A prominent university in the United States has found itself at the centre of a fierce online debate after inviting an adult performer to address students. TikTok creator and adult content star Ari Kytsya faced significant backlash for delivering a speech during a guest lecture at the University of Washington.
Mixed Reactions to a Controversial Guest
The incident occurred on November 17, when Dr. Nicole McNichols, a psychology professor, asked the viral sensation to speak with her Diversity of Human Sexuality class. The course, which had 1,200 students enrolled, aimed to discuss themes of 'sexuality, labor, and the realities of today’s digital landscape,' according to the professor's social media post.
Kytsya, who is 24 years old, answered questions from the large class about sex work, social media, and her budding relationship with rapper Yung Gravy. Dr. McNichols acknowledged that the guest lecturer 'understandably sparks mixed reactions' but expressed that she was 'so grateful' Kytsya shared her personal story.
Online Fury and Academic Debate
Much of the internet, however, was less than thrilled by the influencer's foray into academics. Critics were quick to share their disapproval across social media platforms.
Under one video shared from a student's perspective, commenters slammed the institution and the professor for 'normalising' adult content. One comment read, 'This is beyond sad,' while another declared, 'How? Why? America is doomed.' A third person chimed in, stating, 'I kinda enjoy her TikTok content but universities used to be a place to share knowledge and push science forward, this is just… so shameful.'
The discourse continued on X (formerly Twitter), where users disparaged the university for allowing Kytsya into the classroom. One post read, 'Porn stars are being invited to universities. Yeah I'm not going in debt for that.' Another said, 'Imagine paying to go to college just for some w**** to show up and u have to sit there and listen to her.' A third comment added, 'Everyone who attended that class is brain dead.'
Intentions and Industry Realities
Ahead of her guest appearance, Kytsya, whose real name is Ariel Danyluk, admitted in a video to feeling 'very socially anxious'. Despite her nerves, she felt it was crucial to participate. 'But I also think education in the industry is so important,' she stated. 'There's a lot more to it than just making movies.'
According to the university's website, the course was designed to consider the 'biological, psychological, and socio-cultural determinants of human sexuality and sexual behavior'. Kytsya told Fox News that she took the opportunity so students could 'see a different perspective from a real person in the industry'.
Despite accusations that her presence promoted sex work, the Seattle native insisted her goal was to offer transparency. 'My hope was to simply share my experiences in the industry — the good, the bad and the ugly,' she explained. She is often transparent on her social media about the dangers of the profession and proudly refers to herself as 'a mattress actress'.
Dr. McNichols revealed that the OnlyFans model's key advice to any student considering sex work was to 'only do it if there is truly nothing else you want to do, because once your content is out there, it will follow you'.
The professor defended the decision, adding that 'Conversations like this expand empathy, challenge assumptions, and remind us that sexuality, relationships, and labor are always more complex, human, and nuanced than the stereotypes we inherit.'
Kytsya began her career as an influencer in 2016 and has since amassed 645,000 likes on OnlyFans and almost five million followers on TikTok. The Daily Mail has contacted Kytsya, Dr. McNichols, and the University of Washington for further comment.
