Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher's Apology Falls Short Amidst Controversy Surrounding Danny Masterson Support
In the wake of the recent controversy surrounding their support for Danny Masterson, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher attempted to apologize through a video.
However, according to a crisis PR professional, their apology failed to resonate because it lacked sincerity.
The drama surrounding Masterson, known for his role as Steven Hyde on “That '70s Show,” reached its peak this month when he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being found guilty on two counts of rape.
Prior to the charges being announced in August 2020, Masterson had pleaded not guilty.
Following the trial, it came to light that Kutcher and Kunis had written letters to the judge asking for leniency in Masterson's sentencing.
This revelation led to public criticism on social media, prompting the couple to release an apology video on Kutcher's Instagram account.
However, since the video's release, various outlets, online fans, and even other celebrities like Kathy Griffin have criticized the apology for lacking sincerity.
While some fans have defended Kutcher and Kunis, the general consensus online is that their reputation has taken a hit.
One person on social media pointed out that the couple's statement implied they were only sorry for getting caught, rather than showing genuine remorse.
Molly McPherson, a PR professional who does not represent the couple, stated in a TikTok video that the apology video seemed more like an explanation than an actual apology.
She emphasized that there was no acknowledgment or acceptance of responsibility for their actions.
Representatives for Kutcher and Kunis did not respond to Insider's request for comment.
McPherson further explained that the couple's apology shifted blame instead of taking full responsibility.
The letters they had submitted to the judge praised Masterson's character, contradicting the testimonies of three women who claimed to have been drugged and raped by him between 2001 and 2003.
In their apology, Kutcher and Kunis acknowledged the pain caused by the character letters but stated that they support victims and have always done so.
They claimed that the letters were only intended for the judge's consideration and were not meant to undermine the victims or question the judicial system.
However, McPherson argued that their apology did not address the fact that they had actively supported Masterson's sentence reduction.
She believed that the couple's awkwardness in the video stemmed from trying to apologize for something they didn't truly believe they had done wrong.
McPherson also highlighted the importance of celebrities taking full responsibility for their actions in order to regain public trust.
She noted that fans are more likely to forgive and support those who admit their faults and show a genuine desire to change.
However, she acknowledged that avoiding backlash entirely is nearly impossible in today's society, as people are quick to point fingers and demand explanations.
Celebrities must navigate these challenges carefully to rebuild their reputations successfully.
