A University of Washington professor has defended her decision to invite prominent OnlyFans creator Ari Kytsya as a guest speaker in her human sexuality course, sparking both attention and debate across academic circles.
Educational Value Defended
Dr. Nicole McNichols, who teaches Psych 210: The Diversity of Human Sexuality at the University of Washington, stood by her invitation to the adult content creator. The professor emphasized that bringing Kytsya to campus was not an endorsement of any particular career path but rather an educational opportunity for students.
In an Instagram post following the November 2025 lecture, Dr. McNichols wrote that Kytsya's voice and lived experience are essential in honest conversations about sexuality, labor, and today's digital landscape. The discussion covered both challenges and successes in Kytsya's career, providing students with candid insights into the adult content industry.
Creator's Perspective and Experience
The 24-year-old content creator, who began as an Instagram influencer in 2016 before transitioning to OnlyFans, spoke openly about her work during the lecture. She clarified that she was sharing personal experiences rather than representing the entire adult content industry.
Kytsya told Fox News Digital that she made it clear from the beginning that she was sharing only her opinions and experiences. She emphasized that her presentation wasn't meant to teach facts but to provide personal insights that might differ from others in the industry.
Dr. McNichols highlighted how Kytsya distinguished her work from mainstream pornography, noting that OnlyFans often features real people with real bodies creating content on their own terms, unlike some commercial pornography that portrays women in unrealistic scenarios.
University Stands Behind Decision
Following online criticism, the University of Washington reaffirmed the educational context of the visit. University spokesperson Victor Balta stated that Psychology 210 is a course on human sexuality that includes discussion of ethical pornography and aims to eradicate shame while encouraging open conversations about sex.
Balta emphasized that the course is a 200-level class and all enrolled students are adults capable of engaging with the material critically. Dr. McNichols echoed this sentiment, describing OnlyFans as a multibillion-dollar part of today's sexual media landscape that deserves examination in academic settings.
The professor explained that including voices from spaces where people actually engage with sexuality is crucial for honest and informed conversations. She described the lecture as an opportunity for students to think critically about the world around them, grounded in real human stories rather than abstract theories.
Kytsya also shared insights into her personal life during the lecture, including her relationship with rapper Yung Gravy. Dr. McNichols noted that hearing about how the couple communicates and navigates their public lives together was a highlight for many students in the room.