Ashton Kutcher is seen at ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ on August 11, 2022.Photo: RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC
Ashton Kutcheris stepping down from the board of the anti-sex abuse organization he co-founded in 2009 with ex-wifeDemi Moore.
Kutcher, 45, announced the decision to resign as chairman of the board ofThornon Thursday amid backlash for writing a character letter in support ofDanny Masterson, who wassentenced 30 years in prisonin his rape trial last week.
“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,” Kutcher shared a letter to Thorn’s board, which waspublishedon the organization’s website on Friday.
“After my wife and I spent several days of listening, personal reflection, learning, and conversations with survivors and the employees and leadership at Thorn, I have determined the responsible thing for me to do is resign as Chairman of the Board, effectively immediately,” he wrote. “I cannot allow my error in judgment to distract from our efforts and the children we serve.”
Ahston Kutcher and Danny Masterson attend the 2017 CMT Music Awards on June 7, 2017.Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Kutcher went on to apologize for his actions and vowed to continue to support the organization’s work.
He added: “I remain proud of what we have accomplished in the past decade and will continue to support Thorn’s work. Thank you for your tireless advocacy and dedication to this cause."
The organization also shared in a statement, “Today we are sharing that Ashton Kutcher, our co-founder, will be resigning from his role as Board Chair at Thorn, effective immediately. This decision is rooted in the recognition of recent events and ensuring Thorn remains focused on its mission: to build technology to defend children from sexual abuse.”
The decision to resign comes after Kutcher and his wifeMila Kunisaddressed their controversial letters of supportfor theirThat ’70s Showcostar on Saturday.
Danny Masterson, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis.John Shearer/Getty; David Livingston/Getty
John Shearer/Getty; David Livingston/Getty
“A couple months ago Danny’s family reached out to us and they asked us to write character letters to represent the person that we knew for 25 years, so that the judge could take that into full consideration relative to the sentencing,” he continued.
“The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the judicial system or the validity of the jury’s ruling,” Kunis, 40, added.
Meanwhile, Kunis named Masterson as someone with “exceptional character” in her own letter and said she “could sense his innate goodness and genuine nature” while working with him onThat ’70s Show.
“Throughout our time together, Danny has proven to be an amazing friend, confidant, and, above all, an outstanding older brother figure to me. His caring nature and ability to offer guidance have been instrumental in my growth both personally and professionally,” she wrote.
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After the letters were released, Kutcher and Kunis received criticism online for vouching for Masterson, who wasfound guiltyon two counts of rape in May, despite pleadingnot guilty.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
source: people.com
