UPDATE, Nov. 14, 5:57 p.m.:
According to the National Education Ass'n., Sasha Grey's reading at Emerson Elementary School on Nov. 2 was not part of its Read Across America program, despite Grey's assertion to the contrary.
In a statement provided to TheWrap, the NEA says that the reading was a local event presented by the school and the Compton Unified School District.
"Sasha Grey is not affiliated with the National Education Association’s (NEA) 'Read Across America' program nor has she been invited or endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA) to read at any of the association’s 'Read Across America Day' events, which take place March 2nd each year," the statement reads. "The Nov. 2, 2011 reading event at Emerson Elementary School in Compton, Calif., was a local reading event hosted by the Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School and the Compton Unified School District. It was not affiliated with the National Education Association (NEA). For more information, please contact Compton Unified School District."
Previously…
Former adult-film actress Sasha Grey is giving her critics a hot, steaming mouthful, after catching flak for participating in a children's reading program last week.
Grey — who retired from porn earlier this year and has performed in mainstream fare such as "Entourage" — generated a wave of outrage by partaking in the National Education Assn.'s Read Across America program at Emerson Elementary School in Compton, Calif. on Nov. 2. But the actress has fired back at the naysayers, vowing to continue her efforts to promote literacy.
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According to TMZ, a number of parents weren't thrilled to find out that their tots were spending quality time with the star of "Butt Sex Bonanza" and "Deep Throat This 44." Some of them complained to the PTA, who then grilled the school's principal. A spokesperson for the school went so far as to deny that she had been there, telling TMZ, "We have several celebrities who read to our students each year. The actress you have indicated [Sasha] was not present."
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Well, Grey isn't denying it — and she took to her Twitter account to inform the world that she has no intention of abandoning the nation's schoolchildren.
"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," Grey wrote.
"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," Grey added. "I believe in the future of our children, and I will remain an active supporter and participant in education-focused initiatives."
Way to do it for the kids, Sasha — even if some people might have a difficult time, uh, swallowing it.