Trial to start where former UBC professor alleges defamation

A trial is set to commence in B.C. Supreme Court on Monday, where former University of British Columbia professor Steven Galloway alleges he was defamed through false accusations of sexual assault. Galloway, who served as a tenured professor and chaired the creative writing program at UBC, was never charged with the alleged crime but was nonetheless fired from his position.

The university's report, conducted by former judge Mary Ellen Boyd, found the accusations against Galloway to be unsubstantiated. The defamation suit, involving Galloway, his accuser identified as A.B., and those who disseminated the allegations online, was brought before the Supreme Court of Canada. The plaintiffs argued that their accusations were protected speech, but the High Court declined to hear the case, citing that if their arguments were accepted, "there would be no legal consequences" for publicly calling someone a rapist.

Chelsea Rooney, one of the defendants in the case, recently issued a comprehensive apology to Galloway, expressing genuine remorse for her role in causing him harm.