Who is Thora Birch’s Husband Michael Benton Adler? BAFTA Autograph Incident Explained

Beverly Hills | January 13, 2026 — Actress Thora Birch and her husband, Michael Benton Adler, made headlines after a video showed them clashing with an autograph seeker outside the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. The incident went viral after a controversial comment was made during the encounter.

Who Are Thora Birch and Michael Benton Adler?

Thora Birch is an American actress known for films in both Hollywood and indie cinema. She began acting as a child in movies like Purple People Eater (1988), Hocus Pocus, Patriot Games, Monkey Trouble, Now and Then, and Alaska.

Her breakthrough came with American Beauty, which earned her a BAFTA nomination. She later appeared in films like Dungeons & Dragons, The Hole, Silver City, and Dark Corners. Birch also produced and starred in Petunia (2012) and returned to indie cinema with films such as The Last Black Man and The Chronology of Water.

In 2018, Birch married Michael Benton Adler, a California-born talent manager and producer. Adler works with Luber Roklin Entertainment and is known for philanthropic efforts in the entertainment industry.

What Happened During the BAFTA Autograph Incident?

The incident occurred after the BAFTA Tea Party. The couple was approached by an autograph seeker outside the hotel. Video clips show the situation escalating quickly.

According to the footage, Adler became upset and tore up photos brought by the fan. Birch was heard shouting:

“Did you call him trash? Are you out of your mind? Did you just call him trash? I’ll f**ing knock you out.”*

At one point, Birch asked, “Are you from Israel?”, which drew online backlash.

The Couple’s Statement

Thora Birch and Michael Adler later clarified the situation. Adler said the autograph seeker had threatened him and touched him while bothering Birch throughout the weekend. Birch explained her comment was misinterpreted, noting her own Jewish and Israeli heritage.

The couple apologized for the escalation but emphasized they acted in self-defense. They stated Thora was trying to protect herself and Adler after the man followed her from a private area to her car and demanded money.

Final Thoughts

The viral video sparked debate online. Birch and Adler continue to focus on their personal lives and professional projects, maintaining that they acted to safeguard each other.