UBC professor testifies that police call to author was an act of care

University of British Columbia creative writing professor Annabel Lyon testified that a 911 call placed on behalf of author Steven Galloway was made out of concern for his safety. Lyon said Galloway, who was under investigation for unproven sexual-assault allegations, told her on the phone that he wanted to kill himself. A colleague then called emergency services, and police arrived at Galloway’s hotel room in Ohio, after which he was taken to a hospital in the United States.

Lyon described the call as “an act of care,” adding that she felt relief knowing he was safe for the night. She explained that she had been instructed not to communicate further with Galloway, but answered his call because university administrators warned that inaction could leave them with a guilty conscience.

The testimony came in a defamation lawsuit filed by Galloway against his accuser, identified only as A.B., and other parties. Galloway, author of The Cellist of Sarajevo, denies the allegations and has described his hospitalization as “terrifying.”

Lyon, now director of UBC’s school of creative writing, said she first learned of the allegations in November 2015 and participated in meetings to decide how to respond. She said the university asked her to act as a neutral liaison between the accuser and other students gathering complaints. Lyon also noted that she believed a suspension of Galloway would encourage others to come forward.

The case continues in the British Columbia Supreme Court.