Atwood gives press a scolding for Galloway coverage failures

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 17, 2026

Margaret Atwood criticized Canadian media for their slow and insufficient coverage of the Steven Galloway controversy during a Toronto charity gala, urging journalists to uphold fair reporting and due process. She also condemned the University of British Columbia for mishandling the case and warned about the dangers of public condemnation without trial, highlighting broader challenges in maintaining journalistic integrity.

At a recent charity gala in Toronto, acclaimed Canadian author Margaret Atwood publicly criticized the country’s media for its delayed and inadequate coverage of the controversy surrounding writer and former professor Steven Galloway. Speaking at an event hosted by Journalists for Human Rights, Atwood urged journalists to reflect on their responsibilities to fair reporting and due process, particularly concerning Galloway’s dismissal and the subsequent legal battles.

Galloway was suspended and ultimately terminated by the University of British Columbia following allegations of sexual assault made by a former student, along with other complaints of misconduct. A judicial review later determined, on a balance of probabilities, that he had not committed sexual assault. Galloway was awarded $167,000 by UBC in arbitration and initiated a lawsuit in 2018. Currently, a civil trial is underway in Vancouver, examining his libel claim against four women in relation to the events dating back to 2015—a period coinciding with the broader cultural reckoning on sexual violence in Canada that preceded the Jian Ghomeshi criminal trial.

Atwood, who once taught at UBC, has been vocal in defending Galloway’s right to due process. She was among dozens of prominent Canadian arts figures who signed a 2016 letter titled UBC Accountable, supporting transparent investigation procedures. At the gala, she also criticized UBC for its role, alleging that the university mishandled public funds by financially supporting Galloway’s accuser, now one of the defendants in the civil suit, despite not being a party to the trial itself. Atwood described the university’s actions as hasty and lacking due diligence, contributing to the destruction of Galloway’s reputation.

During her remarks, Atwood warned against the dangers of public “mobs” whose condemnation often precedes any fair trial or investigation. Drawing parallels to historic and modern social movements, she highlighted how just causes can sometimes fuel “hate-filled, vicious piling on” that undermines principles of justice.

Beyond the Galloway case, Atwood addressed the broader challenges facing the journalism industry, noting that economic constraints have made legacy media more cautious, if not timid, in pursuing investigative reporting. She suggested that this reticence emboldens those in power who seek to suppress critical voices.

The gala also featured presentations from notable journalists including BBC chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet and former CTV National News anchor Lisa LaFlamme. The event was held at the Arcadian Court ballroom atop the Simpson’s department store building near Toronto’s Old City Hall, a venue Atwood referenced with a nod to her Booker Prize-winning novel The Blind Assassin.

Atwood’s speech, delivered to an audience of leading Canadian media figures, underscored the enduring importance of upholding human rights, ensuring fair legal processes, and maintaining journalistic integrity amid complex and often contentious public debates.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.