Days after Lisa Borders announced her resignation as President of Time’s Up, details have emerged giving insight into her sudden departure. As reported by The Los Angeles Times, a sexual misconduct allegation brought against her son was the driving motivation behind her decision to step down.On Monday when it was first announced that Borders would be leaving her post, family concerns “that require [her] singular focus” were cited as the reason why. Now, the LA Times describes that it was Borders’ decision to stand by and defend her son that put her at odds with the overarching mission of Time’s Up. According to an official statement, and some sources familiar with the situation, Borders brought the allegations to the attention of the Time’s Up board and the two parties amicably agreed to part ways.“All of our actions were fully guided by our support for survivors,” the statement read.
Borders’ son, Garry “Dijon” Bowden Jr., 36, was accused of touching 31-year-old Celia Gellert inappropriately during a scheduled “healing session.” Gellert alleges that Bowden “touched her genitalia, kissed her neck and brushed his erect but clothed penis against her body during the session,” according to the LA Times who spoke to Gellert following the alleged sexual assault. Gellert also detailed her account in a Facebook post where she said she was speaking out because, “I don’t want it to happen to anyone else.” Also adding, “I want to be strong and stand my ground and speak my truth.”Bowden and his attorney, Alan Jackson, vehemently deny the claim and say that the service known as a Shakti Invocation, was initiated by Gellert, who the morning after the treatment sent a follow-up text to Bowden saying thank you. At the time she called the massage “gentle and authentic and loving” and called Bowden an “angelic soul.”Two days after the treatment, however, Gellert communicated with Bowden that she was uncomfortable with her service, which was once described on his website as a way to “calm the nervous system and awaken and energize your inner Shakti.”Time’s Up is now seeking to replace Borders, who held her position at the organization that seeks to give validity to victims of sexual assault, for a short four months.
