Ashton Kutcher Steps Down from Thorn Leadership Role Amidst Controversy
Ashton Kutcher, co-founder of the anti-child-sex-abuse organization Thorn, is resigning as chairman of the board following backlash over his support for convicted rapist Danny Masterson. According to TIME magazine, his wife Mila Kunis is also stepping down from her role as an observer on Thorn’s board.
In a letter addressed to Thorn’s board and shared on the organization’s website and with TIME, Kutcher wrote, “Victims of sexual abuse have been historically silenced and the character statement I submitted is yet another painful instance of questioning victims who are brave enough to share their experiences. After careful consideration and discussions with survivors and Thorn’s team, I have decided to step down as Chairman of the Board, effective immediately. I cannot let my error in judgment detract from our important work and the children we aim to protect.”
Last week, Kutcher and Kunis made headlines when it was revealed they had written letters in support of Masterson, who was found guilty of two counts of rape. The letters, which vouched for Masterson’s character, received widespread criticism. However, the judge ultimately sentenced Masterson to 30 years to life in prison, seemingly unaffected by the letters of support.
Addressing the controversy in an Instagram video, Kutcher explained that Masterson’s family had asked for character letters to be written to “share the person that we knew for 25 years” with the judge. Kunis clarified that the intention of the letters was not to question the legal system but to provide the judge with a full perspective on Masterson as they had known him for a significant period of time.
Despite facing public backlash and criticism, Kutcher has also come under scrutiny for his advocacy work in the anti-child-sex-trafficking field. In his apology letter to Thorn’s board, he expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to all victims of sexual violence and the advocacy community in general.
Thorn, formerly known as the DNA Foundation, was founded by Kutcher and Demi Moore in 2009. The organization focuses on developing technology to combat child sex abuse material online and aid law enforcement in identifying victims.
Suzanne Bell, a board member at Thorn, commended Kutcher’s dedication and commitment to the organization’s mission, stating, “His unwavering dedication and commitment to Thorn throughout its journey have enabled the organization to become the leader that it is in the child safety ecosystem. It has been my privilege to join him on this mission.”
For assistance or support regarding abuse or an abusive situation, please visit the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. They can be reached toll-free at 1-877-232-2610.
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