Ashton Kutcher Reveals He Was Dismissed From Gucci Campaign Over Weight
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Ashton Kutcher, the actor and producer known for his roles in television and film, recently opened up about a painful moment early in his career when he was dismissed from a high-profile Gucci campaign due to his weight. Speaking in an interview with Entertainment Tonight while promoting his new FX/Hulu series The Beauty, Kutcher recounted the experience that left a lasting impression on his understanding of body image and industry standards.
Kutcher, 47, reflected on his modeling beginnings at age 19, a time when he was surrounded by some of the most conventionally attractive people in the world. “I started modeling when I was, like, 19, and I was hanging out with what I consider to be some of the most beautiful people in the world,” he said. Despite the glamorous surroundings, Kutcher quickly realized that insecurities were universal, regardless of fame or appearance.
The actor detailed a specific incident when he had booked an exclusive campaign for Gucci during the era when Tom Ford was the creative director. Kutcher flew to Italy for the show, only to be told by Ford that he was “too fat” to continue with the campaign. “I was 178 pounds,” Kutcher recalled precisely. “[Tom] was like, ‘He’s too fat,’ and I got fired.”
Despite the harshness of the moment, Kutcher expressed understanding toward Ford’s perspective, acknowledging the designer’s pursuit of a very particular aesthetic. “He had a specific thing he wanted to see that in his eye was the right thing. It didn’t mean I was less, it just meant that I wasn’t that for him, for that moment,” Kutcher explained. The two have since laughed about the incident, highlighting the sometimes arbitrary nature of beauty standards in fashion.
Kutcher’s story underscores the broader societal pressures surrounding body image, especially in industries like fashion and entertainment. Experts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasize that body image concerns can affect individuals across all demographics, often contributing to mental health struggles. Kutcher’s candidness about his experience adds to ongoing conversations about inclusivity and the impact of unrealistic ideals.
The actor also touched on how such experiences can foster insecurities, stating, “You can build insecurities about those things over time, and I think everybody has those. It really does not matter who you are. Everybody’s got an insecurity.”
Kutcher’s remarks come at a time when the fashion industry is under increased scrutiny to embrace diversity in body types and appearances. Initiatives supported by organizations like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission encourage fair treatment and challenge discriminatory practices based on appearance.
While Gucci and Tom Ford have not publicly responded to Kutcher’s comments, the revelation adds a personal dimension to the ongoing dialogue about body positivity and acceptance in high fashion. Kutcher’s willingness to share his experience highlights the pervasive nature of appearance-based judgments and the importance of resilience in the face of such challenges.
As Kutcher continues to expand his career beyond acting and modeling, his story serves as a reminder that even those in the spotlight confront vulnerabilities behind the scenes. The actor’s new series, The Beauty, explores themes of perfection and the dark consequences of chasing it, mirroring some of the realities Kutcher has faced personally.
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