Mila Kunis has laughed off claims she stole a childhood friend's chicken

In a video posted on new app Meerkat, Ashton said: "Let's just get this clear. You stole a chicken from a one-month-old child who spoke to you in an entire conversation? It's just shocking to me.

"It's shocking to me that news organisations, real journalists out there that have fact-checked this story didn't pick up on the fact that this girl was one month old and having a conversation with you from Ukraine.

"Speaking in English in one month? This is the smartest girl I've ever heard of."

Later in the video clip, Mila added: "I was devastated. I was weeping. I was dumbfounded.

"I was like, which chicken did I steal? I was obviously in the village when I stole these chickens so I apologised to this woman who may or may not have been a month old."

And the couple - who have six-month-old daughter Wyatt together - went on to suggest the story had been fabricated to provide Kristina with publicity ahead of the release of a music video.

Ashton said: "So this girl has a music video coming out at the same time she's suing you for $5,000 for the stolen chicken when she was one month old and you were seven?"

And Mila - who has not been served with legal documents about the case - joked: "I would like to launch a counter $5,000 lawsuit for making me watch that music video. My body hurts. My eyes hurt. They're burning.

"I feel like I will be a chicken fighter for a very long time. I would never steal somebody else's chicken."

The 37-year-old actor concluded the video with a passionate defense of the 31-year-old actress.

He said: "I believe this woman. I know her very well. I believe she's an ethical person that wouldn't steal chicken. You heard it right from the chicken's mouth."

It was claimed Kristina had filed legal papers in which she stated the loss of Doggie caused her to become an "emotional wreck" who needed therapy and, when she moved to Los Angeles to pursue a singing career, the close proximity to the 'Jupiter Ascending' star brought back the bad memories of losing her chicken and she needed further treatment.

Kristina - who claims Mila's conduct has prevented her from pursuing the American dream - is seeking $5,000 to cover her therapy costs and as compensation for her emotional distress.