Ashton Kutcher has stepped down from his position as chairman of Thorn, an anti-child sex abuse organization that he co-founded. This comes after Kutcher and his wife, Mila Kunis, wrote letters asking for leniency for their former “That ’70s Show” co-star, Danny Masterson, who was convicted of rape.
Kutcher made the decision to resign after days of personal reflection, listening, and conversations with survivors, as well as Thorn’s employees and leadership. In a letter to the board, he stated, “I cannot allow my error in judgment to distract from our efforts and the children we serve.”
Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison on September 7th after being convicted of raping two women in 2003. The letters written by Kutcher, Kunis, and others in support of Masterson were made public the day after the sentencing. In his letter, Kutcher described Masterson as someone who treated people with decency, equality, and generosity.
However, Kutcher and Kunis later apologized for writing the letters, stating that their intention was for the judge to read them and not to undermine the testimony of the victims or cause them further trauma.
In his resignation letter, Kutcher offered a heartfelt apology to all victims of sexual violence and those at Thorn who were hurt by his actions.
Unique Perspective: It is important to recognize the complexity of situations involving friends or colleagues who have been accused or convicted of crimes. Ashton Kutcher’s decision to step down as chairman of Thorn highlights the need for accountability and personal reflection, even in cases where there is a history of personal relationships. It serves as a reminder that supporting survivors and prioritizing their well-being should always take precedence.
