Recent events seem to suggest that Ashton Kutcher is facing a challenging phase in his public life, largely due to the conviction of his ‘That ’70s Show’ co-star, Danny Masterson. Kutcher, who had voiced support for Masterson with a letter prior to his sentencing, now finds himself entangled with yet another controversial figure from his past.
Former Rabbi Yehuda Berg, who once led the Kabbalah Centre International and officiated Kutcher’s 2005 wedding to Demi Moore, has a tarnished reputation. In 2014, Berg and the religious organization were slapped with a hefty $55 million civil lawsuit by Kabbalah member Jena Scaccetti. She accused Berg of subjecting her to unwanted sexual advances during a visit to his mother’s New York apartment. Shockingly, it was revealed in court that he attempted to ply her with alcohol and Vicodin. The ensuing trial saw a Los Angeles Superior Court jury hold Berg accountable for “intentional infliction of emotional distress,” resulting in an $85,000 settlement for Scaccetti. The Kabbalah Centre International was also ordered to pay $42,500 for their “negligent supervision” of Berg. Furthermore, an additional $50,000 was granted to Scaccetti due to the jury’s belief that Berg’s actions were malicious.
Scaccetti’s sense of relief was palpable, as she recounted in court that Berg not only issued threats of harm and death if she dared to share the incident, but he also forcibly took her phone and deleted all her text messages before allowing her to leave. Her shocking testimony reveals the depths of manipulation and exploitation she endured at the hands of Berg.
Reportedly, Kutcher distanced himself from Kabbalah in light of the rabbi’s disgraceful conduct. This revelation serves as a stark reminder for Kutcher to exercise prudence in selecting his future companions, as his inner circle appears to have been mired in controversy and ethical lapses.
