Kutcher apologized for writing a letter of support to Masterson, admitting it was “another painful example of the interrogation of victims who are brave enough to share their experiences.”
Ashton Kutcher is leaving the board of the organization to fight against sexual abuse, which he founded in 2009 with his ex-wife Demi Moore.
Kutcher, 45, announced Thursday his decision to resign as Thorn’s chairman amid backlash for writing a character letter in support of Danny Masterson, who was sentenced to 30 years in prison last week in a rape trial.
“Victims of sexual assault have historically been silenced, and the character statement I submitted is another painful example of the scrutiny of victims who are brave enough to share their experiences,” Kutcher shared in a letter to Thorn’s board, which was posted on the organization’s website Friday.
“After my wife and I spent several days listening, personally reflecting, learning and speaking with survivors and employees and management at Thorn, I have decided that it is the responsible thing for me to resign as chairman of the board, effective immediately,” he wrote. . “I cannot allow my lapse in judgment to distract from our efforts and the children we serve.”
Ahston Kutcher and Danny Masterson at the 2017 CMT Music Awards on June 7, 2017.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis apologize for any ‘pain’ caused by their letters of support for Danny Masterson
Kutcher later apologized for his actions and promised to continue to support the organization’s work.
“The mission must always come first and I want to apologize from the bottom of my heart to all the victims of sexual violence and to everyone in Thorn who I hurt by what I did,” he said. “And to the wider advocacy community, I am deeply sorry.”
He added: “I remain proud of what we have achieved over the past decade and will continue to support Thorn’s work. Thank you for your tireless commitment and dedication to this cause.”
The organization also released a statement: “Today we are announcing that Ashton Kutcher, our co-founder, will be resigning as chairman of the board at Thorn, effective immediately. This decision is rooted in recognizing recent events and ensuring that Thorn remains focused on its mission: to build technology to protect children from sexual abuse.”
The decision to resign comes after Kutcher and his wife Mila Kunis sent their controversial letters of support for That 70s show costar on Saturday.
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Danny Masterson, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis.
John Shearer/Getty; David Livingston/Getty
Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis among ’70s stars who wrote letters of support for Danny Masterson ahead of sentencing
“We are aware of the pain caused by the letters we wrote on behalf of Danny Masterson,” Kutcher said in a video posted on his Instagram alongside his wife Kunis, who said they “support the victims and will continue to do so in the future.”
“A few months ago, Danny’s family approached us and they asked us to write letters to represent a person we’ve known for 25 years, so that the judge could take that into full consideration in relation to the sentence,” he continued.
“The letters were not written to question the legitimacy of the justice system or the validity of the jury’s decision,” Kunis, 40, added.
Kunis concluded the video by saying, “Our hearts go out to every person who has ever been a victim of sexual assault, sexual assault or rape.”
Ashton Kutcher wants ’70s Show’ actor Danny Masterson to be ‘innocent’ in ongoing rape trial
In letters of support obtained by PEOPLE last Friday, Kutcher called Masterson, 47, a “role model” who he said helped him avoid falling “into the typical Hollywood drug life.”
He also recalled an incident at the pizzeria where he said Masterson stepped in to help a stranger who was being “scolded” by her boyfriend, and noted that Masterson “always treated people politely, equally and generously.”
Meanwhile, Kunis called Masterson someone of “exceptional character” in her own letter and said she “could sense his innate kindness and genuine nature” while working with him on That 70s show.
“During our time together, Danny has proven to be an incredible friend, confidant and, above all, an outstanding big brother figure. His caring nature and ability to offer guidance have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth,” she wrote.
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After the letters were published, Kutcher and Kunis received criticism online for vouching for Masterson, who was found guilty of two counts of rape in May, despite pleading not guilty.
That 70s show and That show from the 90s stars Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp also sent letters defending Masterson’s character, along with Ethan Suplee, Eric Balfour, William Baldwin, Giovanni Ribisi, Marissa Ribisi, Jonathan Tucker, and Masterson’s siblings, Jordan, Christopher, Will and Alanna. He was the first to report on the contents of the letters Good morning America.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the crisis line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education