# UBC Paid Accuser to Participate in Steven Galloway Inquiry Testimony reveals university funds supported accuser's legal and therapy costs during investigation. - **Source:** [The Globe and Mail – Canada](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/35a932b1-64b7-4e20-9f9b-1eb521077a46 ## Financial Support During Inquiry Testimony in the B.C. Supreme Court revealed that the University of British Columbia provided funds to an accuser, identified as A.B., to facilitate her participation in an independent investigation. Mandi Gray, a criminology professor, testified that these payments were intended to cover the student's legal fees and necessary therapy costs. ## Context of the Investigation The inquiry was launched in late 2015 after A.B. brought sexual assault and harassment allegations against Steven Galloway, then chair of the creative-writing program. Former B.C. Supreme Court justice Mary Ellen Boyd led the independent investigation. Galloway was suspended from his position at the university shortly after these allegations surfaced. ## Defamation Lawsuit Details Steven Galloway filed a defamation lawsuit in 2018 against nearly two dozen defendants, including A.B. and Mandi Gray. Galloway claims the allegations destroyed his reputation, career, and personal life. While many defendants have settled, the trial continues for A.B., Gray, Dana Kagis, and Glynnis Kirchmeier, who is representing herself in court. ## Nature of the Payments Mandi Gray testified that she discussed the university's financial arrangement with A.B. during late 2015. She confirmed that the funds were provided to help A.B. meaningfully participate in the Boyd investigation. Gray stated she did not know the specific total amount paid by the university to the former student for these purposes. ## Accuser's Legal Threats Court records indicate that A.B. previously threatened to sue the University of British Columbia for up to $3 million. Her potential claims included negligence and breach of contract. Justice Neena Sharma recently denied a media request to access documents regarding this draft statement of claim, citing ongoing legal proceedings and closing arguments. ## Mental Health and Testimony A.B. is not testifying at the current trial due to a prolonged mental health crisis, which her lawyers described as severe. Her legal team reported that she has made two suicide attempts this year. Consequently, her defense strategies regarding truth and fair comment were withdrawn at the start of the trial proceedings. ## Previous Financial Disputes The court previously heard that A.B. was awarded a $30,000 bursary after graduating in 2015. Steven Galloway testified that she was not entitled to this money. Mandi Gray stated during cross-examination that she was unsure if the bursary funds were identical to the payments provided by the university for the investigation. ## Broader Institutional Implications This trial highlights the complexities universities face when managing sexual misconduct allegations and internal investigations. The case underscores the tension between institutional transparency, the protection of complainants, and the rights of the accused. As the trial concludes, the legal outcomes may influence how academic institutions handle future internal misconduct inquiries. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ubc-paid-accuser-to-join-steven-galloway-inquiry-court-hears/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._