Steven Galloway Testifies Career Fell After Allegations in B.C. Trial

Former University of British Columbia creative writing professor Steven Galloway told the B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver that allegations of sexual assault made public in 2015 damaged his career, writing ability and income as he testified in his defamation lawsuit against A.B. and other defendants.

Galloway, who denied the allegations, said his book royalties fell sharply and that he has not returned to writing since the dispute became public. The trial follows his lawsuit against A.B. and three other remaining defendants after most original defendants settled.

Galloway described writing as central to his life during testimony about the impact of the allegations and his departure from UBC.

"I just can’t do it anymore. I wish I could," Galloway said.

He told the court that his income from book royalties had fallen to about $5,000 to $10,000 annually, according to his testimony. He also said a planned three-book publishing agreement collapsed after the controversy emerged.

Galloway said his novel The Confabulist had been affected because its paperback release coincided with the public allegations.

"Cellist was a zeitgeist book, and this was just a book," Galloway said.

"It had a paperback life without an author," Galloway said.

During cross-examination, lawyers questioned whether his sales decline had begun before the allegations. Galloway disputed that argument and maintained the public fallout caused the collapse of his literary career.

Galloway also discussed the online criticism surrounding the UBC Accountable letter and the reactions faced by supporters of the university's handling of the case.

"I, like every writer, got plenty of bad reviews, and it ruins your lunch, but not your supper," Galloway said.

"I've never had my humanity torn apart the way this process has done that," Galloway said.

The court heard that the allegations led to public criticism, the end of professional relationships and changes in Galloway's work. He said he later worked in landscaping, pool maintenance, online advertising and now works as a boat broker.

"One thing I've learned through all this is that when a mob starts coming for you, it doesn't matter what you do," Galloway said.

Galloway was questioned about his relationship with A.B., a former student, and his conduct before his suspension from UBC. He acknowledged that he had an affair with A.B. and said he regretted cheating on his wife.

"I should not have been cheating on my wife and I should not have been doing it with a student," Galloway said.

The court heard that a university investigation found the sexual assault allegations could not be established on a balance of probabilities, but Galloway was later dismissed for breach of trust. He was never charged with a crime.

A.B.'s lawyer said the defence no longer argues that Galloway committed sexual assault, but that she reported alleged assaults. The trial is scheduled to continue with further cross-examination from the defendants' lawyers.