Time Up's CEO Lisa Borders Resigned After Son Was Accused of Sexual Assault

Lisa Borders quit as president and CEO of Time's Up after her son was accused of sexual assault, the organization confirmed.

On February 18, Borders, 61, said it was with "deep regret" that she would be stepping down from her role after less than four months in order to "address family concerns that require my singular focus."

In a follow-up statement, the group, which fights sexual harassment in the workplace and was formed in the wake of #MeToo movement and the Harvey Weinstein scandal, said that 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 of our actions were fully guided by our support for survivors," according to the statement.

"We respect the rights of all survivors to own their own stories. We strongly encourage anyone who has experienced sexual harassment, assault or related retaliation in the workplace or in trying to advance their careers to contact the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund for assistance."

As reported by the Los Angeles Times, 31-year-old Celia Gellert accused Borders's 36-year-old son, Garry "Dijon" Bowden Jr., of assaulting her during a "healing session."

Bowden, who works as a life coach and is a podcast host and photographer, allegedly touched Gellert's genitalia and brushed his erect penis, which she felt underneath his clothing, against her during the session, making her feel "violated."

In a post on Facebook, Gellert said she came forward with the allegations as she didn't "want it to happen to anyone else… And I want to be strong and stand my ground and speak my truth."

Bowden denied the allegations against him. His attorney, Alan Jackson, reportedly showed the Los Angeles Times texts between the pair in which Gellert thanked him for the "gentle and authentic and loving" massage.

"My client vehemently denies that any inappropriate or nonconsensual touching occurred at any time," Jackson told the newspaper.

In a statement confirming Borders's resignation, Time's Up said, "With gratitude for her work, Time's Up accepts and supports Lisa Borders' decision to resign as president and CEO. We know that it is the right decision for Lisa as well as the organization.

"Our COO, Rebecca Goldman, will serve as interim CEO while we conduct an executive search. We remain steadfast in our mission to create safe, fair, and dignified work for women of all kinds."