Fans of That ‘70s Show have praised Topher Grace for not defending his former co-star Danny Masterson before his rape conviction, unlike several of the show’s major stars.
Masterson, who is best known for playing the character Steven Hyde on That ’70s Show from 1998 to 2006, was given 30 years to life in prison for the rapes of two women two between 2001 and 2003.
Although four of Masterson’s former That ‘70s Show cast members wrote letters to support him, the Home Economics star, who played Eric Forman, was not one of them and social media users have noticed.
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One fan wrote on X: “For years, Topher Grace was depicted like he was a stuck-up a**hole for not being besties with the rest of the That ‘70s Show cast, but guess who didn't write a letter in defense of a rapist this year.”
Another fan posted: “Distance himself from toxic co-stars. Never looked back and completely disassociated from. Never defended a rapist or wrote letters on their behalf. Topher Grace a pretty cool guy.”
While a third said: “Finding out Topher Grace was always given s**t for not wanting to hang out with the rest of the cast outside of filming is kind of assuring to me that he might actually be a relatively decent person lol.”
And a fourth shared: “Is Topher Grace the only normal person from that show?"
Lots of fans also shared throwback pictures posted by Grace of his Workaholics character who is heavily tattooed for added effect.
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Jurors reached guilty verdicts on two of the counts, but a verdict could not be reached on the third count - an allegation that Masterson also raped a longtime girlfriend.
The 47-year-old actor - who has been in custody since May of this year - was told by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F Olmedo: “Mr Masterson, you are not the victim here. Your actions 20 years ago took away another person’s choice and voice. Your actions 20 years ago today were criminal, and that’s why you are here.”
Part of the evidence presented ahead of Masterson's sentencing involved character references, including letters written by Kutcher, who played Michael Kelso, and Kunis, 40, who played Jackie Burkhart on That ‘70s Show.
Kutcher started his letter by explaining how Masteron ‘instantly became a friend, dedicated co-worker, and role model’ when they met in 1998.
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“I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society and having his daughter raised without a present father would [be] a tertiary injustice in and of itself,” he concluded the letter.
Meanwhile, Kunis said in her own letter that Masterson was ‘an amazing friend, confidant, and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me’.
She wrote: “Danny Masterson’s warmth, humor, and positive outlook on life have been a driving force in shaping my character and the way I approach life’s challenges.
“His unwavering commitment to being an exceptional older brother figure to me has had a transformative impact on my life, instilling in me a sense of self-belief and encouraging me to aim for greatness, but all while maintaining a sense of humility.”
Other stars from That ‘70s Show who wrote to the judge in support of Masterson include Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, who played Kitty Forman and Red Forman respectively.
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Rupp said: “I am aware that Danny is convicted of 2 counts of forceable [sic] rape and, though it is so hard for me to wrap my head around this, I respect the law and the court. I always have. But I would like to tell you about the young man I know.”
She went on to describe Masterson as ‘always respectful and kind’ and said he was ‘loved’.
Smith wrote in his letter: “I found that Danny treated all women on the show with respect, not only the women in the cast, but the women on the crew as well.”
Laura Prepon and Wilmer Valderrama, who played Donna Pinciotti and Fez, also didn't write letters in support of Masterson.
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If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article and wish to speak to someone in confidence, contact RAINN via its helpline on 800 656 HOPE (4673) or its online chat, available 24/7 seven days a week.
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity