Louisiana State University is pushing back against a viral social media post that spread rapidly across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms, claiming a person convicted of multiple violent sexual offenses had been admitted to the university.

The post gained significant traction after being shared by bloggers and later amplified by large social media personalities and influencers. As it circulated, many parents, students, and alumni expressed concern, particularly with thousands of students preparing to move into campus housing for the start of the fall semester.

The viral post alleged that an individual convicted of numerous felony sexual offenses had completed the terms of a plea agreement, had the case discharged and the record expunged, and was "expected to attend Louisiana State University."

The Claims That Went Viral

The widely shared post claimed the individual entered a no contest plea as a youthful offender to 11 felony counts, including:

  • Attempted First Degree Rape (2 counts)
  • Rape by Instrumentation (3 counts)
  • Forcible Oral Sodomy
  • Sexual Battery
  • Domestic Assault and Battery by Strangulation (2 counts)
  • Domestic Assault and Battery
  • Violation of a Protective Order

The post also referenced allegations from investigators and court records involving one victim who was allegedly strangled unconscious, revived, and strangled again while the assault was reportedly recorded on a cellphone.

It concluded by warning that because the individual's criminal record had been expunged, "public awareness shouldn't be," suggesting students and parents deserved to know before arriving on campus.

LSU Says The Claims Are False

On Thursday morning, LSU issued a public statement directly addressing the viral allegations.

According to the university:

"We are aware of a social media post circulating that alleges LSU has admitted an individual convicted of a violent sexual offense.

This claim is false.

LSU has no record of this individual in our admissions system, nor do we have any indication that the individual plans to enroll or attend the university.

We encourage the public to rely on verified information and refrain from sharing misinformation."

The university's statement leaves little room for interpretation, saying the individual identified in the viral post is not in LSU's admissions system and there is no indication they intend to attend the university.

Parents Were Understandably Concerned

The timing of the viral claims added to the anxiety.

With move-in season approaching and many families preparing to send their children to Baton Rouge for the first time, the post spread quickly across South Louisiana, prompting thousands of comments, shares, and discussions online.

Many people who reshared the information appeared to do so believing they were helping protect students by increasing awareness.

However, LSU says the central claim behind those warnings is not true.

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The Original Posts Remain Online

Despite LSU's official statement, the original posts continue to circulate across multiple social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

The situation serves as another reminder of how quickly unverified information can spread online, particularly when it involves emotionally charged topics like campus safety.

While many people who shared the posts likely did so with good intentions, LSU is urging the public to rely on verified information rather than viral claims.

For now, the university says the rumors can be put to rest: the individual referenced in the viral posts has not been admitted to LSU, and the university has no record indicating they plan to enroll.

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