Ashton Kutcher Steps Down as Chairman of Thorn Amid Controversy Over Support for Convicted Rapist
Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher has announced his resignation as chairman of Thorn, an organization he co-founded to combat child sexual abuse. The decision comes after Kutcher and his wife, Mila Kunis, faced severe backlash for writing letters to a judge seeking leniency in the sentencing of Danny Masterson, their former co-star. Masterson was recently convicted and sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for rape.
The couple’s support for Masterson sparked a wave of controversy and outrage among the public, leading them to address the issue directly through a video posted on Instagram. In the video, Kutcher and Kunis acknowledged the severity of the situation and expressed their regret for not thoroughly investigating the allegations against Masterson.
Kutcher’s resignation from Thorn was formally announced through a letter to the board, which was dated Thursday and shared on the organization’s website. In the letter, the actor stated that stepping down is the responsible thing to do in order to avoid distracting from Thorn’s vital efforts and the children they serve.
The case against Masterson, 47, dates back to the early 2000s when he was accused of raping two women. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office revealed that the actor will be eligible for parole in 20 years. The sentencing and subsequent resignation of Kutcher as Chairman of Thorn have rekindled conversations about the importance of supporting victims of sexual abuse and the responsibility of influential individuals in addressing such issues.
Thorn, which Kutcher co-founded in 2012, has been dedicated to building technology tools to combat child exploitation. The organization has made significant progress in identifying and rescuing victims, as well as aiding law enforcement in bringing perpetrators to justice. With Kutcher’s departure, Thorn will undoubtedly experience a period of transition, but it remains committed to its mission of protecting children and fighting against sexual abuse.
The news of Kutcher’s resignation has sparked a mixture of disappointment and understanding among supporters of Thorn. Many acknowledge the importance of prioritizing the organization’s mission, while others express concern over the impact that this controversy may have on Thorn’s work and reputation.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for Thorn without Kutcher at its helm. However, the organization’s dedication to combatting child sexual abuse remains unwavering, and they will continue to work tirelessly to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and harm.
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