Ashton Kutcher Revisits Controversy Over Family Bathing Habits While Preparing for New Role
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Nearly five years after igniting a global conversation about personal hygiene, Ashton Kutcher has once again addressed the public reaction to his and Mila Kunis’s unconventional approach to bathing their children. The actor, known for his roles in both comedy and drama, recently spoke candidly about the intense backlash that followed a 2021 podcast interview in which the couple revealed they only bathe their kids when visibly dirty.
During an appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast, Kutcher and Kunis explained that they do not believe in washing their children daily unless there is noticeable dirt. Kutcher stated, “If you can see the dirt on them, clean them. Otherwise, there’s no point.” This candid admission sparked a widespread debate, with many questioning whether the children were unhygienic. “We made a comment at one point, and people were like, ‘Does he stink? Does he smell?’” Kutcher recalled in a recent interview with People magazine.
The couple’s stance challenged conventional norms about daily bathing, with Kunis adding that she grew up without the luxury of hot water and did not shower frequently as a child. She also noted that she showers daily now but does not wash her hair every day, emphasizing a more measured approach to hygiene. The couple’s children often play in water, such as pools or sprinklers, which they said reduces the need for frequent baths.
The public reaction was swift and intense, prompting Kutcher to share a humorous video of himself and Kunis bathing their children to diffuse the controversy. Kunis later dismissed the debate as “so dumb” during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic altered daily routines and reduced the urgency of frequent showers since the family was mostly homebound.
Despite the uproar, Kutcher has clarified that he and his family do maintain hygiene standards. “People are like, ‘They don’t shower.’ I’m like, ‘I shower, I go to the gym, I shower,’” he said, addressing misconceptions directly.
Beyond the hygiene discussion, Kutcher opened up about a significant physical transformation he underwent for his upcoming role in FX/Hulu’s series The Beauty. After spending considerable time focused on venture capital work, he sought out a personal trainer to help him get into shape. “I got a trainer — his name is Robbie Egan — and Robbie comes to my house at five o’clock in the morning before I start work and beats me up,” Kutcher shared. He also mentioned adopting a dry January regimen to prepare for the shoot, which began on January 20, 2025.
Kutcher’s recent projects have been relatively low-profile, especially following the controversy surrounding his and Kunis’s public support for actor Danny Masterson in 2023, who was later sentenced to prison. This period of quiet has now given way to renewed visibility as Kutcher returns to the screen with a fresh physical look and a willingness to engage with past public moments.
As Kutcher balances his acting career with his family life and business ventures, his reflections on the bathing debate serve as a reminder of how celebrity comments can spark widespread public discourse. His openness about parenting choices and personal transformation continues to resonate with fans and critics alike.
For more information on health and hygiene guidelines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Details on FX’s programming can be found at the FX Networks official site.
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