A former University of Wisconsin president who appeared in an adult video that mixed erotic images with a love of vegan cooking said Sunday that the content has taken a heavy toll on him personally and professionally.
“It's so sad to see some people abandon us. We've lost a friend.” Joe Gow Said British Times.
Mr. Gow, 63, was suspended from his job as president of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in December after a pornographic video of him and his wife, Carmen Wilson, came to light.
The couple, who married in 2014 and have been making porn for years, began posting videos to their “Sexy Happy Couple” YouTube account earlier that month, where they prepared vegan recipes to share with viewers.
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Joe Gow and Carmen Wilson married in 2014, but they faced backlash for their adult-oriented vegan cooking videos. (Twitter/Joe Gow)
The videos often featured well-known adult film stars and promoted more explicit versions such as those found on adult sites.
In one episode of the series posted on YouTube, porn star Lauren Phillips is shown flirting with a couple in the kitchen, and at one point a sexual interaction with a previous couple ends with a vegan pizza served to her. He commented that it was just as delicious.
Gau's colleagues condemned the online content, which ultimately led to a statement from University of Wisconsin System Chancellor Jay Rothman.
“We recently learned of certain conduct by Dr. Gow that caused significant reputational harm to the university. His conduct was abhorrent,” Rothman said.
Rothman also revealed that as a tenured faculty member, Gow will be placed on paid administrative leave as he transitions to a full professor role.
However, the University of Wisconsin's Board of Trustees unanimously decided to review Gau's term and dismiss him as president, citing his “reckless disregard for his assigned role.”
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“Sexy Happy Couple” stars Joe Gow and Carmen Wilson eat vegan pizza with Lauren Phillips. (Sexy happy couple/Screenshot)
When asked about the school's response, Gou said, “My wife and I live in a country with the First Amendment.''
Mr. Gow was not told what policies he had violated and was not given the opportunity to make his case or speak at a public hearing, making it difficult for him to consider filing a lawsuit against the university. He said there was.
Mr Gow, who was president of the university for 17 years, said he was “abandoned” by some close friends and colleagues after the couple's side business became known. He also claimed that the local newspaper was preparing to name him “Person of the Year” before the controversy.
“It's interesting. I used to be admired by everyone, but now I'm criticized, which is really unusual,” he said.
Mr. Gou acknowledged that some people are interested in the Gows' hobbies, but others have vowed never to speak to them again.
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Joe Gow and his wife Carmen Wilson teach porn stars Mia Malkova and Danny Mountain how to make bangers and mash. (Sexy and happy couple/screenshot)
“It's difficult for my family to react,” Wilson said, adding that her mother “wasn't too thrilled” to hear the news.
The couple also revealed that they spent about $100,000 on holiday travel over the years to fund their adult content.
Regardless of the outcry, Gow said her only regret was “self-censoring” that part of her life for so long.
“We are dealing with consensual adult sexuality. The Regents are overreacting. They are certainly not living up to their own commitments to free speech and the First Amendment.” he added.
In 2018, Gow caused controversy by paying an adult film star to give a speech about pornography on campus.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
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