Time’s Up boss Lisa Borders stands down after son is accused of sexual assault

Star support: Lisa Borders with actress Amber Heard and comedian Amy Schumer, two Hollywood backers of Time’s Up
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The president of the Time’s Up movement established in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal has quit after her son was accused of sexual assault, the group announced today.

Lisa Borders, 61, revealed she was leaving to “address family concerns” earlier this week.

Now it has emerged her departure followed allegations reported today in the Los Angeles Times that her photographer and life coach son Garry “Dijon” Bowden Jr, 36, abused a female client during a “healing session” massage.

Ms Borders, a former Coca-Cola executive who took the job of president and chief executive officer only four months ago, is believed to be standing by him.

Emma Watson, Reese Witherspoon, Meryl Streep, Shonda Rhimes and Natalie Portman are among hundreds of Hollywood supporters of Time’s Up, which aims to combat sexual harassment and misogyny in the workplace.

It was set up after multiple rape, assault and sexual harassment allegations were made against Weinstein. The movie producer, 66, denies all allegations of non-consensual sex.

With the support of Time’s Up and the MeToo movement, victims were encouraged to come forward to “speak their truth” after the Weinstein scandal, resulting in allegations against other male stars.

At last year’s Golden Globes award ceremony, shortly after Time’s Up was founded, female stars wore black in protest at sexism and misogyny in the film industry.

When she was appointed in October, Ms Borders told a news conference: “We can no longer stand by and tolerate women’s voices not being heard.”

Her son’s alleged victim said she made the claims on Facebook because she did not want it “to happen to anyone else”.

She told the Los Angeles Times that Mr Bowden offered her a “healing session” massage, but she was surprised and “violated” when he allegedly touched her intimately, kissed her neck and brushed against her body.

She added: “It was not healing, it was disgusting. I want to be strong and stand my ground and speak my truth.”

Alan Jackson, Mr Bowden’s lawyer, “vehemently” denied the claims and said she had sent him messages thanking him for the massage.

Mr Jackson said: “My client vehemently denies that any inappropriate or non-consensual touching occurred at any time.” In a statement, Time’s Up said it “unequivocally supports all survivors of sexual harassment and abuse”.

It added: “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.

“All our actions were fully guided by our support for survivors.”

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