Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Resign From Positions at Thorn Following Backlash Over Danny Masterson Character Letters

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Face Backlash Over Character Letters, Resign from Thorn Controversy Unfolds Around Kutcher and Kunis Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis find themselves amidst a storm of publi

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis Face Backlash Over Character Letters, Resign from Thorn

Controversy Unfolds Around Kutcher and Kunis

Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis find themselves amidst a storm of public backlash after writing character references for their friend Danny Masterson, who has recently been sentenced to 30 years to life for sexual assault charges dating back to 2003.

“Public sentiment can shift quickly, especially when it’s a matter as sensitive as sexual assault.”

Stepping Down from Thorn

On September 14, Kutcher penned a letter to the board of Thorn, the international anti-human trafficking organization he co-founded in 2009 with his then-wife, Demi Moore. In the letter, he announced his and Kunis’s resignations from their respective roles in the organization. He cited that after thoughtful deliberation and conversations with survivors, he felt it was the responsible action to take.

Acknowledging the Mistake

 
 
 
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Kutcher acknowledged the seriousness of his actions, stating that his poor judgment should not detract from Thorn’s mission to protect children from sexual exploitation. Though he has stepped down, he committed to continuing to support the organization’s objectives.

“One lapse in judgment can cast a long shadow over years of good work.”

Public Apology and Viral Fallout

Following Masterson’s sentencing, the character letters—including those from Kutcher and Kunis—became public and attracted widespread attention. Kutcher issued a heartfelt apology to all victims of sexual abuse and others hurt or offended by their initial support for Masterson. However, a subsequent video apology seemed to exacerbate the situation rather than mend it.

A Torrent of Criticism

 
 
 
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In recent days, the backlash has expanded beyond this particular controversy. Notably, Sharon Osbourne termed Kutcher the “rudest” celebrity she has met during an E! News interview, echoing her sentiments from 2018.

 

Legal Troubles Over Animated Series

The pair also found themselves in hot water over their animated series “Stoner Cats,” which was fined $1 million by the Securities and Exchange Commission for misleading investors through the sale of over 10,000 NFTs.

The Positive Impact of Thorn

Despite the controversies, it’s crucial to recognize the positive contributions made by Kutcher through Thorn. For nearly 15 years, the organization has utilized technology to help protect children from sexual abuse. Kutcher even testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2017, discussing the horrific situations he’s come across in his work with Thorn. Just last year, he ran the New York City marathon and raised over $1 million for the organization.

 “While controversy may cloud the present, the long-term impact of good deeds should not be discounted.”

 

While the couple has found themselves at the center of multiple controversies, their positive contributions, particularly through Thorn, underscore the complexity of public figures being judged for both their mistakes and their efforts to make amends.