From Nationalpost · · 1m 10s
Jamie Sarkonak Regrets Supporting Rape Accuser
Jamie Sarkonak, a former UBC creative writing student, now apologizes for falsely accusing Steven Galloway of rape in 2015.
In brief
Jamie Sarkonak, a former UBC creative writing student, now apologizes for falsely accusing Steven Galloway of rape in 2015. Jamie Sarkonak regrets her role in falsely accusing Steven Galloway of rape in 2015, leading to his defamation trial. Originally reported by Nationalpost.
Jamie Sarkonak's Role in 2015 Allegations
In 2015, Jamie Sarkonak circulated unproven allegations that UBC creative writing professor Steven Galloway raped a student.
“Jamie Sarkonak circulated the unproven allegations that Galloway had raped a student (which were later found to be unsubstantiated by a retired judge tasked with investigating the affair for UBC)”
Apology for Misguided Approach
Sarkonak admitted her understanding of the 'believe women' movement was 'misguided' and contributed to Galloway's reputation destruction.
“My position at the time was that an allegation was all that a person should require to come to the conclusion that an accused person was guilty”
Galloway's Defamation Trial
Sarkonak was one of several defendants in a 2018 defamation lawsuit to clear Galloway's name, with trial set for October 5, 2025.
“Rooney, an author, alumna of UBC’s creative writing program and one of Galloway’s former students, was one of the many defendants in a defamation lawsuit brought by the ex-professor in 2018 to clear his name”
Source of Allegations
A student known as A.B. told Sarkonak in 2015 she was raped by Galloway, without providing details.
“A.B. is the primary defendant in Galloway’s defamation trial, but she will not be testifying in court or defending her account of being raped, as truth”
Sarkonak's Apology Details
Sarkonak admitted she became involved without hearing Galloway's side and allowed past experiences to cloud her judgment.
“I became involved without having heard Mr. Galloway’s side of the story”
Settlement and Apologies
Sarkonak and others settled the defamation lawsuit with published apologies, with trial starting October 5, 2025.
“Rooney has officially settled (along with several others, whose apologies have also been published)”
The headline
Jamie Sarkonak regrets her role in falsely accusing Steven Galloway of rape in 2015, leading to his defamation trial.
