Ashton Kutcher's hopes of rekindling his Hollywood career appear dimmer than ever, with recent revelations linking him to Sean "Diddy" Combs' scandalous parties stirring public discomfort.
Kutcher, a one-time Hollywood heavyweight, has faced intense scrutiny over his support for former That '70s Show co-star Danny Masterson, now compounded by past comments about his friendship with Combs.
The rapper and businessman faces serious charges, including sex trafficking and racketeering, with ongoing investigations bringing newfound attention to the circles in which he once moved.
The controversy began last year when Kutcher and his wife, Mila Kunis, defended Masterson after his conviction on two counts of sexual assault.
Letters from the couple described Masterson's character in glowing terms, requesting leniency in his sentencing. Ashton wrote about his "extraordinarily honest and intentional" friend, while Mila vouched for his "exceptional character."
These statements, meant to support Masterson, were met with an overwhelming backlash, prompting the couple to step down from their positions at Thorn, the anti-child-exploitation nonprofit Kutcher co-founded, and release an apology that was heavily criticized as tone-deaf and insincere.
Now, a new layer has been added to Kutcher's public struggles as past remarks about Combs' notorious parties have resurfaced.
Appearing on the popular show Hot Ones in 2019, Kutcher referenced his experiences at Combs' events: "I've got a lot I can't tell [about the parties]... Diddy party stories, man. That was like some weird memory lane." With Combs now under investigation for a host of serious allegations, Kutcher's association with him is sparking fresh debate.
Concerns Mount as Kutcher's Connection to Combs' Parties is Re-examined
Although there is no indication that Kutcher had any knowledge of the alleged activities or that he was involved, his prior remarks about Combs' parties take on a new tone as authorities delve into the accusations.
The charges against Combs suggest the events might have involved criminal actions, including abuse, coercion, and trafficking. His former girlfriend, singer Cassandra Ventura, alleges that a "loyal network" surrounded Combs, keeping quiet despite being aware of these troubling actions.
These statements have added to the scrutiny around anyone who maintained close ties to Combs during that time.
For Kutcher, the situation has quickly complicated his attempts to move beyond recent controversies. With his name now associated with Combs, the public seems more wary of embracing him again, a factor that could impact his career prospects moving forward.
Amidst these challenges, Kutcher and Kunis have kept a low profile, especially after their response to the Masterson trial backlash and their exit from Thorn.
Their departure from the organization and the public's reaction to their support of Masterson underscored a significant shift in how audiences perceive Kutcher.
Once a prominent actor and tech investor, he now finds himself in an unexpected position, with his career hanging in the balance.
As accusations against Combs continue to emerge, Kutcher's ties to the rapper are likely to remain under public scrutiny, potentially affecting any efforts to make a career comeback.
The fallout from his controversial stance on Masterson, combined with the renewed focus on his connection to Combs, casts a shadow over his future in Hollywood - making it unclear when, or if, his career might regain its former trajectory.