Time's Up Chief Resigns After Son's Alleged Misconduct

The CEO of a women's advocacy group that sprang up amid the #MeToo movement has resigned after her own son was accused of sexual misconduct, reports the LA Times. Lisa Borders stepped down as leader of Time's Up, explaining in a public statement that she needed to "address family concerns." The newspaper provides the details: A woman accused her 36-year-old son, Garry “Dijon” Bowden Jr., of inappropriately touching her genitalia during a "healing session" massage and of brushing his erect penis against her. (He was wearing clothes.) Bowden, described as a life coach, has adamantly denied the accusations. As the Times notes, the situation illustrates the very reason Time's Up came to be—to make sure that the voices of female accusers were heard.

The advocacy group addressed the controversy Thursday night, reports USA Today. “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," it says in a statement. "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." It went on to encourage any woman who has been the victim of sexual harassment or assault to contact the group's legal defense fund—which has grown to $22 million fairly quickly—for help. (Mark Wahlberg once made a hefty donation to the group after controversy over a pay disparity.)