Ashton Kutcher, who co-founded the anti-human trafficking organisation Thorn, is resigning from his position as its executive director. In a statement to the board that was posted on the organization’s website on Friday, the Ranch actor and producer announced his resignation as chair. Ashton Kutcher resigns as chairman, The letter mentioned Kutcher and Mila Kunis’ reference to fellow That ’70s Show actor and convicted rapist Danny Masterson in their character reference letter.
I’ve decided the responsible thing for me to do is to quit as chairman of the board, effective immediately, after my wife and I spent many days listening, reflecting on, learning from, and speaking with survivors and the staff and leadership of Thorn. Kutcher wrote, “I cannot let my lapse in judgement detract from our efforts and the children we serve.
The actor, who founded the organisation with fellow actor and ex-wife Demi Moore, pointed out that his letter in support of Masterson was yet another example of the historical silencing of the victims the organisation fights for, despite his more than 15 years of work supporting sexually exploited people around the world.
The character statement I provided is yet another terrible example of doubting victims who are bold enough to share their stories. Victims of sexual abuse have historically been silenced. In order to change this, we have all worked diligently over the past ten years, he stated. “The objective must always come first, and I want to sincerely apologise to everyone at Thorn who I have offended and to all victims of sexual assault. I’m sorry to the entire advocacy community as well.
By saying that he was “proud of what we have accomplished in the last decade and will continue to support Thorn’s work,” Kutcher concluded the statement. I appreciate your steadfast support and commitment to this cause.
Kunis has also resigned from her role as an observer on the board, according to a report in Time magazine. A Kunis representative has been contacted by The Hollywood Reporter for comment.
Suzanne Bell, a board member for Thorn, expressed her support for Kutcher in response to the actor’s resignation, saying that “his unwavering dedication and commitment to Thorn throughout its journey have enabled the organisation to become the leader that it is in the child safety ecosystem. I’ve had the honour of accompanying him on this mission.
After their character references for Masterson, who was found guilty of two counts of rape and faces at least 30 years in jail, were made public, Kutcher and Kunis sent a combined video apology to their Instagram account almost a week ago.
In the video posted on Saturday, Kutcher added, “We are aware of the pain that has been caused by the character letters that we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson.”
We stand with victims. Through our work, we have traditionally accomplished this and will do so going forward, Kunis said.
MORE ARTICLES:
