Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis 2002 interview on The Rosie ODonnell Show resurfaced on social media after the two actors apologized for writing letters of support for Danny Masterson ahead of his sentencing for rape. In the viral clip, Kunis reveals that Masterson once bet Kutcher $10 to French kiss her while filming an episode of their Fox sitcom That 70s Show. The actors are in good spirits about the incident, but the clip has amassed over four million views and counting in the days after Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life for rape.
She was 14 when we started the show. I was 19, Kutcher says in the 2002 interview. And they were like, You guys are going to be making out in this scene. And Im thinking, Wait, this is slightly illegal.'
Ive never kissed a guy, Kunis adds. I was a 14-year-old little girl and I was extremely scared for my life. He was very nice about it, like, Dont worry about it. Then Danny goes to him and goes, Dude, Ill give you $10 if you French kiss her.'
We had a little side bet going, Kutcher confirms. Youre kissing on the show, were boyfriend and girlfriend. You would use tongue. Danny bet me like 20 bucks I wouldnt do it.
Kunis and Kutcher then argue over whether or not Kutcher won the bet. I didnt let him, but I think he tried, she says, while ODonnell jokes, The cops showed up and you would get arrested.
Kutcher then notes that he thinks Kunis was actually 15 years old at the time. Variety has reached out to Kunis and Kutchers representatives for further comment.
Several old interview clips of Kutcher, Kunis and Masterson have circulated on social media since Mastersons prison sentence was announced. One clip features Masterson being interviewed on Late Night with Conan OBrien and telling an anecdote about slipping in and out of his Long Island accent. It builds to a joke about Masterson asking people to touch his genitals.
So why are you asking people to do that? Thats the more important question, OBrien asks Masterson, who replies, I mean, you got em, you know what I mean? Everybody should grab.
OBrien responds, Ive heard about you. And youll be caught soon, I know you will.
I will, Masterson says.
In the lead up to Mastersons sentencing, Kunis and Kutcher wrote letters to the judge in which they supported his character. Kutcher called Masterson a role model, while Kunis vouched for Mastersons exceptional character and referred to him as an outstanding older brother figure. Kutcher and Kunis, who are married and share two young children, starred with Masterson on That 70s Show from 1998 to 2006. Kutcher then starred with Masterson on Netflixs The Ranch. Masterson was written out of the show in its third season, after being accused of sexual assault in 2017.
Following immense backlash for their letters, Kutcher and Kunis posted an apology video on Instagram in which they said, We support victims. We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the futureOur heart goes out to every single person whos ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape.
Ohh this WILL be a thread pic.twitter.com/WlXHYfYxgE
Kolii ♡ (@koliikat) September 9, 2023