 On September 26, 2012, "The Georgia Straight" published an article that reported allegations that children in the 1970s were physically and mentally abused while Furlong was a missionary and physical education teacher at Immaculata Catholic School, a residential school, in Burns Lake.The article, by journalist Laura Robinson, was supported by over 45 statements, including eight affidavits.Robinson's response to Furlong's defamation action included additional allegations supported by witness statements that he emotionally, physically, and sexually abused his first wife.