McGill Slams Dillon, Kollie Lies

Former Deputy Minister for Youth Development J. Bryant McGill has launched a scathing attack against Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon and activist Martin Kollie, accusing them of celebrating what he described as false allegations against him “in the name of advocacy.”

In a lengthy social media post, McGill said Liberia is “a very interesting country,” lamenting what he called public trial by radio, social media, and community gossip that he claims destroyed his reputation long before any investigation was concluded.

According to McGill, a Ministry of Youth and Sports security guard, Christopher Davis, allegedly took to radio stations to accuse him of serious wrongdoing, triggering nationwide outrage and public condemnation.

He said the accusations cost him his job and blocked his opportunities in the private sector, while his family continues to suffer stigma and emotional trauma.

McGill claimed that despite the public outrage, the Liberia National Police later conducted what he described as a “genuine, scientific investigation” that exonerated him.

He argued that the same people who supported the accusations have continued their lives without consequences, while he remains professionally damaged.

He further alleged that due to the stigma surrounding the case, he was recently denied the opportunity to attend the Global Labor Market Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; a development he said reflects how the allegations have affected his international reputation and career.

In his statement, McGill criticized what he called selective justice and public hypocrisy, asserting that being a public official should not disqualify someone from fairness and due process.

He accused Dillon, Kollie, and others of celebrating the allegations simply because they believed he should not have held his government position.

“I think justice shouldn’t be selective and not for some, but for all,” McGill wrote, insisting that the truth remains despite public opinion.

McGill’s comments come amid lingering controversy over allegations that emerged in August 2025, when he was accused of raping a 14-year-old girl, the daughter of a Ministry of Youth and Sports employee.

The allegations triggered national outrage, protests by civil society groups, and calls for his immediate suspension and prosecution.

Following the allegations, President Joseph Boakai suspended McGill from his post to ensure a fair and transparent investigation, citing the government’s zero-tolerance policy on sexual and gender-based violence.

The Liberia National Police confirmed it opened a formal investigation, interviewed witnesses, reviewed evidence, and sought forensic assistance, including DNA testing and phone record analysis, to determine the facts of the case.

The case quickly became one of Liberia’s most high-profile sexual abuse allegations involving a senior government official, drawing condemnation from activists, political actors, and human rights groups, who demanded accountability and equal application of the law.

During the height of the controversy, civil society organizations and political groups accused the government of shielding McGill and demanded his arrest, arguing that no official should be treated differently under the law.

The allegations also fueled intense public debate about sexual violence, government accountability, and the treatment of powerful suspects in Liberia’s justice system.

Media outlets, activists, and commentators widely discussed the case, which became a symbol of broader concerns about impunity.

Senator Dillon and activist Kollie, known for their outspoken advocacy on governance and human rights issues, were among public figures who commented on the case, contributing to the broader national conversation on accountability and justice.

In his latest statement, McGill said he consistently maintained his innocence and that the public refused to listen to his side.

He accused critics of politicizing the allegations and using them to destroy his career, while celebrating what he believes were false claims.

He argued that the stigma of the accusations continues to follow him, affecting his professional opportunities locally and internationally, and expressed frustration that those he accuses of lying have faced no consequences.

McGill’s accusations against Dillon and Kollie reflect deeper political and social divisions in Liberia, where allegations of sexual violence often intersect with political rivalries, advocacy campaigns, and public opinion battles.

The controversy highlights the tension between advocacy, due process, and public accountability in Liberia.

While activists and lawmakers argue that public pressure is necessary to ensure justice, accused officials often complain of trial by media and reputational destruction before legal processes are completed.

McGill’s statement underscores the lasting impact of allegations on public officials, even when investigations are ongoing or inconclusive, raising questions about how society balances victims’ rights, public interest, and the presumption of innocence.

The debates continue, the case remains a significant example of Liberia’s struggle with justice, public trust, and the role of advocacy in shaping national narratives.