Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher's Apology for Supporting Danny Masterson Falls Flat Due to Lack of Sincerity
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis recently released an apology video after their previous letters of support for Danny Masterson were brought to light.
However, a crisis PR professional believes that their attempt at an apology failed because it didn't come across as genuine.
The controversy surrounding Masterson, known for his role in “That '70s Show,” reached its peak this month when he was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison after being found guilty of two counts of rape.
Masterson had previously pleaded not guilty following the charges announced by the Los Angeles District Attorney in August 2020.
In the aftermath of the trial, it was revealed that Kutcher and Kunis had written letters asking for leniency in Masterson's sentencing.
This revelation sparked criticism from fans on social media, leading the couple to issue an apology video on Kutcher's Instagram account.
However, the apology has received backlash from outlets like Variety, online fans, and even other celebrities such as Kathy Griffin, who believe it lacks sincerity.
While some fans have defended Kutcher and Kunis, the overall consensus online seems to be that their apology fell short.
Critics pointed out that the couple seemed more concerned about getting caught than genuinely expressing remorse.
Molly McPherson, a PR professional not affiliated with the couple, remarked that the video lacked a true apology and appeared more like an explanation.
She emphasized that there was no acknowledgment of their actions or taking responsibility for them.
Representatives for Kutcher and Kunis did not respond to Insider's request for comment.
McPherson further explained that their apology shifted blame instead of accepting their responsibility.
In their letters to the judge, Kunis and Kutcher praised Masterson's character and highlighted his anti-drug attitude, which contradicted the testimonies of three women who accused Masterson of drugging and raping them between 2001 and 2003.
In their apology, the couple acknowledged the pain caused by their letters but stated that they have historically supported victims and will continue to do so.
They claimed that the letters were intended solely for the judge's consideration during sentencing and were not meant to question the victims' testimonies or undermine the judicial system.
However, McPherson argued that their apology failed to address the fact that they had actively advocated for a reduced sentence for Masterson.
She believed that they appeared uncomfortable in the video because they were attempting to apologize for something they didn't truly feel sorry for, almost as if they believed their long-time friend was innocent.
According to McPherson, it is impossible to craft an apology statement, let alone deliver it on video, when one doesn't believe they did anything wrong.
McPherson also noted that for celebrity apologies to resonate with fans, it is crucial for celebrities to acknowledge their mistakes, explain the reasons behind their actions, and promise to change their behavior.
Those who try to evade accountability often face backlash from the public.
However, she acknowledged that avoiding criticism entirely is nearly impossible in today's society, as people are quick to point fingers and demand explanations.
In conclusion, the apology video released by Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher received intense backlash due to its lack of sincerity and failure to acknowledge their support for Danny Masterson.
The couple's attempt at shifting blame instead of taking responsibility further fueled criticism.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen whether they can regain the public's trust and redeem themselves in light of this controversy.
