Yes, he lied about corporal punishment. The following is part of what he said -
In relation to Proverbs 13:34 about 'whoever holds back his rod hates his son he was questioned and responded "It absolutely is not about inflicting corporal punishment" Then he was asked "Do you accept corporal punishment' and he replies "No" ..."Not personally, no, and not as an organization, we don't encourage it"
For years the organization has referred to the rod of discipline being physical punishment and also includes other forms of discipline or teaching.
W 0611/1
With regard to discipline, the Bible states: “The rod and reproof are what give wisdom.” (Proverbs 29:15) However, not all children need physical punishment. Proverbs 17:10 tells us: “A rebuke works deeper in one having understanding than striking a stupid one a hundred times.”
They have never said that Prov 13:34 does not include the use of corporal punishment.
The above Watchtower quote also promotes the idea of physical punishment. It simply says it may not always be needed. Which is not the same as not encouraging it because it is doing that very thing.
It doesn't matter if he accepts it or doesn't, that may well be true that he doesn't we wouldn't know if he was lying about that or not but we do know what the organizations view is and they encourage it but with the qualifier of it not being required all the time.
.