Ashton Kutcher has made the decision to step down from his role as chairman of the board of Thorn, the anti-child-sex-abuse organization he co-founded with ex-wife Demi Moore in 2009. Alongside him, his current wife, Mila Kunis, who served as an observer on the board, will also be departing the organization.
This significant move follows the public scrutiny and backlash they faced for their letters of support for their former “That ’70s Show” co-star, Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape. Ashton, in a letter addressed to Thorn’s board, expressed the reasons behind this decision, saying, “After my wife and I spent several days 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. I cannot allow my error in judgment to distract from our efforts and the children we serve.”
He continued, acknowledging the painful history of silencing victims of sexual abuse and the significance of their own actions, “Victims of sexual abuse have been historically silenced, and the character statements I submitted are yet another painful instance of questioning victims who are brave enough to share their experiences.”
Ashton and Mila’s decision to step down from Thorn reflects the weight of their actions and the impact it had on the cause they’ve been championing for years. It’s a somber reminder that even those who are dedicated to a noble cause can face difficult choices and consequences in the face of controversy. In this case, they’ve chosen to prioritize the well-being and the mission of Thorn, acknowledging the importance of the work they do in support of survivors and children affected by sexual abuse.
