Time’s Up, the group campaigning against sexual harassment in the workplace, has announced that its CEO Lisa Borders’ resignation on Monday was the result of an accusation of sexual assault made about her son.
In a post on social media, Time’s Up said: “On Friday, Lisa Borders informed members of Time’s Up leadership that sexual assault allegations had been made against her son in a private forum. Within 24 hours, Lisa made the decision to resign as president and CEO of Time’s Up and we agreed that it was the right decision for all parties involved.”
The Los Angeles Times reports a woman claimed Borders’ son touched her inappropriately during a “healing session”. His lawyer says Bowden gave the woman a healing massage that she had requested and showed the Times a text exchange in which the woman thanked him. Bowden’s lawyer said: “My client vehemently denies that any inappropriate or nonconsensual touching occurred at any time.”
Borders had announced she was leaving her post on Monday, saying on social media: “It is with deep regret that I must resign from Time’s Up to address family concerns that require my singular focus.” Formerly president of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Borders joined Time’s Up in October 2018 as its first CEO. The organisation had been founded in January 2018 with the backing of major Hollywood figures in response to the sexual misconduct allegations that had engulfed the film industry. Time’s Up established a $13m legal defence fund and organised successful campaigns, such as the “red carpet blackout” at the 2018 Golden Globes.