Defamation Trial Begins Over Allegations Against Former UBC Professor Steven Galloway

A defamation trial involving former University of British Columbia professor and author Steven Galloway is set to begin in British Columbia Supreme Court, years after allegations of sexual assault against him spread publicly and online.

Galloway, who was a tenured professor and headed UBC’s creative writing program, is suing several people over what he says were false and damaging accusations that he sexually assaulted a student.

The allegations gained widespread attention and circulated online, ultimately having serious consequences for Galloway’s academic career. Although he was never criminally charged, the university dismissed him from his position.

A subsequent investigation commissioned by the university and led by former judge Mary Ellen Boyd concluded that the allegations against Galloway were unsubstantiated. The findings have since become an important part of the dispute surrounding the case.

Among those named in the defamation lawsuit is the person identified in court documents as A.B., who made the original allegations, along with individuals who repeated or shared the claims publicly.

The defendants argued that their statements were protected forms of expression and took the legal battle through the courts. The case eventually reached the Supreme Court of Canada, which declined to hear the matter after a lower court rejected arguments that the statements were protected under Canadian law.

The lower court raised concerns about the broader consequences of accepting the defendants’ position, noting that it could effectively prevent legal action over serious public accusations against individuals.

The trial now moves forward in British Columbia Supreme Court, where evidence and arguments surrounding the allegations and their publication are expected to be examined in detail.

The case has also seen developments shortly before the trial. Chelsea Rooney, one of the defendants, issued a public apology to Galloway over the weekend. She expressed regret for her involvement and acknowledged the harm caused by her actions.

The proceedings are expected to revisit the events that led to Galloway’s dismissal from UBC, the allegations made against him and the subsequent online discussion surrounding the case.

The trial could also raise broader questions about the balance between freedom of expression, public accusations and protection of an individual’s reputation under Canadian defamation law.

Courtesy: globalnews