LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis are apparently worried they will be "canceled" for their support of convicted rapist and 'That 70's Show' co-star Danny Masterson.
The celebrity couple faced controversy when it was revealed that they had penned letters to the judge during Danny's trial, asking for leniency in his sentencing.
The subsequent backlash also saw Ashton and Mila's relationship being called into question, with many noting how she was only 14 years old when she was cast in the hit series alongside the then-19-year-old actor.
The couple, who tied the knot in 2015 and have two daughters together, are apparently considering the Fox sitcom 'Family Guy' as a "saving grace." Mila voices Meg in the hit show, and they hope the gig will keep them financially afloat amid the fallout.
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis 'feel like they are getting canceled'
"They legitimately feel like they are getting canceled," a source told the Daily Mail. "Ashton was looking forward to this past weekend being very low-key and devoted to watching football and dealing with his fantasy football teams. With all the people railing against them, it isn't going to go away anytime soon, and they are feeling it."
"They are hoping as time passes, people will forget and or move on from their criticism. But as of right now, they are anticipating that the damage of it all might affect obtaining future work in film and TV."
"One saving grace financially speaking. Mila's voice work will continue on Family Guy, she will have that forever. The cast and crew of Family Guy has her back," the source added.
Ashton has notably faced new scrutiny after old videos of him resurfaced in the wake of Danny's conviction, displaying alleged problematic behavior. It's worth noting that Danny was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting two women in 2003.
One of the videos showed a 25-year-old Ashton making an eyebrow-raising comment about Hilary Duff when she was just 15 years old. "She's one of the girls that we're all waiting for to turn 18. Along with the Olsen twins," he said in an episode of the MTV series 'Punk'd.'
Ashton knows that the remark "didn't age well," per the insider. "Ashton understands people giving him s**t for the Olsen Twins and Hilary Duff comment, that didn't age well," they said.
"The entire wave that has hit them with this controversy is not fun to deal with, they are looking to lay low and ride it out the best that they can. They aren't going to be making many appearances any time soon."
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis face social media backlash
Social media was inundated with reactions following reports of the couple fearing cancellation.
"Wow !!! How perceptive of them !!!" one commented on Facebook.
"Well maybe don't support someone with enough evidence to put them away for 30 to life," another said.
"They are worth 400 million and they are worried about being 'canceled,'" someone else added.
"Oh, relax guys. There will be a new scandal in no time and the public will move on. We’ve got short attention spans," another user said.
Ashton notably stepped down from the anti-child sex abuse organization that he co-founded, called Thorne, amid the backlash. He wrote a letter to the organization's board, announcing his resignation and describing Mila's involvement in Danny's case as an "error in judgment."
"Victims of sexual abuse have been historically silenced and the character statement I submitted is yet another painful instance of questioning victims who are brave enough to share their experiences," he stated.
"After my wife and I spent several days of listening, personal reflection, learning, and conversations with survivors and the employees and leadership at Thorn, I have determined the responsible thing for me to do is resign as Chairman of the Board, effectively immediately. I cannot allow my error in judgment to distract from our efforts and the children we serve," he added.
Mila and Ashton began dating in 2012, six years after 'That 70s Show' concluded. They took the holy vows in 2015 and had two children together.
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis' support for Danny Masterson
In letters to the court, the couple sang praises of Danny, insisting he always "treated people with decency, equality, and generosity."
"He's an extraordinarily honest and intentional human being," Ashton stated in his letter to the judge. "Over a 25-year relationship, I don't ever recall him lying to me. He's taught me about being direct and confronting issues in life and relationships head-on, resolving them, and moving forward."
Meanwhile, Mila stated that she "wholeheartedly" vouched for Danny's "exceptional character" and extolled the "tremendous positive influence" he had on those around him. She also applauded his strength in staying away from drugs and called him an "outstanding role model."
"His dedication to avoiding all substances has inspired not only me but also countless others in our circle," she wrote. "Danny's steadfastness in promoting a drug-free lifestyle has been a guiding light in my journey through the entertainment world and has helped me prioritize my well-being and focus on making responsible choices."
