SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Tim Ballard, a prominent anti-slavery activist whose remarkable life inspired the hit film 'Sound of Freedom', has vehemently denied allegations of sexually exploiting seven women and taking advantage of a Mormon elder. His supporters are comparing his predicament to that of Colorado Republic Rep Lauren Boebert.
Ballard, originally from Utah and a former CIA agent, is renowned for founding the non-profit organization Operation Underground Railroad (OUR) in 2013, dedicated to rescuing children from human trafficking.
Sexual misconduct allegations against Tim Ballard
The accusations against Ballard center on claims made by women who allege that he pressured them during missions to rescue children. While Ballard did not provide a detailed response to the allegations of sexual misconduct, he adamantly declared they were false.
"It's not true, nothing you hear is true. Something evil is going on. I don't know what yet," he stated, as quoted by the Daily Mail, and questioned the authenticity of the Mormon church's statement regarding the matter.
The statement in question was released to Vice News, which had been reporting on Ballard's contentious departure from the charity he founded since the summer.
In a recent report, Vice News claimed that Ballard had allegedly coerced the women into sharing a bed with him or showering together, purportedly to deceive human traffickers into believing they were married.
Furthermore, sources disclosed that Ballard, who resigned from OUR in June, had sent at least one woman a suggestive photo of himself in his underwear, adorned with fake tattoos.
The allegations further include Ballard asking one woman "how far she was willing to go" in the pursuit of saving children. Over the weekend, the Mormon church, of which Ballard is a member, issued a rare rebuke, condemning activities deemed "morally unacceptable" in a public statement.
Letter from the Church of Latter-Day Saints
While they did not specify what they meant, the letter from the Church of Latter-Day Saints also accused Ballard of exploiting the name of their president, M Russell Ballard, who is not related to him.
"President Ballard and Tim Ballard (no relation) established a friendship a number of years ago," the statement read. "That friendship was built on a shared interest in looking after God's children wherever they are and without regard to their circumstance. However, that relationship is in the past. For many months, President Ballard has had no contact with the founder of Operation Underground Railroad (OUR)."
It continued, "The nature of that relationship was always in support of vulnerable children being abused, trafficked, and otherwise neglected. Once it became clear Tim Ballard had betrayed their friendship, through the unauthorized use of President Ballard's name for Tim Ballard's personal advantage and activity regarded as morally unacceptable, President Ballard withdrew his association."
"President Ballard never authorized his name, or the name of the Church, to be used for Tim's personal or financial interests. In addition, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints never endorsed, supported, or represented OUR, Tim Ballard, or any projects associated with them. President Ballard loves children, all over the world. It has been his mission and life's work to look after them, care for them, and point them to their Savior," the letter added.
Tim Ballard denies accusations
Tim Ballard vehemently denied the Church's claim that he had taken advantage of President Ballard's name.
"President Ballard is like a grandfather to me," he said. "He came to me in 2011, 2012, and he told me he appreciates all the things I'm doing and wants to help me. I've never used Elder Ballard's name. Ever! I've never treaded on his name to ask for anything. I've never had any business dealings with him. What business deal?"
He continued, "All the press in Utah is saying some Church representative is saying this. This is breaking down my family like you can't believe. My children are being harassed right now because everyone believes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints - which I have defended for how many years - and no one can tell me."
Ballard said he did not believe the statement received by Vice News was true.
"Do you think the church would make a statement to Vice? Vice Magazine has done anti-Mormon stories like you wouldn't believe. Vice Magazine has done more hit pieces on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints than any other," he alleged.
He further asked why the veracity of the statement hadn't been confirmed by any Church official.
"Can you imagine the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints would publicly condemn one of its members without talking to the bishop, the state president?" Ballard wondered.
Social media sides with Ballard
Many conservatives on social media stood behind Ballard and chalked the controversy up to a "smear job," even comparing his situation to that of Colorado congresswoman Lauren Boebert.
"I smell a smear campaign, a hit job, an intentional assassination of character. These deviants will stop at nothing to destroy the momentum of #SoundOfFreedom in order to continue their twisted recreational activities. Pervs," one posted on X.
"Surprised it took the left so long to pull their favorite smear job!" another wrote.
"All a Republican has to do is mention running for the Senate and sexual misconduct claims sprout up overnight," a comment read.
"Is this REALLY all they have in their box? It’s ridiculous how unbelievable these people are!" someone else added.
"So now we know with certainty that Lauren Boebert was set up," another offered.
