Christina Ricci's plea after Danny Masterson's sentencing: 'Believe victims'

Christina Ricci has spoken out after That '70s Show star Danny Mastersonwas sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape.

The actress, 43, shared a series of Instagram stories on Sunday with her more than 1.7 million followers, saying society must 'believe victims' and that even 'awesome guys can be predators and abusers'.

It comes after Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis apologised for the character defence letters they wrote in support of their That '70s Show co-star Masterson.

Watch the couple's apology video above.

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"So sometimes people we have loved and admired do horrible things. They might not do these things to us and we only know who they were to us but that doesn't mean they didn't do the horrible things and to discredit the abused is a crime," Ricci wrote.

"People we know as 'awesome guys' can be predators and abusers. It's tough to accept but we have to. If we say we support victims — women, children, men [and] boys — then we must take this stance.

"Unfortunately I've known lots of 'awesome guys' who were lovely to me, who have been proven to be abusers privately."

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"I've also had personal experience with this."

Ricci concluded: "Believe victims. It's not easy to come forward. It's not easy to get a conviction."

It comes after Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis apologised for the character defence letters they wrote in support of their That '70s Show co-star Danny Masterson.

In a video uploaded to Instagram, the married couple addressed the "pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson," Kutcher said.

"We support victims. We have done this historically through our work and will continue to do so in the future," added Kunis.

Kutcher explained that the couple were approached by Masterson's family to write letters that "represent the person that we knew for 25 years."

"The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system, or the validity of the jury's ruling," Kunis said.

"They were intended for the judge to read and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or re-traumatise them in any way," Kutcher said.

"We would never want to do that, and we're sorry if that has taken place."

Kunis concluded the video saying, "Our heart goes out to every single person who's ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual abuse or rape."

It comes as the couple's letters were recently published, along with those written by nearly 50 individuals, to plead with Judge Charlaine Olmedo for leniency in Masterson's case.

The actor was convicted in May on two counts of rape.

Kutcher had written: "While I'm aware that the judgement has been cast as guilty on two counts of rape by force and the victims have a great desire for justice. I hope that my testament to his character is taken into consideration in sentencing," Kutcher wrote, "I do not believe he is an ongoing harm to society."

Kunis wrote in her letter: "I wholeheartedly vouch for Danny Masterson's exceptional character and the tremendous positive influence he has had on me and the people around him. His dedication to leading a drug-free life and the genuine care he extends to others make him an outstanding role model and friend.

"From the very beginning, I could sense his innate goodness and genuine nature... His caring nature and ability to offer guidance have been instrumental in my growth both personally and professionally."

Masterson has maintained his innocence and plans to appeal his conviction.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).