What the Times Up Campaign Is
The Times Up campaign launched in January 2018 as a movement against sexual harassment in workplaces, especially in entertainment, media, and corporate sectors. It was founded by a group of high-profile women in Hollywood and quickly expanded into a legal defense fund for victims. The initiative raised over $24 million for its legal defense fund within the first year and partnered with law firms to provide representation to low-wage workers and others who could not afford legal help source.
The campaign is closely tied to the broader #MeToo movement and has influenced policy changes across multiple industries. It pushed companies to adopt stricter reporting mechanisms and anti-retaliation protections. As of the latest public disclosures, the legal defense fund has supported thousands of individuals, with cases spanning sectors such as entertainment, agriculture, hospitality, and retail source.
Key Companies and Legal Actions
Several major corporations and entertainment firms have been named in lawsuits tied to the Times Up campaign. High-profile cases have targeted producers, studios, and executives, resulting in settlements and public disclosures. In 2023, a number of entertainment industry defendants faced new claims under updated California employment laws, which expanded protections for contractors and freelancers source.
The Times Up Legal Defense Fund has also supported cases outside Hollywood, including farmworkers, restaurant staff, and warehouse employees. In 2024, the fund reported increased demand for legal support from low-wage workers, reflecting broader economic pressures and workplace vulnerability. Companies in logistics, food service, and hospitality have faced scrutiny over their internal complaint processes source.
Impact on Workplace Policy and Compliance
Regulatory and Industry Responses
Regulators have cited the campaign in enforcement actions and guidance updates. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has highlighted the importance of clear reporting channels and prompt investigations, aligning with the campaign's advocacy goals. Publicly traded companies have updated their human capital disclosures to include harassment and discrimination metrics, reflecting investor and regulatory expectations source.
The campaign has also influenced corporate governance practices, with board-level oversight of workplace culture becoming more common. Institutional investors have used the campaign's framework to evaluate companies on environmental, social, and governance criteria. In 2024, several large asset managers updated their voting guidelines to include workplace safety and harassment prevention metrics source.