We now have the details of John Furlong's lawsuit against the reporter and local newspaper that published allegations of physical and mental abuse against him.
Furlong's civil claim says the Sept. 27 report by Laura Robinson in the Georgia Straight is “false and defamatory.”
It says during his time as a teacher in Burns Lake in 1969, he “never engaged in abuse of his students,” nor did he “engage in bullying or racial taunting.”
The notice also claims Robinson “maliciously intended” to injure his reputation and cause him harm.
It says his family has suffered embarrassment, and he has lost income and earning capacity, claiming several previously scheduled speaking events have been cancelled.
Furlong is seeking damages, an apology and retraction.
None of the allegations have been proven in court. A statement of defense has not yet been filed.