The University of Memphis has released a statement dissociating itself from a sexually explicit video that was partially filmed on The U of M campus. Since being posted online on Monday, the video has been viewed more than 1.3 million times.
The statement reads: "If one or more of our students was involved, we want to send a strong message that the posting of this video is not in the best interest of those students. Items like this posted online have a long life, and can be seen by family, friends and potential future employers. We strongly urge our students to use good judgment and avoid allowing themselves to be portrayed in such a negative and exploitive light."
Linda Bonnin, U of M associate vice president of public relations and marketing, said The University neither knew about nor authorized filming of the video on campus.
"I have not seen the video and I don't want to, but from what I have heard about the tape, the first part was filmed at The University Center, but it is unclear where the actual sexual acts were filmed," she said.
In the video, a woman identifying herself as a sports and leisure management major at The U of M is seen outside the UC wearing a blue Memphis hooded sweatshirt.
The video then cuts to the woman performing a sexual act with an unidentified male and saying "Go Tigers."
Bonnin said that students she has talked to about the video were outraged that The University is being represented in a negative way.
"The majority of our students have strong morals and values," she said. "They do not behave in this manner, so this is not a fair representation of them."
The website hosting the video was inaccessible on The University's online network on Thursday.
