The film Sound of Freedom became a surprise hit at the box office this year. Now the real-life inspiration for the movie, Tim Ballard, is facing allegations for sexual misconduct within his own anti-sex trafficking organization Operation Underground Railroad.
The reported allegations were revealed by Vice News. The publication previously reported this year that Ballard stepped away from Operation Underground Railroad due to an internal investigation. Now it’s been confirmed that this investigation is indeed tied to allegations of misconduct made against Ballard.
The publication spoke with several women who’ve remained anonymous that Ballard would ask them “to act as his ‘wife’ on undercover overseas missions ostensibly aimed at rescuing victims of sex trafficking.” The publication adds that these women would then allegedly be coerced “into sharing a bed or showering together, claiming that it was necessary to fool traffickers.”
Ballard, the publication alleges, “is said to have sent at least one woman a photo of himself in his underwear, festooned with fake tattoos, and to have asked another ‘how far she was willing to go,’ in the words of a source, to save children. These sources requested anonymity because they fear retaliation.”
The exact number of women involved was not given, though it’s “believed to be higher than seven, as that would only account for employees, not contractors or volunteers.” Ballard is alleged to have used similar methods on both Operation Underground Railroad volunteers and employees.
A statement released by Operation Underground Railroad confirmed that Ballard was “permanently separated” from the organization after resigning on June 22, 2023. The statement adds that the organization “is dedicated to combatting sexual abuse, and does not tolerate sexual harassment or discrimination by anyone in its organization.”
Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates on the situation as we have them. Tim Ballard is said to be preparing for a Senate run.
‘Sound Of Freedom’ Inspiration Tim Ballard Faces Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Source: Breaking Update News
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