‘That 70s Show’ fans claim Danny Masterson’s 30+ year sentence for raping two women vindicates Topher Grace from claims he was too ‘pretentious’ to hang with the cast

Fans of That 70s Show have claimed that Danny Masterson’s 30-to-life sentence for rape absolves Topher Grace of accusations that he was too determined to spend time with the cast.

Grace’s early departure from the show sparked gossip about why he didn’t seem to have a good relationship with his co-stars. The rumors resurfaced when Masterson was sentenced to a minimum of 30 years and a maximum of life in prison on Thursday, September 7.

Fans reacted to the news on social media, causing Grace’s name to trend on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

They claimed that the case against Masterson freed Grace from speculation that the lead actor thought he was better than his castmates.

One user wrote: “For years, Topher Grace was portrayed as being a stuck-up asshole for not being best friends with the rest of the cast of That ’70s Show, but guess who didn’t write a letter in defense of a rapist this year. ..’

Another user recalled claims that Grace was “too good for the show” after his departure, tweeting: “Look who turned out to be the unproblematic one who doesn’t have his name dragged through the mud.”

Others created “appreciation posts” for the star.

Grace left the show a year before it ended. He returned for a cameo as his character, Eric Forman, in the finale. He also guest-starred in That 90s Show, a companion series released on Netflix in January 2023.

The actor currently plays Tom Hayworth in the ABC sitcom Home Economics.

At least three women accused Masterson of rape between 2001 and 2003, claiming the actor abused his position in the Church of Scientology to keep anything from coming out.

The women were all members of the church that is centered around a set of practices of author L. Ron Hubbard.

This includes the belief that man is an immortal being called a thetan. Devotees go through a process known as auditing, where they are forced to answer deeply personal questions to guide them through past lives.

The church is widely described as a cult and is known for intimidating former members into silence.

It uses the term “fair game” to describe its policies against enemies. These include character assassination and lawsuits against members of the media.

Grace has not commented publicly on Masterson’s conviction.

However, his wife, Ashley Hinshaw, posted an Instagram story on Friday that appeared to reference the news of Masterson’s punishment.

It read: ‘To every rape victim who has been re-traumatized by witnessing the social debate and focusing on what will happen to the RAPIST… I see you.’

Hinshaw’s comment was praised by fans, including one who commented: “You’ve gained a follower, but most importantly my respect for your support for SA victims involved in the Masterson case.”

Masterson’s conviction has drawn support from other actors, such as Billy Baldwin, who is married to the half-sister of Masterson’s wife, and from fellow Scientologist Giovanni Ribisi.

That 70s Show co-stars Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp also expressed their support.

The castmates who attracted the most attention were Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, who played Michael Kelso and Jackie Burkhart.

The husband and wife duo wrote individual letters in a plea to Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo to consider a more lenient sentence.

The documents were obtained on September 8 by legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff. Character letters are intended to express support for a suspect in a criminal case.

Kutcher described himself as an “actor, investor, philanthropist and most of all, a father.”

He wrote: ‘As a friend, Danny has been nothing but a positive influence on me. He is an extremely honest and goal-oriented person.’

Kutcher also praised Masterson’s family values ​​and relationship with his 9-year-old daughter.

Kunis wrote similar words of praise and spoke at length about her brother-sister-like relationship with Masterson and his promotion of a drug-free lifestyle.

“His genuine care for those around him and his commitment to leading by example make him an excellent role model and friend,” she said.

Their words were in stark contrast to the impact statements read out during the trial, which included graphic descriptions of how Masterson drugged and abused his victims.

One woman said she had broken the church’s “code” by making accusations against an “untouchable” like Masterson.

After backlash, Kutcher posted a video of himself and Kunis on Instagram. The comments are disabled.

Kutcher said Masterson’s family asked them to write character letters so the judge could “fully consider that in regard to sentencing.”

“We are aware of the pain caused by the character letters we wrote,” the actor said.

“We support victims,” Kunis added, before vaguely referring to the work the duo has done “historically.”

Kutcher said he would “never want to re-traumatize the victims.”

Fans called out the irony of Kutcher’s defense while running a charity that fights child sexual abuse.

Kutcher co-founded Thorn with his ex-wife Demi Moore. The organization works with technology companies, NGOs and law enforcement to combat child trafficking in the digital age.