An Ontario university has taken a popular YouTube creator to court after a series of viral prank videos filmed on its campus without permission sparked disruption claims, legal threats, and a wider debate over the growing culture of “clout-chasing” content online.
Court documents show that Ontario Tech University in Oshawa has filed a lawsuit against YouTuber Fique Ayub, accusing him of trespassing and staging a series of disruptive prank scenarios inside campus facilities, later published online and amplified across social media platforms, where they reportedly attracted millions of views.
The university alleges that the content creator repeatedly filmed inside lecture halls, interrupting academic sessions with exaggerated performances designed to provoke reactions and boost engagement. One incident highlighted in the filing reportedly involved a staged “cooking class” interruption inside a lecture theatre, which the institution says disrupted teaching activities and caused distress among students and staff.
According to Ontario Tech, the videos were not harmless entertainment but deliberate acts carried out for online monetization, turning academic spaces into backdrops for viral content without authorization.
As part of its legal action, the university is asking the court to bar the creator from entering campus premises and is also seeking the recovery of profits earned from the videos. It argues that the YouTuber financially benefited from what it describes as unauthorized use of university property and disruption of its academic environment.
The lawsuit further seeks damages, including punitive compensation and revenue-related claims tied to the popularity of the viral content.
Despite the controversy, the videos in question have significantly boosted the creator’s online presence, helping him build a large audience across YouTube and short-form platforms where prank-style content continues to thrive.
However, in response to the allegations, Ayub has reportedly denied wrongdoing in court filings, maintaining that his videos are intended as comedic and satirical performances rather than disruptive acts. He has also challenged the university’s position on ownership and profit claims.
The case has reignited conversation around the blurred line between entertainment and intrusion, particularly as more creators push boundaries by filming staged or disruptive content in public and institutional spaces to chase viral success.
Legal experts say the outcome could set an important precedent for how universities and similar institutions regulate filming on campus, especially when content is monetised and distributed widely online.
For now, Ontario Tech maintains that its priority is preserving a safe and uninterrupted learning environment while pursuing the matter through the courts.
