‘Sound of Freedom’ Subject Tim Ballard Responds to Accusations of Sexual Misconduct

Tim Ballard is speaking out after being accused of sexual misconduct in an investigation involving seven women.

Ballard, the real-life subject of the indie cinema hit The sound of freedomwhich follows a man who rescues children from human traffickers, released a statement Tuesday through the Spear Fund, for which he serves as a senior adviser.

“As with all attacks on my character and integrity over many years, the latest tabloid-fueled sexual accusations are false. These are baseless fabrications designed to destroy me and the movement we have built to stop the trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable children,” Ballard said in a statement to PEOPLE.

Ballard released a second statement, also through the Spear Fund, reaffirming his commitment to his work to end human trafficking despite the allegations against him. “We will continue to fight for the vulnerable around the world and we know that the truth will always prevail,” the statement said.

‘The sound of freedom’.

Amazon Prime Video / Courtesy of Everett

VICE reported Monday that sources “familiar with the situation” — who chose to remain anonymous “for fear of retribution” — reportedly said Ballard had “invited women to act as his ‘wives’ on secret overseas missions” to fight the — organization for child sex trafficking Operation Underground Railroad (OUR).

The OUR founder and former executive director “would then allegedly force these women to share a bed or shower together, claiming it was necessary to defraud the traffickers,” according to VICE.

The publication said Ballard “sent at least one woman a photo of himself in his underwear, adorned with fake tattoos.” The source said Ballard also allegedly asked the other woman “how far she was willing to go” to save children from sex trafficking.

A source close to OUR reportedly “has detailed knowledge that Ballard sexually wooed a volunteer using methods similar to those he allegedly used with OUR employees,” which are reportedly “consistent with his behavior toward another former volunteer” who was in minutes from publications, according to VICE.

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Tim Ballard.

Fred Hayes/Getty

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OUR said in a statement to PEOPLE that Ballard, who resigned from the organization on June 22, has “permanently separated himself from OUR.”

“OUR is committed to combating sexual harassment and does not tolerate sexual harassment or discrimination by anyone in its organization,” the statement continued. “OUR has retained an independent law firm to conduct a comprehensive investigation of all relevant allegations, and OUR continues to evaluate and improve the organization’s governance and protocols for its operations.”

The organization added: “In order to preserve the integrity of our investigation and protect the privacy of all individuals involved, OUR will not be making any further public comments at this time.”

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“OUR is confident in its future as a leading organization dedicated to the fight against human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and rescuing children who have been captured and sold into slavery,” the statement concludes.

In his statement through the Spear Fund, Ballard said: “During my time at OUR, I designed strict guidelines for myself and our field operators. Sexual contact was forbidden, and I was an example. Given our careful attention to this matter, any suggestion of inappropriate sexual contact is categorically false.”

Ballard’s departure from OUR preceded an internal investigation by the Utah-based organization into claims by several employees against the former CIA agent and the US Department of Homeland Security. VICE reported in July.

‘The sound of freedom’.

Amazon Prime Video / Courtesy of Everett Collection

Ballard is portrayed by Jim Caviezel in The sound of freedomwhich was released by Angel Studios on July 4th. The film, which centers on Ballard’s mission to save children from sexual slavery around the world, has grossed over $183 million at the domestic box office, according to Box Office Mojo.

The film’s official synopsis on the Angel Studios website says it “shines a light on the harrowing reality of human trafficking for sex and the valiant efforts of those who work tirelessly to combat it.”

Angel Studios did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

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