Tim Ballardan anti-trafficking activist who left his own organization is accused of abusing his power and coercing women into showing their support for the cause, RadarOnline.com has learned.
Ballard, whose story served as the basis for the hit film The sound of freedomallegedly exhibited inappropriate behavior towards at least seven women, according to an explosive report, which claimed he left the group after an internal investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.
The anti-slavery activist and married father of nine allegedly convinced women working with him on Operation Underground Railroad to pose as his wife, going so far as to ask some to share a bed or shower together. , “claiming that it was necessary to deceive the traffickers.”
OUR was founded in 2013 and Ballard is played by Jim Caviezel in the independent hit.
Ballard allegedly sent at least one woman “a photo of himself in his underwear, adorned with fake tattoos, and asked another “how far she was willing to go,” in the words of one source, to save children. Anne Merlan And Tim Marchman VICE News reported Monday.
A close source said Ballard, a former ICE agent, also allegedly made sexual advances toward a volunteer using similar methods following rumors that an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual harassment was circulating this summer.
“Tim Ballard resigned from OUR on June 22, 2023. He has permanently parted ways with OUR,” a spokesperson told the outlet. “OUR is dedicated to fighting sexual abuse and does not tolerate sexual harassment or discrimination from anyone within our organization.”
“OUR has retained an independent law firm to conduct a thorough investigation into all relevant allegations, and OUR continues to evaluate and improve the organization’s governance and operational protocols. To safeguard integrity of its investigation and protect the privacy of all those involved, OUR will make no further public comments at this time,” the spokesperson continued.
“OUR is confident in its future as the leading organization committed to combating sex trafficking and rescuing children captured and sold into slavery.”
Ballard is reportedly considering a run for Senate amid claims he appeared to have fabricated a relationship with an elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Never miss a story: subscribe to RadarOnline.com newsletter to get your daily dose of the drug. Every day. Breakup. Celebrity news. Everything is free.
He addressed the swirling rumors at a rally in Boston this weekend, saying, “It’s not true, nothing you’re hearing is true.”
