here)

DM was charming, kind, a doting husband and father, friend, you name it, EXCEPT to the Jane Does (Scientologists who he knew could not report to authorities without risk.

Sociopaths hide in plain site. They are outgoing, 'care about everyone', the life of the party, center of attention; the one everyone loves. Who would EVER think such a man could afflict unspeakable pain and anguish. I was raised by a Jekyll and Hyde who molested me most of my childhood which included rape. (I share only to show my knowledge and awareness-not sympathy, I am healed.

I intend this closes one chapter for the Janes and opens healing avenues not experienced yet. Much love. 💜

Expand full comment
Sep 8, 2023·edited Oct 2, 2023

Danny was really anti drugs but made his career portraying a pot head. The lack of awareness among these fools is stunning.

Expand full comment

As you know, there are some actors who refuse to accept scripts (ceasing to earn money) that encourage unwise behavior in some, but benefit others... in this very diverse world.

Expand full comment

One other thing, does anyone find it strange Luke Wilson was not only not in court, but didn't write a letter for his best friend????!!

Expand full comment