Steven Galloway testifies in B.C. defamation trial

Author and former University of British Columbia professor Steven Galloway testified in the British Columbia Supreme Court during his ongoing defamation trial. Galloway is suing to clear his name following a decade-old accusation of sexual assault that led to his suspension and termination from the university.

Galloway testified that his two-year relationship with the accuser, identified in court as A. B., was a consensual, though “inappropriate, ill-advised, and a stupid relationship.” He stated that the relationship involved “enthusiastic, ongoing consent” and that the accuser routinely sought contact.

In a related development, Justice Neena Sharma granted anonymity to the defendant, A. B., ruling that identifying her would pose objective harms and risks, consistent with protecting the privacy of sexual assault complainants. While the defendant has withdrawn her defense that her statements against Galloway were justified, she has not admitted the accusations are false. The court noted it cannot determine the truth or falsity of the allegations until all evidence is heard.