Ashton Kutcher explains 'awkward' red carpet photos with Reese Witherspoon

"My wife called me."

By Iona Rowan

8 Feb 2023

Rodin Eckenroth

Ashton Kutcher has spoken out about his recent red-carpet photos with Reese Witherspoon, which had been described as "awkward" by some.

The pair attended the premiere of their new Netflix rom-com Your Place or Mine over the weekend, and it wasn't long before some of the photos from the event began to attract comments on social media.

Given they play the movie's romantic leads, some fans were quick to joke about their lack of chemistry – but Kutcher has said he has a good reason for the awkward stances.

Steve GranitzGetty Images

During an appearance on the Chicks in the Office podcast, the That '90s Show star explained how walking the red carpet with Witherspoon would have sparked a negative reaction from some members of the public either way.

"Here's the thing: if I put my arm around her, and was like all friendly with her, I'd be having an affair with her," he said. "Like, the rumour would be that I'm having an affair with her.

"If I stand next to her and put my hands in my pockets so there's no chance that that could be the rumour, then the rumour is we don't like each other."

Kutcher said another reason he can sometimes find red carpets difficult is that he still has hearing loss in one ear, following his experience with the autoimmune condition vasculitis last year.

"I don't know who's calling my name, but I know there's a lot of people yelling, 'Reese! Ashton! Over here!'" he explained.

"If you're gonna tell me, in that entire 20-minute period, at one point you're not gonna have an awkward face on, then you’re better than I am and I'm cool with that."

But it's not just fans who passed comment about the photos, as Kutcher admitted that his wife Mila Kunis had plenty to say as well.

"My wife called me," he said. "She texted Reese and I together and said, 'Guys, you gotta, like… act like you like each other.'"

Your Place or Mine premieres on Netflix on Friday, February 10.