Celebs Who Defended Convicted Co-Stars Publicly

Hollywood relationships often extend beyond the screen, creating bonds that endure even through serious legal controversies. When actors face criminal convictions, their famous friends sometimes step forward to offer public support or character references. These interventions frequently spark intense debate regarding loyalty and accountability in the entertainment industry. The following list explores instances where celebrities publicly defended co-stars who were convicted of crimes or found liable in major legal battles.

Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher submitted a character letter to the judge presiding over the trial of his former co-star Danny Masterson. The two actors worked together for years on ‘That ’70s Show’ and later reunited for ‘The Ranch’. Kutcher characterized Masterson as a role model who positively influenced his career and personal choices. He requested that the court consider Masterson’s character when determining the sentence for his rape convictions. The release of this letter resulted in immediate and widespread criticism from the public.

Mila Kunis

Mila Kunis joined her husband in writing a letter of support for Danny Masterson prior to his sentencing. She starred alongside Masterson in ‘That ’70s Show’ and maintained a friendship with him for decades. Kunis vouched for his character and described his drug-free lifestyle as an inspiration to others. Her plea for leniency highlighted his role as a father and friend rather than focusing on the crimes for which he was convicted. She later issued a video apology alongside Kutcher after the letters were made public.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria was one of several celebrities who wrote letters to the judge in support of Felicity Huffman. The two actresses starred together in the hit series ‘Desperate Housewives’ for eight seasons. Longoria described how Huffman protected her from bullying on set and provided professional guidance during her early career. She asked the judge to consider Huffman’s kindness and good character during the sentencing for the college admissions scandal. Longoria emphasized that her co-star had accepted responsibility for her actions.

Marc Cherry

Marc Cherry, the creator of ‘Desperate Housewives’, wrote a detailed letter defending Felicity Huffman after her fraud conviction. He credited Huffman with being a stabilizing force on a sometimes chaotic set involving other difficult personalities. Cherry described an instance where Huffman helped a co-star with a personal crisis despite their differences. He argued that her involvement in the college admissions scandal was an aberration from her usual ethical behavior. His letter aimed to provide context to the judge regarding her character outside the scandal.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson utilized her social media platform to call for the release of Jussie Smollett following his sentencing. She starred as the mother of Smollett’s character in the musical drama ‘Empire’. Henson compared his punishment to the lack of consequences for individuals involved in the murder of Emmett Till. She argued that Smollett should be freed from jail and placed under house arrest instead. Her comments drew mixed reactions given the nature of Smollett’s conviction for staging a hate crime.

Iggy Azalea

Iggy Azalea sent a letter to the judge urging a lenient sentence for rapper Tory Lanez. She had collaborated with Lanez professionally and viewed him as a person with potential for rehabilitation. Azalea requested a sentence that would focus on transformation rather than mere punishment. Her support came after Lanez was convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. The public revelation of her letter caused a backlash that led Azalea to clarify her stance on violence.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good stood by her partner Jonathan Majors throughout his highly publicized assault trial. The actress appeared at the courthouse holding his hand during the proceedings and sentencing hearings. Majors was convicted of assault and harassment involving a former girlfriend. Good continued to support him publicly despite the guilty verdict and the loss of his major film roles. Her unwavering presence was noted by media outlets covering the domestic violence case.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford was among the high-profile figures who signed a petition supporting Roman Polanski. The director had fled the United States after pleading guilty to unlawful sex with a minor. Ford worked with Polanski on the film ‘Frantic’ and joined others in arguing against his extradition. The petition claimed that the filmmaker was being treated unfairly by the justice system. This public support for a fugitive remains a point of contention in discussions about Hollywood accountability.

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep publicly applauded Roman Polanski when he won an Academy Award years after his conviction and flight from justice. During the ceremony, she joined other attendees in a standing ovation for the absent director. Streep has also spoken positively about her desire to work with him despite his legal status. Her support was highlighted by critics when the #MeToo movement gained traction in the industry. The incident remains a cited example of the industry’s complex relationship with the controversial director.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg defended Roman Polanski during a discussion on the talk show ‘The View’. She argued that the director’s crime was not what she considered to be forcible rape. Her distinction between different types of sexual assault drew immediate condemnation from legal experts and victim advocacy groups. Goldberg later attempted to clarify her comments but faced continued criticism for minimizing the statutory rape conviction. She has also defended Bill Cosby in the early stages of his legal battles.

Lindsay Lohan

Lindsay Lohan expressed sympathy for Harvey Weinstein shortly after the initial wave of allegations against him. She stated in an Instagram story that she felt very bad for the producer and that he had never harmed her. Weinstein was later convicted of rape and sexual assault in multiple jurisdictions. Lohan deleted the video following a swift backlash from the public and other actresses. Her comments were seen as dismissive of the numerous women who had come forward with credible accusations.

Woody Harrelson

Woody Harrelson remained a vocal supporter of Wesley Snipes during the actor’s legal troubles involving tax evasion. The two had starred together in the basketball comedy ‘White Men Can’t Jump’. Harrelson publicly praised Snipes as a brother and a great actor while Snipes served his three-year prison sentence. He argued that the punishment was excessive for the nature of the crime committed. Harrelson continued to advocate for Snipes’ return to Hollywood after his release.

Fat Joe

Fat Joe remained a loyal friend and defender of rapper Remy Ma during her six-year prison sentence. The two had collaborated on numerous hit songs including the summer anthem ‘Lean Back’. He frequently spoke about her talent and character in interviews while she was incarcerated for assault. Fat Joe played a crucial role in her career comeback immediately upon her release. His support demonstrated a deep loyalty within the hip-hop community despite the serious nature of her conviction.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland defended Chris Brown publicly when an audience booed him at an awards show. Brown had previously been convicted of felony assault against Rihanna. Rowland admonished the crowd and told them to chill out while accepting an award on his behalf. She praised his talent and stated that everyone deserves grace and forgiveness. Her defense reignited conversations about how the industry treats artists with violent criminal records.

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. famously asked the industry to forgive Mel Gibson during an awards ceremony speech. Gibson had faced multiple controversies and pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge involving a former partner. Downey credited Gibson with helping him during his own struggles with addiction and legal issues. He urged his peers to allow Gibson to continue his career without shame. The plea highlighted the strong personal bond between the two actors despite Gibson’s conviction and scandals.

Jodie Foster

Jodie Foster cast Mel Gibson in her film ‘The Beaver’ and defended him during his public fallout. She acknowledged his personal struggles but emphasized his talent and their long-standing friendship. Foster stated that she loved him and would stand by him regardless of the controversies surrounding his battery conviction and anti-Semitic remarks. She described him as a complex person who was more than the sum of his worst moments. Her support helped Gibson maintain a foothold in the film industry.

Candace Cameron Bure

Candace Cameron Bure publicly supported her ‘Full House’ co-star Lori Loughlin after the college admissions scandal broke. Bure referred to the cast as a family that sticks together through difficult times. Loughlin eventually pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to securing university spots for her daughters. Bure posted pictures with Loughlin and expressed that she was praying for her friend. Her comments prioritized their personal relationship over the criminal nature of the fraud.

John Stamos

John Stamos stood by Lori Loughlin throughout the fallout of the Varsity Blues scandal. The actor, who played her husband on ‘Full House’, stated that he was not going to abandon his friend. He expressed conflict over the situation but maintained his loyalty to her as she faced prison time. Stamos later discussed how the cast rallied around her after she served her sentence. He focused on her redeeming qualities rather than the criminal actions that led to her conviction.

Keshia Knight Pulliam

Keshia Knight Pulliam accompanied her television father Bill Cosby to court on the first day of his sexual assault trial. The actress played Rudy Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show’ and chose to support him publicly. She stated that the man she knew was different from the man described in the allegations. Pulliam argued that the legacy of the show should remain separate from the legal proceedings. Her appearance at the courthouse was a powerful visual endorsement of the comedian.

Ethan Suplee

Ethan Suplee wrote a character letter for Danny Masterson to be considered during his sentencing. Suplee and Masterson worked together on ‘The Ranch’ and had known each other for decades. The letter described Masterson as a person of high character and a supportive friend. Suplee focused on their positive personal history and Masterson’s dedication to his family. The actor faced criticism for supporting a convicted rapist once the letters were publicized.

Giovanni Ribisi

Giovanni Ribisi submitted a letter to the court advocating for leniency for Danny Masterson. Ribisi had known Masterson for many years within their shared social and professional circles. He described the convicted actor as a good father and a diligent worker in the entertainment industry. The letter aimed to humanize Masterson before the judge determined his prison term. Ribisi was one of many Scientologist actors who rallied to support Masterson.

Debra Jo Rupp

Debra Jo Rupp, who played the mother of Danny Masterson’s character on ‘That ’70s Show’, wrote a letter in his defense. She recalled their time working together and described him as respectful and kind on set. Rupp emphasized his role as a family man and the positive interactions she had with him over the years. She requested that the judge consider these attributes when handing down the sentence. Her involvement surprised many fans of the sitcom.

Kurtwood Smith

Kurtwood Smith joined his on-screen wife in writing a character reference for Danny Masterson. The actor, known for playing Red Forman, stated that Masterson was a good friend and leader among the younger cast members. He highlighted Masterson’s professionalism and their close relationship off-camera. Smith asked the court to show mercy in the sentencing phase of the trial. The letter was part of a coordinated effort by the cast to support their colleague.

Kim Kardashian

Kim Kardashian has advocated for the release of rapper C-Murder, who was convicted of killing a teenager. She has used her platform and legal studies to argue that there is evidence proving his innocence. Kardashian collaborated with the rapper’s former girlfriend Monica to bring attention to the case. She cited recanted witness testimonies as reasons for a retrial or release. Her support brought renewed national attention to the decades-old conviction.

Nicki Minaj

Nicki Minaj has publicly defended her husband Kenneth Petty regarding his failure to register as a sex offender. Petty was convicted of attempted rape in the 1990s and served prison time. Minaj has argued with critics on social media who bring up his criminal past. She featured him in her music videos and speaks positively about his role as a father. Her defense often involves attacking those who question her choice of partner.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell was a staunch defender of Martha Stewart during the lifestyle guru’s insider trading trial. O’Donnell attended the trial to show support and spoke out against the prosecution. She argued that Stewart was being unfairly targeted because she was a powerful woman. O’Donnell visited Stewart and maintained that the conviction was unjust. She celebrated Stewart’s resilience when she returned to television after prison.

Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin publicly supported Felicity Huffman after she was arrested for the college admissions scandal. He criticized the justice system for what he perceived as the demonization of the actress. Baldwin argued that her crimes did not warrant the level of vitriol she received from the public. He tweeted that she was a good person who made a mistake. His defense framed the situation as a lapse in judgment rather than a malicious criminal act.

Diane Keaton

Diane Keaton signed the petition supporting Roman Polanski after his arrest in Switzerland. The actress had previously worked with the director and believed his artistic contributions should be protected. She publicly stated her solidarity with Polanski along with other industry heavyweights. Keaton has faced retrospective criticism for this support in light of modern social movements. She has not retracted her signature or the sentiment publicly.

David Lynch

David Lynch was a vocal supporter of Roman Polanski and signed the petition against his extradition. The director argued that Polanski had already served time for his crime during a psychiatric evaluation. Lynch emphasized the importance of Polanski’s freedom for the sake of cinema art. He dismissed the severity of the statutory rape conviction in interviews. Lynch maintained that the legal pursuit of the director was unnecessary.

Martin Scorsese

Martin Scorsese joined the list of prominent directors who signed the petition supporting Roman Polanski. He advocated for the director’s release from house arrest in Switzerland. Scorsese viewed Polanski as a vital figure in film history who was being persecuted. The petition argued that the legal proceedings were irregular and unjust. His support reflected a broader trend among older filmmakers to defend one of their peers.

Pamela Anderson

Pamela Anderson became a major public advocate for Julian Assange during his legal battles and imprisonment. She visited him frequently at the Ecuadorian Embassy and later in prison. Anderson argued that his conviction for violating the Espionage Act was a threat to press freedom. She wrote letters and gave interviews describing him as a hero rather than a criminal. Her support continued until his eventual plea deal and release.

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber defended Chris Brown by posting an image comparing him to Michael Jackson and Tupac Shakur. The pop star argued that people overlooked Brown’s talent due to a single mistake, referring to his assault conviction. Bieber claimed that the public would regret mistreating Brown once he was gone. He collaborated with Brown on music projects to show his continued support. The post was criticized for minimizing the severity of domestic violence.

Tyrese Gibson

Tyrese Gibson wrote a passionate defense of R. Kelly on Instagram before the singer’s federal conviction. He claimed that he would not abandon Kelly despite the mounting allegations and criminal charges. Gibson praised Kelly as the king of R&B and criticized the public for their judgment. He later claimed his medication influenced his posts after facing backlash. However, his initial defense highlighted the lingering support Kelly had in the music industry.

We want to hear your perspective on these controversial displays of loyalty, so please leave your thoughts in the comments.