{"id":2040998,"date":"2023-09-22T03:10:02","date_gmt":"2023-09-22T07:10:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sound-of-freedom-inspiration-tim-ballard-denies-sexual-harassment-allegations-after-resigning-from-anti-child-sex-trafficking-organization\/"},"modified":"2023-09-22T03:13:45","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T07:13:45","slug":"sound-of-freedom-inspiration-tim-ballard-denies-sexual-harassment-allegations-after-resigning-from-anti-child-sex-trafficking-organization","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sound-of-freedom-inspiration-tim-ballard-denies-sexual-harassment-allegations-after-resigning-from-anti-child-sex-trafficking-organization\/","title":{"rendered":"Tim Ballard, former leader of anti-child sex trafficking organization &#8216;Sound of Freedom,&#8217; denies sexual harassment allegations following his resignation."},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">38<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fsound-of-freedom-inspiration-tim-ballard-denies-sexual-harassment-allegations-after-resigning-from-anti-child-sex-trafficking-organization%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2040998&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><blockquote>\n<div data-post-content=\"true\" class=\"post_content\" id=\"post_content\">\n<p>Tim Ballard, the former Department of\u200b Homeland Security agent who served as the inspiration for\u200b the blockbuster movie\u2064 &#8220;Sound of Freedom,&#8221; has vehemently denied\u2064 reports of sexual harassment following his resignation as CEO of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/over-200-sex-trafficking-victims-rescued-in-two-week-operation-cross-country\/\" title=\"Over 200 victims saved in 'Operation Cross Country' against sex trafficking.\">anti-child sex trafficking organization<\/a> known as\u200c &#8220;Operation Underground Railroad&#8221; (O.U.R.).<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>Mr.\u200c Ballard&#8217;s departure came after an investigation \u2062into \u2062multiple allegations of sexual harassment made\u2064 against him by several women, as \u200breported by Vice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>An O.U.R. spokesperson confirmed his resignation in an emailed statement to The \u2064Epoch Times, but did not explicitly mention the sexual harassment claims as the reason for his departure.<\/p>\n<div class=\"shortcode\">\n<div class=\"border-comp-divider mb-4 mr-4 w-full max-w-[500px] border px-5 py-4 text-[16px] leading-[20px] text-[#262626] md:float-left\" id=\"in_article_related_stories\">\n<h2 class=\"mb-3 font-sans text-[16px] font-semibold uppercase leading-[19px] text-[#2F2F2F]\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"mb-4 flex gap-2\">\n<div class=\"grow\">\n<div class=\"mb-1 line-clamp-2\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/sound-of-freedom-inspiration-tim-ballard-mulls-run-for-sen-romneys-seat-5492689?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\"><\/p>\n<h3>&#8216;Sound of Freedom&#8217; Inspiration Tim\u2064 Ballard Mulls Run for Sen. Romney\u2019s Seat<\/h3>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-comp-caption text-[14px] leading-[18px]\">9\/16\/2023<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shrink-0 basis-[120px]\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/sound-of-freedom-inspiration-tim-ballard-mulls-run-for-sen-romneys-seat-5492689?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mb-4 flex gap-2\">\n<div class=\"grow\">\n<div class=\"mb-1 line-clamp-2\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/sen-rubio-urges-us-southern-command-to-screen-sound-of-freedom-5491442?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\"><\/p>\n<h3>Sen. Rubio Urges US Southern Command to Screen \u2018Sound of Freedom\u2019<\/h3>\n<p><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"text-comp-caption text-[14px] leading-[18px]\">9\/14\/2023<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"shrink-0 basis-[120px]\">\n<a href=\"http:\/\/www.theepochtimes.com\/us\/sen-rubio-urges-us-southern-command-to-screen-sound-of-freedom-5491442?ea_src=author_manual&#038;ea_med=related_stories\"><\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;Tim Ballard resigned from O.U.R. on June 22, 2023. He has permanently separated from O.U.R.,&#8221; the spokesperson said. &#8220;O.U.R. is dedicated\u200b to combatting sexual abuse and does not tolerate sexual harassment or discrimination by\u200b anyone in its organization.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The \u2063spokesperson also mentioned that the Utah-based organization, founded\u200d by Mr. Ballard in 2013, had hired an independent, third-party law firm to conduct a &#8220;comprehensive investigation of all relevant allegations&#8221; and is continuously working to improve its \u2064governance and operational protocols.<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>The organization declined\u2063 to provide further details and comments regarding Mr. Ballard&#8217;s departure in order\u2062 to &#8220;preserve the integrity of its investigation and to protect \u200dthe privacy of all persons involved.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-figure\">\n<figure style=\"width:600px\" class=\"alignnone\"><figcaption>Jim Caviezel (L), actor in the human \u2062trafficking action film &#8220;Sound\u200d of Freedom,\u201d and Tim Ballard, a former Department of Homeland Security special agent and founder of Operation Underground Railroad, speak during an interview in \u2062Washington\u200b on \u2062June 21, 2023. (Madalina Vasiliu\/The Epoch Times)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<h2>Ballard Denies &#8216;Tabloid-Driven&#8217; Sexual\u2064 Allegations<\/h2>\n<p>Mr. Ballard wasted no time \u200cin responding to the \u200ballegations. In a statement issued on September 19 through the anti-trafficking SPEAR \u200bFund\u200b organization, where he serves as a senior adviser for rescue operations,\u2064 he vehemently denied the sexual allegations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;As with all of the assaults on my character and integrity over many years, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/sound-of-freedom-inspiration-tim-ballard-denies-sexual-harassment-allegations-after-resigning-from-anti-child-sex-trafficking-organization\/\" title=\"Tim Ballard, former leader of anti-child sex trafficking organization 'Sound of Freedom,' denies sexual harassment allegations following his resignation.\">latest tabloid-driven \u2062sexual \u2062allegations<\/a> are false. They\u2064 are baseless inventions designed to destroy me and the movement we have built to end the trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable children,&#8221; Mr. Ballard said.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;During my time at O.U.R., I \u2064implemented \u2064strict guidelines for myself and our field operators. Sexual contact \u2064was strictly prohibited, and I\u200d led by example. Given our unwavering commitment to this issue, any suggestion of\u200d inappropriate sexual contact is categorically false.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>According to the Vice report, more than seven women have made sexual\u200d harassment allegations against Mr.\u200d Ballard.<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-figure\">\n<figure style=\"width:600px\" class=\"alignnone\"><figcaption>Image from the &#8220;Sound of Freedom,&#8221;\u2064 starring \u2062Jim Caviezel,\u2062 released nationwide on July\u2063 4, \u200d2023. (Courtesy Angel Studios)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<h2>&#8216;Sound of Freedom&#8217; Success<\/h2>\n<p>In the gripping film &#8220;Sound of Freedom,&#8221; directed by Alejandro Monteverde and produced by Eduardo Ver\u00e1stegui, Mr. Ballard\u2014portrayed by actor Jim Caviezel\u2014rescues a\u2062 young\u200d boy from heartless child traffickers, only to discover that the \u2064boy&#8217;s sister \u200dis still \u2064held captive by the same group. Determined\u200c to save her, he embarks on a perilous \u200bmission, leaving his job behind\u2063 and \u2063venturing deep\u2063 into the Colombian jungle, risking his life in the process.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The movie received overwhelming praise from\u200c former\u2063 President Donald Trump, who hosted a screening at his\u2063 golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey, in June.<\/p>\n<p>On September 18, Mr. Ballard, who is also contemplating a run for the U.S. Senate\u2062 in Utah to \u200dreplace retiring Republican Sen. Mitt Romney, released a statement reaffirming his commitment to The Church\u2062 of Jesus Christ of \u2062Latter-day Saints. This came after the church accused him of using the name of a high-level LDS church leader for his &#8220;personal advantage and activity regarded as morally unacceptable.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>In a statement to FOX 13 News, the church stated: &#8220;[The high-level LDS official] has never authorized his \u200bname, or the name of the Church, to be used for Tim\u2019s personal\u2063 or financial \u200cinterests. In addition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints never endorsed, funded, supported or represented OUR, Tim Ballard or any projects \u200cassociated with them.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"my-5\">\n<p>Mr. Ballard, however, expressed skepticism about the authenticity of \u200dthe statement given to media outlets, including FOX 13, by\u200b church officials.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&#8220;We are also highly suspicious about the\u200d timing of such a statement given its close proximity to Mitt Romney\u2019s announcement that he is retiring, and my own public comments that I am \u2064prayerfully considering running for public office,&#8221; the statement reads. &#8220;The LDS church does not engage in political activity.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I\u200d am a faithful Member in good standing in the Church of Jesus Christ of\u200c Latter-Day Saints. I believe in Jesus \u2063Christ,\u2062 the Holy Scriptures, and \u200dI believe\u200d in\u200b our faith \u200cwith my whole heart. That will never\u200b change,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2> What is the significance of \u200dthe\u2063 movie &#8220;Sound of Freedom&#8221; in raising \u200dawareness about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/its-nefarious-biden-doj-blasted-for-quietly-removing-sex-trafficking-info-from-website\/\" title=\"Biden DOJ under fire for silently deleting sex trafficking info.\">child sex \u2063trafficking<\/a> and the work of \u2064Tim Ballard and his team?<\/h2>\n<p><span>  Rs. The movie, which\u2062 was released nationwide on July 4, 2023, \u2064highlights the\u2063 courageous efforts of Tim \u2063Ballard and his team in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/jury-begins-deliberations-in-gov-whitmer-kidnapping-plot-trial\/\" title=\"Jury Begins Deliberations in Gov. Whitmer \u201cKidnapping Plot\u201d Trial\">combating child sex trafficking<\/a>. It sheds light on the dark reality of this heinous crime and raises\u200c awareness about the need for action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>The success of &#8220;Sound of Freedom&#8221; has led to increased attention on\u2062 Tim Ballard and his work with Operation Underground Railroad. Many admirers and \u2062supporters have\u2063 praised his dedication and unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable children.<\/p>\n<p>However, the recent allegations of sexual harassment \u2062have raised doubts and concerns among his followers. It is essential to address these\u200c allegations transparently and fairly to maintain \u200bthe integrity of the fight against child sex trafficking.<\/p>\n<p>Tim Ballard&#8217;s denial of the\u200b allegations and his assertion of strict guidelines and zero tolerance for sexual misconduct are significant steps in\u200b his defense.\u2064 He emphasizes \u2063that any suggestion of inappropriate sexual contact is \u2064categorically false. Ballard&#8217;s statement through the SPEAR Fund organization underscores his determination to protect his reputation and the movement he \u200chas built.<\/p>\n<p>It is crucial to acknowledge that the allegations should be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice for all parties involved.\u2064 Operation Underground Railroad has taken\u200c this matter seriously and hired an independent, third-party law firm \u200cto conduct a comprehensive investigation. \u2062Their commitment to combatting sexual abuse and intolerance for harassment reflects their dedication to their\u2063 cause.<\/p>\n<p>While the \u200dinvestigation is ongoing, it is imperative for Operation Underground \u2062Railroad and its supporters to maintain focus on the fight against child sex trafficking. The organization&#8217;s mission is of utmost importance, and any distraction from it would hinder progress in eradicating this despicable crime.<\/p>\n<p>As we await the results of the investigation, it is important \u200dto remember the impact of Operation Underground Railroad&#8217;s work. Thousands of children have been rescued from the clutches of traffickers, thanks to the relentless efforts of Tim Ballard and his team. The fight against <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/california-child-sex-trafficking-bill-clears-legislature-heads-to-gov-newsoms-desk\/\" title=\"California Child Sex Trafficking Bill Passes Legislature, Awaits Gov. Newsom's Approval.\">child sex trafficking requires<\/a> our\u200c continued support and vigilance<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Tim Ballard, the ex-DHS agent who inspired &#8220;Sound of Freedom,&#8221; denies sexual harassment claims. He stepped down as CEO of &#8220;Operation Underground Railroad&#8221; (O.U.R.) amid an investigation into the allegations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":69,"featured_media":2040999,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[543],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2040998","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-epoch-times"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/cndimages.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/breaking-news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/IMG_2758-scaled-1.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2040998","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/69"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2040998"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2040998\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2040999"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2040998"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2040998"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2040998"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}