Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Resign from Anti-Child Sex Abuse Nonprofit Amid Controversy
In a surprising turn of events, actor and philanthropist Ashton Kutcher has resigned from Thorn, the anti-child sex abuse nonprofit organization he co-founded more than a decade ago. The resignation comes amid controversy surrounding his support for his former That ’70s Show co-star, Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape earlier this year. Kutcher’s wife, Mila Kunis, who also served as an observer on the Thorn board, has reportedly stepped down from her position as well.
The controversy stems from letters of support that Kutcher and Kunis wrote for Masterson prior to his sentencing. These letters drew widespread attention and raised concerns as they were seen by some as undermining the testimony of the victims and causing further trauma. Both Kutcher and Kunis have since apologized, stating that their intention was not to harm the victims but to provide character references for the judge’s consideration.
In his heartfelt resignation letter addressed to the Thorn Board, Kutcher expressed his deep commitment to defending victims of sexual abuse. He acknowledged recent events as the catalyst for his decision to step down and emphasized the importance of prioritizing Thorn’s mission above all else. He offered his sincere apologies to all victims of sexual violence, Thorn’s staff, and the broader advocacy community for any harm caused.
Thorn, which focuses on developing technology to protect children from sexual abuse, has made significant progress over the years. The organization has removed over 2 million potential child sexual abuse files from the open web and has been instrumental in identifying more than 27,000 children in need of assistance. Thorn has also empowered parents and youth with prevention tools, shaped protective policies for children, and conducted research to enhance understanding and prevention of child sexual abuse.
Despite the resignations of Kutcher and Kunis, Thorn remains committed to its mission and confident in its dedication to the children it serves. Ernie Allen, a board member at Thorn, praised Kutcher’s dedication to child protection, highlighting the positive impact he has had on the organization.
While the last few days have challenged us all in new ways, Thorn stated, we remain steadfast in our mission, mindful of the trust our community places in us.
The controversy surrounding Kutcher and Kunis’ support for Masterson serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities surrounding cases of sexual abuse. It underscores the importance of prioritizing the well-being and voices of the victims and the need for ongoing efforts to combat such crimes.
As the news spreads of Kutcher and Kunis’ resignations, it remains to be seen how this will impact Thorn’s future and who will step in to fill their shoes. However, the organization’s commitment to protecting children from sexual abuse remains unwavering, as it continues to develop innovative technology and advocate for the rights of victims.
