Star and executive producer of MTV show Catfish Yaniv ‘Nev’ Schulman has been accused of sexual misconduct.
The accusations come from Ayissha Morgan, a woman who appeared in Season 4 of Catfish. Morgan uploaded two videos to her Youtube channel claiming she was sexually harassed during filming.
Ayissha Morgan’s Youtube channel.
Morgan used the pseudonym of “Jack” to describe Schulman’s behaviour. She alleges he aggressively pursued her, made comments about her sexuality, and suggested she should have sex with him.
“I don’t think you’re a lesbian. You need to let me take you out,” she says the “main person” on the show told her.
“He was like, ‘Well, I think you should try it. I have a big dick. I would tear your ass up,’” she said.
Ayissha Morgan’s Youtube channel.
MTV has suspended filming of Catfish while they conduct an investigation into the claims.
“We take these allegations very seriously,” an MTV spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday.
“We’re working with Critical Content, our third party production company, to conduct a thorough investigation and we’ve put a pause on shooting until the investigation is completed.”
Ayissha Morgan’s Youtube channel.
Schulman has also released a statement denying the claims. He told Variety:
“The behavior described in this video did not happen and I’m fortunate that there are a number of former colleagues who were present during this time period who are willing to speak up with the truth. I have always been transparent about my life and would always take responsibility for my actions — but these claims are false.”
Schulman is no stranger to controversy. In 2014, he admitted to punching a woman while he was attending Sarah Lawrence College.
He claims the incident which took place back in 2006 was an act of self-defence. The woman claiming to be his victim told a very different story.
Something definitely feels a little fishy here.
Morgan has expressed that she’s not after money or attention, she simply wants to spread awareness.
Ayissha Morgan’s Youtube channel.
“With so many girls still doing the show, I would feel like a jackass if I hadn’t said anything,” she said.
Catfish – a show about lies and the lying liars who tell them – is currently heading into its eighth season.