Lawyer says Galloway's accuser can't be blamed for the fallout, as defence opens in defamation trial

Background

Author and former UBC professor Steven Galloway is suing the woman who accused him of sexual assault, alleging defamation. He denies the allegations, and a former judge hired by the university found them unsubstantiated.

The fallout from the allegations "can't all be put at the feet of our client."

— Arden Beddoes, lawyer for the accuser

The court heard earlier this month that the woman no longer asserts in her defence that Galloway assaulted her, only that she reported it. She is not testifying, citing mental health struggles.

Galloway's lawyers closed their case Monday in B.C. Supreme Court. He testified earlier that he can no longer write and now sells boats for a living.