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- calendar_today October 9, 2026
Steven Galloway Breaks Down on the Stand
Author and former University of British Columbia creative writing professor Steven Galloway appeared visibly emotional in B.C. Supreme Court on Thursday as he continued his testimony in his ongoing defamation trial. Galloway stated that after unproven allegations of sexual assault surfaced in 2015, not only was his academic and literary career derailed, but he also lost his ability to write novels.
Defamation Lawsuit Against Former Student and Others
The case revolves around a lawsuit brought by Galloway after a former student, known in court as A.B., accused him of sexual assault. According to testimony, these allegations, along with their spread on social media, led to Galloway’s removal from his role as a UBC professor and triggered widespread professional fallout.
Impact on Writing Career and Personal Well-Being
Galloway told the court that writing had been the “greatest part” of his life, but he can no longer do it. Reflecting on his stalled career, he said royalty income from his books has collapsed to a fraction of previous levels—about $5,000 to $10,000 per year—and he has not been invited to any speaking engagements since the allegations became public. He described the process as having his “humanity torn apart.”
At the time the accusations surfaced, Galloway was working on a comedy novel as part of a three-book deal with a major publisher, and plans were underway for a paperback release of his earlier novel The Confabulist.
Social Media Backlash and Literary Community Division
Galloway spoke extensively about the social consequences following the publication of an open letter criticizing UBC's handling of the misconduct case against him. The letter, published as "UBC Accountable" in November 2016, included high-profile signatories such as Margaret Atwood, but Galloway said that many later withdrew their support due to intense criticism and online harassment. He testified that jobs and friendships were lost, and signatories suffered both socially and professionally.
The “UBC Accountable” hashtag became widely used online and, according to Galloway, became an “all-encompassing” label connected to his name. He described feeling disgust, dismay, and horror at the thousands of hostile tweets directed at him and his supporters.
Media Scrutiny and Attempts to Combat Public Vilification
Galloway recounted being contacted persistently by journalists in the wake of the allegations. He gave a single interview to Globe and Mail columnist Gary Mason in hopes it would lessen the media scrutiny, but testified that the coverage only made matters worse. He described his experience as public vilification: "When a mob starts coming for you, it doesn't matter what you do."
He disputed media reports about a writing festival, specifically refuting an article in The Walrus that claimed he received a standing ovation, stating he contacted the magazine to challenge the inaccuracy and decrying what he felt was a mischaracterization of the Canadian literary scene.
Current Employment and Ongoing Struggles
After leaving UBC and not being reinstated following an arbitration award, Galloway said he would not have returned to the university regardless of the financial incentive. He noted that he took on other work such as cleaning and fixing swimming pools, writing marketing ads, and is currently employed as a boat broker.
In recent developments, the lawyer for Galloway’s accuser told the court that her defense now centers on having reported the assaults, rather than asserting their occurrence. The defamation trial continues as both sides present their cases and address the broader impacts on Galloway's reputation, career, and personal life.
Source: cbc.ca.
