Ashton Kutcher Steps Down as Board Chair of Anti-Child-Sex-Abuse Organization

Ashton Kutcher Resigns as Chairman of Thorn

Ashton Kutcher has resigned as chairman of the board of Thorn, the anti-child-sex-abuse organization he co-founded in 2009 with his then-wife Demi Moore. His wife Mila Kunis, who served as an observer on the organization’s board, is also stepping down. The move comes in the wake of outrage over their letters of support for Danny Masterson, who has been convicted of raping two women.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Kutcher’s resignation from Thorn highlights the importance of addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. The organization’s focus on combating child sexual abuse aligns with these goals, as it seeks to protect children from exploitation and provide them with a safe and secure childhood.

Kutcher’s Letter to Thorn’s Board

In a letter dated September 14, Kutcher expressed his remorse for his actions and acknowledged the impact they had on victims of sexual assault. He emphasized the need to prioritize the mission of Thorn and apologized to all victims of sexual violence and the broader advocacy community. Kutcher’s resignation demonstrates his commitment to rectifying his mistake and ensuring that the organization’s efforts are not overshadowed.

Support for Masterson and Backlash

Kutcher, Kunis, and other former cast members of That ’70s Show and The Ranch wrote letters of support for Masterson during his trial. However, these letters received significant backlash, particularly directed at Kutcher due to his advocacy for child-sex-trafficking victims. The incident highlights the importance of accountability and the need for individuals to educate themselves on sensitive issues before making public statements.

Thorn’s Impact and Continued Support

Thorn, formerly known as DNA (Demi and Ashton), has made significant contributions in combating child sexual abuse. Through the use of technology, the organization has helped remove millions of potential child sexual abuse files from the internet and has provided resources to law enforcement and parents. Despite Kutcher’s resignation, Thorn seeks the continued support of its sponsors and partners to further its mission.

Global Issue of Child Sexual Exploitation

The issue of child sexual exploitation is a global concern, with millions of children subjected to forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation. The International Labor Organization reports that 1.3 million children worldwide were in some form of forced labor in 2021, with more than half of them experiencing forced commercial sexual exploitation. Thorn’s work aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 16 in addressing this issue.

Conclusion

Ashton Kutcher’s resignation from Thorn serves as a reminder of the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in addressing issues related to child sexual abuse. It highlights the need for accountability, education, and support for victims. Thorn’s work continues to be crucial in protecting children and creating a safer world for them.