OnlyFans creator Ari Kytsya sparked campus-wide debate after drawing a crowd of roughly 1,200 students for a guest lecture at the University of Washington.
According to University Times, the talk, part of a course exploring digital culture and modern labor, quickly became one of the semester's most discussed events—and not just for its turnout.
Kytsya’s invitation raised eyebrows long before she arrived on campus. Some faculty questioned whether a figure known primarily for subscription-based adult content aligned with the university’s academic mission, while students split between curiosity and concern. The large lecture hall sold out almost instantly, fueling even more conversation online as clips circulated in real time.
During the session, Kytsya walked students through the less visible side of building a digital career—from strategy and brand control to the emotional work that goes into maintaining an online identity.
She discussed entrepreneurship in creator spaces, the volatility of platform-based income, and the long-term consequences of working in adult content.
According to attendees, Kytsya emphasized the importance of intention, saying that anyone considering the industry should understand its permanence and the demands it entails.
Students asked about everything from safety in digital labor to managing relationships in the public eye. Kytsya also spoke about her partnership with rapper Yung Gravy, describing their communication style and how they navigate attention together.
Outside the lecture hall, discourse escalated. Commenters questioned whether a university setting was appropriate for the conversation, while others argued that ignoring emerging digital industries is out of step with where many students are heading professionally.
The professor who invited Kytsya later addressed the backlash, explaining the decision in a lengthy Instagram statement.
“My class had the chance to hear from Ari Kytsya, someone who understandably sparks mixed reactions, but whose voice and lived experience are essential in any honest conversation about sexuality, labor, and the realities of today’s digital landscape,” the instructor wrote.
The professor highlighted Kytsya’s transparency about navigating scams, building financial stability, and defining boundaries in spaces that often lack them.
They noted that Kytsya distinguished her work from mainstream adult entertainment, pointing to creator-controlled content and consent-driven production as key differences.
“Conversations like this expand empathy, challenge assumptions, and remind us that sexuality, relationships, and labor are more complex than the stereotypes we inherit,” the post added.