In yet another blow in a years-long pattern of harassment, the latest development in Dr. Carin Bondar’s case reveals just how much she has been made to withstand in her fight to stand up against misogyny, sexism and gender-based harassment.
On Monday November 24, Barry Neufeld was taken into custody under a court-ordered committal after repeatedly refusing to comply with the defamation judgment he lost in 2024—and again on appeal in 2025.
For Bondar, a scientist and storyteller with an international career on a global stage, the moment is not victory. It is another reminder of how Neufeld has continued to attack her character, mislead the courts, and evade responsibility, dragging this harassment out far longer than anyone should ever have to endure.
“Mr. Neufeld created a controversy over a woman teaching science. Now it’s time for accountability. If you use your platform to harass women, queer people, trans people, or anyone, you will be challenged. Eventually, you will face the consequences of the harm you caused.” — Dr. Carin Bondar
Bondar emphasizes that, for her, this was never a political dispute or a simple disagreement. Neufeld’s misogynistic attacks in the public sphere are a deliberate attempt to discredit a woman for speaking openly about science.
“My PhD is rooted in the evolutionary biology of reproduction. These are academic fields. They are not shameful. Being a woman, a science communicator and a politician should not make me a target. But Neufeld decided that attacking my gender, my body, and my integrity was easier than engaging with evidence.”
Bondar notes that her experience is part of a wider trend. International research shows that more than 80% of women elected officials worldwide endure psychological violence, with sexualized misinformation becoming one of the most common tools used to silence them. A Guardian analysis of global data this year reported that women politicians face an “explosion” of online and in-person abuse designed to intimidate women out of public leadership.
“Women in politics around the world are being targeted. I had an opportunity to hold him accountable and I took it. I did this for every woman and gender diverse person who has ever had to absorb the damage in silence”
Bondar adds that, despite winning her case and winning the appeal, the cost was steep — emotionally, professionally and financially. Bondar remains responsible for the entire cost because Neufeld has evaded responsibility. To date, holding Neufeld accountable has cost her over $50 thousand.
“I am a scientist, a mother, a leader, and an educator. I should be spending my time teaching, researching, parenting and serving my community, not having to defend myself against fabricated attacks designed to humiliate me. This is why accountability matters. Because the cost is real.”
Instead of allowing this defamation to define her legacy, Dr. Bondar is transforming her ordeal into something powerful: A one-woman show titled “Adventures in Wild Sex” — combining scientific storytelling, comedy and musical parody to weave the tale of her unexpected trajectory.
“Women are punished for talking about sex, while men in politics have felt entitled to weaponize it. This show is my answer to that. It’s me taking back every inch of space that someone tried to shame me out of.”
Through spoken word, multi-media mashups and biting wit, Dr. Bondar refashions her experience as a celebration of biology, feminism and unapologetic excellence.
Carin’s story, Adventures in Wild Sex, unfolds: April 1 and 2, 2026 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
Bondar hopes the show will inspire people, especially young women, queer kids and future scientists who have ever been shamed out of showing up fully as themselves.
“Nobody gets to define you with lies. Nobody gets to weaponize your work against you. And nobody gets to take your voice and walk away clean. Not anymore.”
Carin Bondar holds a PhD in Biology from the University of British Columbia and is an internationally recognized science communicator whose work has appeared on Discovery, PBS, Netflix, National Geographic, Science Channel and Nature. She is the author of Wild Sex and Wild Moms, an instructor of science communication at UFV and the University of Manitoba and an elected School Trustee for SD33. Bondar recently joined the board of the National Center for Science Education (USA) and is chair of the board at the Great Blue Heron Nature reserve. She is a mom to four teenagers, two dogs and two cats.
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