Fake Video Involving a Faculty Member Resolved

Last spring, we shared details of a case in which a former student was found by independent investigators to have made false and defamatory statements about a Bentley professor by creating a “deepfake” video containing fake audio and manipulated images. This video had been disseminated on social media platforms and falsely portrayed the faculty member making offensive comments. This type of egregious conduct directed toward a member of our community was abhorrent and could not be tolerated. Following the independent investigation, the university and the professor filed a lawsuit to redress the harm done to the professor and the university; ensure that this destructive, fake video was no longer distributed; and defend our professor’s reputation.

In February, the Massachusetts Superior Court ruled in favor of our professor and the university, and the case is now closed. The court, like the independent investigator, found that the video was false and defamatory. The former student was found liable for defamation of the professor and university and for intentionally causing stress to the professor, and was ordered to pay significant damages. The former student has also been forbidden from posting, reposting or further disseminating the fake video.

We are glad that this matter is resolved, and we hope that it serves as an important reminder of how we engage in conversations and deal with conflict within our community. Disagreements and disputes should never result in personal attacks on one’s character. I want to stress that when malicious and slanderous attacks take place, Bentley will take measures to defend members of our community and hold those responsible accountable. Members of our community should always respect one another and never resort to making false or damaging claims.

Thank you for doing your part to support academic integrity and treating those within our community with decency and respect.