Keith Ervin, a Washington County, Tennessee, school board member, appears to have lost his re-election bid after a viral April 2 video showed him putting his arm around a teenage presenter and saying, “God, you're hot.” He has been charged with assault and censured by the school board. The student’s father publicly condemned Ervin’s conduct, and Ervin issued a brief apology, saying he is “not always good with words.” The incident drew widespread criticism and national attention after the clip circulated online.
Re-Election Falters After School Board Member Tells Teen ‘God, You’re Hot’ — Faces Assault Charge
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A Tennessee school board incumbent, Keith Ervin, appears to have lost his bid for re-election after a viral video captured him making a leering remark to a teenage presenter and placing his arm around her during a livestreamed April 2 Washington County school board meeting.
Local coverage from WCYB News 5 reported that Ervin, a Republican, finished behind three other candidates — two Republicans and a Democrat — in the recent election. The footage of the meeting shows Ervin smiling as he says on camera, “God, you're hot, you know that? Where do you go to school at?” while posing with the teen for a photo. The girl had just completed a presentation and was seated next to Ervin.
Following the incident, Ervin was charged with assault and was scheduled to appear in court on Friday, according to local station WSMV4. The school board formally censured him, and his remark drew swift condemnation from colleagues and members of the community.
“Let us be absolutely clear: We do not condone Keith Ervin's behavior in any way,” the student’s father wrote on social media, as reported by News Channel 11. “His actions — lewd gestures, a grossly inappropriate comment, and unwanted physical contact with a student — are unacceptable under any circumstance. Intent does not excuse impact. His refusal to acknowledge wrongdoing only deepens our concern. We do not believe he should be anywhere near students.”
Ervin later issued an apology, saying he is “not always good with words” and acknowledging why viewers reacted strongly to the viral clip. The episode prompted national attention after the video circulated online, and local officials emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the board’s rebuke.
Reporting note: The original report first appeared on Mediaite and was followed by local Tennessee outlets.
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