Ashton Kutcher resigns from the NGO after writing a letter of support for the actor convicted of rape

Ashton Kutcher resigned Friday as president of Thorn, a nonprofit he co-founded more than a decade ago to fight child sexual exploitation.

“After several days of personal reflection, learning and conversations with survivors, staff and leaders at Thorn, I have decided that the responsible thing to do is to resign as chairman of the board, effectively immediately. I cannot allow my mistake distract from the efforts and children we serve,” he said in a statement posted on the organization’s website.

The actor and his wife, actress Mila Kunis, were criticized for writing letters describing Danny Masterson as a “devoted and loyal husband,” an “excellent role model” and an “exceptional big brother.” Masterson was sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexually assaulting two women.

Criticism came from public figures such as Kathy Griffin and Christina Ricci, who emphasized the importance of supporting victims of sexual assault rather than individuals convicted of such crimes. The couple made an apology video following the backlash.

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Ashton, Mila and Danny starred together in the series Back to the 70s (That 70s showin the original English title).

Source: Terra