Former University Chancellor's OnlyFans Controversy
Joe Gow, the former Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, has been embroiled in controversy following revelations about his and his wife Carmen Wilson's activities on OnlyFans, where they share adult content under the username 'Sexy Happy Couple'. Gow, who has been at his position for 16 years, was dismissed after his annual salary was cut from over $250,000 to approximately $92,000 and he faces a major career shift.
The Couple's OnlyFans Presence
Gow and Wilson have attracted more than 10,000 subscribers on OnlyFans, charging fees ranging from $7.99 to $9.99 per month. They have reportedly invested over $80,000 in producing content for the platform. This venture into adult content creation became a topic of interest as Gow transitioned away from his academic role.
Allegations of Misconduct and University's Response
The situation escalated when interim Chancellor Betsy Morgan accused Gow in March of using university resources for creating pornography and engaging in conduct that could be considered unethical or illegal. Despite these serious claims, Gow has been placed on paid leave, with a hearing set for later this year to determine his return to teaching capabilities.
In defense, Gow stated that neither university property nor funds were used in their OnlyFans activities, asserting that there was no mention of the University of Wisconsin or his role within the content. He emphasized the separation between his professional role and personal activities on OnlyFans.
Reaction from University Authorities
The UW System Regents, led by President Karen Walsh, have expressed severe concerns about Gow's actions, viewing them as a betrayal of the trust placed in him by the university community. Walsh's comments highlighted a perceived disregard for his responsibilities at the academic institution.
Background and Earlier Controversies
This is not Gow's first controversy; in 2018 he faced backlash for allocating $5,000 from a discretionary fund to invite porn star Nina Hartley for a university speech, a decision he later apologized for after reimbursing the money due to the focus on Hartley’s adult entertainment background overshadowing her speech.
Broader Impact and Additional Ventures
Besides their OnlyFans page, Gow and Wilson are known on other adult platforms such as PornHub and XHamster, and have penned books under pseudonyms discussing how their engagement with adult content has influenced their relationship. One such publication, titled "Monogamy with Benefits: How Porn Enriches Our Relationship," explores the implications of their lifestyle becoming public knowledge within their professional circles.
With the crucial hearing on June 17 that will greatly affect Gow's academic and professional future, both the university community and the public eye are keenly watching the outcome. Gow plans to represent himself at this deciding juncture.
