Did Ashton and Demi Fail Because of Two and a Half Men?

By Ashley Lee

Six years ago, everyone thought Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore were crazy for getting married—they’re fifteen years apart in age. And though they fight the good fight together though the DNA foundation, an organization that combats child-sex exploitation around the world, they’re no longer fighting for their marriage. Why?

Some continue to blame the age difference while others circulate talk of Demi’s bisexual explorations. And though there have been rumors of Ashton’s cheating ways for months now, and one psychotherapist attributes his change of behavior to his new role on Two and a Half Men. “Once he stepped into the role of Charlie Sheen, he became Charlie Sheen,” said Bonnie Eaker Weil. “It’s not just role-playing…once he was in the role (formerly occupied by Sheen), he had to take it further…I really think he took that role on because he identifies with it.”

And as an Ashton fan and a follower of the hit show (well, formerly, it isn’t exactly as funny as it used to be anymore), I’m pretty pissed that this psychotherapist is blaming the failure of a marriage on his acting chops. Because anyone who has actually watched an episode of the new season knows that Ashton’s character, Walden Schmidt, is nothing like Sheen’s Charlie Harper. The booze-ridden, bowling shirt-wearing playboy of Malibu has been replaced by a dorky Internet billionaire with barely any social skills and even less game. Oh, and he’s completely in love with his wife and true love from high school. Why do they divorce? Because he’s immature and treated her like his mother…not because he’s anything like Charlie Sheen.

It’s a bummer and @aplusk and @mrskutcher are no longer a pair (but there’s no word of Demi changing her Twitter handle anytime soon), but to blame the end of a six-year marriage on a single (and inaccurate) reason is ridiculous. People break up for a billion reasons put together, and even though the two are in the Hollywood spotlight, it doesn’t mean they’ll shed light on absolutely everything.

Like Ashton tweeted, “I will forever cherish the time I spent with Demi. Marriage is one of the most difficult things in the world and unfortunately sometimes they fail.” No matter what happened between you and Demi, the pain will eventually end and we all hope that you two find the ideal relationships you’re looking for.

But Ashton, I ask you: when is Two and a Half Men going to be funny again?!? I didn’t know it was even possible, but I’m sick of seeing you naked in practically every episode. End six-year marriages all you want, but do NOT kill a nine-season hit show!