Finally, GLAAD releases this statement to clarify

GLAAD Board of Directors Announces Resignation of President Jarrett Barrios
Organization Puts Focus on the Future

New York, NY, June 23, 2011 - The Board of Directors of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) today announced their acceptance of President Jarrett Barrios' resignation. The Board of Directors will now begin to assemble an Executive Search Committee to identify a new President. GLAAD's Board of Directors confirmed a commitment to maintaining a strong focus on its mission-related activities during this transition and has appointed Mike Thompson, Chief Operating Officer, as Acting President of the organization.

Barrios announced his resignation in an email to the Board of Directors on Saturday, June 18:

"None of you have asked me to resign, and I have appreciated such confidence in me.

I have been pained by the difficulties that have beset GLAAD over the last three weeks. As you know, they concern GLAAD's endorsement of the AT&T / T-Mobile merger--and inaccurate but effective characterizations that suggest GLAAD has supported this merger because of our relationship with them as a corporate sponsor. As many of you have observed to me, this entire situation is wrought with miscommunication and assumptions. Be that as it may, I respect the function and responsibility of my position, and know this is the right course of action.

Of utmost concern and foremost in all of our minds must be the well-being of GLAAD. The staff continues to work hard and does not deserve to work under a cloud, nor do they merit the distraction that it has become from our organization's fine brand."

Board Co-Chairs Roxanne Jones and Scott E. Miller confirmed that the decision to resign was made on Barrios' personal accord and that he was not asked to resign by the Board.