Sasha Grey Headshot AFI Fest - P 2011
Frederick M. Brown/Getty ImagesFormer adult film star Sasha Grey found herself in the middle of a scandal this week.
Grey, who had a long-running arch playing herself on Entourage in 2010, participated in the “Read Across America” program at Emerson Elementary School in Compton, CA Nov. 2.
The actress, who announced her retirement from the porn industry earlier this year , tweeted, “Spent the am with Read Across America Compton, reading to the sweetest 1st & 3rd grade students @ Emerson Elementary!”
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But, not everyone was as enthused with her involvement. Many parents complained about Grey, who has appeared in adult films Throat: A Cautionary Tale and Babysitters among others, reading to their young children, reports TMZ. But, that’s not stopping her.
On Friday, Grey posted a response to the growing dissent with her involvement via her Twitter account, saying, “I committed to this program with the understanding that people would have their own opinions about what I have done, who I am and what I represent.” Adding, “I have a past that some people may not agree with, but it does not define who I am. I will not live in fear of it.”
Read Grey’s statement in full below
“I am proud to have participated in the “Read Across America” program at Emerson Elementary School in Compton, CA. I read “Dog Breath” by Dav Pilkey to the sweetest 1st and 3rd grade children. “Read Across America” is a program that was designed to promote literacy and instill a lifelong love of reading in elementary school students. Promoting education is an effort that is close to my heart. Illiteracy contributes to poverty; encouraging children to pick up a book is fundamental. I believe education is a universal right. I committed to this program with the understanding that people would have their own opinions about what I have done, who I am and what I represent. I am an actor. I am an artist. I am a daughter. I am a sister. I am a partner. I have a past that some people may not agree with, but it does not define who I am. I will not live in fear of it. To challenge non-profit education programs is an exercise in futility, counter-productive and anti-educational. I cannot thank my fans and “Read Across America” enough for supporting my decision. Your support and kind words continue to inspire me. I believe in the future of our children, and I will remain an active supporter and participant in education-focused initiatives.”
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