Time’s Up group announces ‘major reset,’ staff layoffs following Cuomo controversy

On Friday, Time’s Up released a report outlining internal failures at the group, saying a few leaders advised former Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on how to respond to harassment allegations.

The anti-harassment group will be “rebuilt from the ground up,” according to the organization. “The Board of Directors of TIME’S UP today announced a major reset of the women’s rights organization,” reads a statement shared on the group’s website.

The group also says the decision “follows the completion of an initial phase in a comprehensive management review by an independent consultant.” The plan says that most of the 25 remaining employees will be terminated by the end of the year, and only a staff of three and four board members in addition will remain.

Ashley Judd, one of Time’s Up most notable members, said, “We’re going down to the studs. We’re going to rebuild and reset and come back in a way that honors our mandate, incorporates the voices of our critics, learns from our findings … and holds ourselves accountable but also lives up to our potential.” 

The president and CEO of the organization, Tina Tchen, and chairwoman Roberta Kaplan stepped down in August after it was revealed that the group, which was formed in 2018, consulted for Cuomo after former staffer Lindsay Boylan accused him of sexual harassment. Text messages indicate that Tchen told her colleagues to “stand down” from plan to release a statement in support of Boylan.

“The transition team, along with the board that remains will immediately begin phase two of the process to work on developing the new methods and operational needs for TIME’S UP going forward,” said the group in a statement. “This will involve building a more focused, transparent, and inclusive organization.”

Interim president and CEO Monifa Bandele will also be stepping down. Bandele said, “We persevere. We will not lose the ground gained for women’s equality and safety over these last several years. Our movement and the stakes for our entire society and future generations are so much bigger than one organization or title.” Departing staff members will receive severance through the first of March.