PUNK’D, PUNK! ASHTON KUTCHER triggered widespread disgust when caught on video fist-pumping and partying in Brazil’s streets while estranged/humiliated wife DEMI MOORE crashed and burned on Red Bull, booze, “whip-its” and designer marijuana;

And the “Two and a Half Men” star suffered savage shots in the press – a “Huffington Post” headline asked if his creepy coldness could “Kill His Career?” – but as we go to press, here’s late-breaking scoop from the Gossip Columnist with a Heart (yeah, ME!) that might shine his tarnished image a tad:

Turns out Ashton actually DID phone from Brazil to tell stepdaughter RUMER he’d fly back to be at Demi’s bedside, but got a heartfelt suggestion...GO TO HELL!

Reports a klose Kutcher pal: “Ashton barely got his words out when Rumer exploded, screaming that her mother’s meltdown was ALL his fault...and to stay OUT of their lives!”

Finally arriving back in LA, Ashton tried contacting people in Demi’s inner circle, hoping they’d arrange for him to see her, but here’s why that ploy failed: “Demi’s friends had been warned by ex-husband BRUCE WILLIS that Ashton must be kept away from her,” said the source.

“Ashton feels he’s being treated unfairly and is furious!”

Ashton reportedly got to see Demi only after Kabbalah spiritual advisers intervened. Okay, folks, no more Mr. Nice Guy: Let me remind you that while the world’s press was gasping that AK cheated on his and Demi’s sixth anniversary, my world-beating headline way back in October scooped: “Ashton cheated on anniversary? Try ONE MONTH after wedding!” (If you missed it, SEE BELOW.)