The defamation trial against four individuals accused of falsely claiming former University of British Columbia (UBC) professor Steven Galloway sexually assaulted a former student, “AB,” commenced with Galloway’s wife, Katie Wagner, as the first witness. Wagner testified that Galloway learned of the accusation while speaking in Ohio in late 2015, leading to his hospitalization on 72-hour suicide watch. Galloway, a bestselling Canadian author, was terminated from his tenured professorship despite being cleared of criminal charges by a report from retired B.C. Supreme Court judge Mary Ellen Boyd. The subsequent online backlash, exacerbated by the report, took a toll on Galloway, prompting legal action for defamation damages.
The trial, initially projected for 60 days but now expected to last 20 days due to fewer defendants, addresses the spread of the sexual assault claim and its impact on Galloway’s personal and professional life. Despite efforts to settle or offer apologies, the legal battle reflects broader issues around freedom of speech and the consequences of public accusations. The trial’s proceedings shed light on the complexities of addressing allegations in the digital age and the lasting repercussions on individuals and families involved.