Author Steven Galloway's Defamation Lawsuit Headed to Trial
News Reports and Commentary Selected by Franklin Carter of the Book and Periodical Council’s Freedom of Expression Committee.
In British Columbia, a defamation lawsuit filed by author Steven Galloway against a woman he says falsely accused him of sexual and physical assaults can go to trial.
Galloway, who was once chair of the University of British Columbia’s creative writing program, filed the lawsuit three years ago.
The woman’s identity is protected by a publication ban, but she is referred to in court documents as A.B. Galloway’s lawsuit also names more than 20 other defendants.
In the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Madam Justice Elaine Adair ruled on December 2, 2021, that Galloway v. A.B. could proceed to trial.
THE JUDGE’S RULING
Read Madam Justice Adair’s decision:
2021 BCSC 2344 (CanLII) | Galloway v A.B | CanLII
REPORTAGE
Jason Proctor of CBC News reports:
The Canadian Press reports:
Author Steven Galloway's defamation lawsuit can continue to trial: B.C. judge | CBC News
In the Vancouver Sun, Keith Fraser reports:
https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/judge-dismisses-anti-slapp-lawsuit-against-former-ubc-prof-steven-galloway
In the Toronto Star, Alex McKeen reports:
Former UBC professor allowed to continue defamation suit | The Star
In 2016, The Globe and Mail published Marsha Lederman’s feature-length report about the dispute:
COMMENTARY
In the National Post, Adam Zivo writes:
THE OPEN LETTER OF 2016
“An Open Letter to UBC: Steven Galloway’s Right to Due Process” appeared in late 2016. Numerous Canadian authors signed the letter. Since then a few authors have retracted their signatures, but other authors have added theirs.
http://www.ubcaccountable.com/open-letter/steven-galloway-ubc/
The Book and Periodical Council was formed in 1975 as the Book and Periodical Development Council to provide a venue for members to discuss industry issues, address mutual concerns and undertake projects for the benefit of Canadian writing and publishing.