Harvard is facing backlash following a TikTok video by mattress actress Ari Kytsya, in which she talks about visiting Harvard to give a speech.
In her short video, Kytsya shows various scenes at the airport and in Boston, sharing her excitement about the invitation and describing the visit as one of her many trips to the universities.
@notburnttoasthehe I’m so excited 😋
♬ A Gentle Sunlight – James Quinn
“Guys, I’m flying to go speak at Harvard,” Kytsya states, “Somebody told me when I first started as a mattress actress that I would be going to speak at Harvard. I would think that they have something very wrong with them.”
At the same time, Kytsya denied the claims that she is trying to persuade college students to join the industry.
“I see so many comments of people assuming that I’m going to these schools and going to try to convert people and teach them how to be a BOP. And those are the exact people that I wish could come listen to these talks, because maybe hearing my perspective would change their mind a little bit.”
Additionally, she discussed the challenge of choosing clothes and her plans to shop upon arrival, stating that authenticity is vital to building a reputation.
“I’ve built everything that I’ve done on being very authentic, and wearing a suit is not really my vibe,” Kytsya said.
The social media star saw the invitation to give a talk as another step towards changing the perception of the adult entertainment industry.
“I really am so grateful that these schools are allowing people from the industry to come share perspectives, because it’s so important, we are such a huge industry that has so many misconceptions about us,” she states.
Her video provoked mixed reactions online and once again fueled the controversy surrounding the universities. Among other things, people criticized Kytsya for being invited to such an academic institution.
“This is the reason why we feel degrees mean less today, since a prostitute will be giving a lecture in one of the most prestigious universities in the world,” one of the people said.
Another person offered a religious point of view: “Online prostitution allows people who have never had any choices to make their own. In addition, social barriers have collapsed.”
Still, others were quite indifferent. “There are sex education courses in college. Hope it helps,” one user responded.
Harvard University representatives haven’t made any comments yet.
