Jade Small

Jade Small

December 22, 2023

How Did Demi Moore Survive Her Toxic Marriage With Ashton Kutcher

You might think some of these Hollywood superstars are the biggest catches, but in reality, there is often a lot more to their relationships than meet the eye. Look at Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher, for example. The pair split in 2011 after a six-year marriage, and their time together was far from peachy and far more toxic than you’d ever expect.

The pair met in 2003, and of course, their age gap gave the world a lot to talk about.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore at the AFI Fest 2006 Opening Night Premiere of "Bobby" 2006 | Shutterstock
Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore at the AFI Fest 2006 Opening Night Premiere of “Bobby” 2006 | Shutterstock

Nonetheless, Moore thought she’d found her perfect match, her soul mate. Ashton was 25 at the time and Demi was already 40. In her Biography, Demi expressed: “He was 25. I was 40. But I’m telling you: we couldn’t feel it. We were totally in sync, from our very first conversation.” The pair tied the knot in 2005 in front of 100 friends and family, including ex-husband Bruce Willis and their daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah. Sadly, their marriage was in shambles six years later.

Turns out, Ashton cheated

Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, in a Loewe dress, at TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World Annual Gala, 2010 | Shutterstock
Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore, in a Loewe dress, at TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World Annual Gala, 2010 | Shutterstock

And, it was not just any woman that Kutcher was unfaithful with. It was a younger one, much younger than Demi. “I remember the night they met,” Demi recalled. “We were at a bowling alley with Rumer and when he went to switch out our shoes, she gave him her number on a napkin. Or that’s what he told me at the time. When we got home that night, and he showed it to me, I said, ‘That is just gross. We were there with our kid!’ I had a visceral response – It was revulsion. So the fact that he pursued her felt like a real ‘f*ck you.’”

That was not the only issue or rumor that spread, Kutcher was allegedly unfaithful with two women at the same time.

Ashton Kutcher at the press conference for Entertainment Industry Foundation I PARTICIPATE Kick Off Promotes Volunteerism, Times Square, New York September 10, 2009
Source: Shutterstock

It was just a few days after their six-year wedding anniversary that they announced their separation. Demi says that the rumors were true. I asked if it was true. And he admitted it right away. I think my response was: are you f***ing kidding me? I felt like I could barely take a breath. Writing in her book, Demi says that the pair actually did try some “fun in the bedroom” too – including a threesome or two. She also says her agreeing to these acts was purely because she wanted to be the wife Kutcher wanted her to be. She wanted to fit in and make him happy.

Read: Robert de Niro Demanded Lover to End 2nd Pregnancy after She Terminated Her 1st Pregnancy

If that doesn’t spell toxic, we don’t know what does

BERLIN - FEB 11: Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher attends the premiere 'Happy Tears' of the 59th Berlin Film Festival at the Berlinale Palast. February 11, 2009 in Berlin.
Source: Shutterstock

According to Demi, his extramarital affairs were blamed on the fact that Demi had allowed them to explore in the bedroom, so he blamed her for his actions. So when he expressed his fantasy of bringing a third person into our bed, I didn’t say no. I wanted to show him how great and fun I could be […] They were good people, but it was still a mistake. I was strangely flooded with shame, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this whole thing was somehow my fault.

Sadly, Kutcher was more than just a cheater, he was an enabler.

HOLLYWOOD, CA- FEBRUARY 8: Actor Ashton Kutcher arrives at the world premiere of the movie "Valentine's Day" held at The Chinese Theater, February 8, 2010 in Hollywood, CA.
Source: Shutterstock

He encouraged Demi to start drinking again. Demi had troubles in her past with both alcohol and substance abuse. Still, Demi did not entirely blame Ashton for her relapse. Even when things got scary. I wanted to be that girl. The girl who could have a glass of wine at dinner, or do a tequila shot at a party. In my mind, Ashton wanted that, too. 

Read: Sandra Bullock Says She Is ‘In Awe’ Of Keanu Reeves — Reveals His Thoughtful Gift To Her 27 Years Ago

At 42, Demi had a miscarriage at six months and had attributed it to her drinking problem. 

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN - JUNE 11, 2023: Demi Moore before entering the Max Mara fashion show in Stockholm City Hall.
Source: Shutterstock

It was my fault, I felt for sure: if only I hadn’t opened the door to drinking, I never would have lost the baby. Even worse, I was still smoking when I found out I was pregnant, and it took me a few weeks to quit completely. I was wracked with guilt and convinced what had happened was my doing. Demi and Ashton went through more than any couple should endure, especially Demi. She still came out on top, and describes in her book how she managed to survive the toxicity. Being single, and being single by choice, is one way she feels empowered.

The Bottom Line

LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10, 2016: Demi Moore & daughters Tallulah & Rumer Willis arriving at the Saint Laurent at the Palladium fashion show at the Hollywood Palladium.
Source: Shutterstock

She no longer feels that she needs to please men to be happy herself. I belong. Here. In myself. In this house. On this planet. I’m in my mid-50s now, I’ve outlived both of my parents, I know that what I walked through was a lot, especially coming from where I came from. The truth is, the only way out is in. 

Keep Reading: Jennifer Aniston was left out of her estranged mom’s will, despite paying her medical bills before she died

Sources

  1. Demi Moore’s wild marriage to Ashton Kutcher – threesomes and cheating before split.” Mirror. Sept, 25, 2021
  2. All You Need To Know About The Drama Between Exes Demi Moore And Ashton Kutcher.” Elle. Sept 25, 2019.