College bars public from porn star talk

PASADENA, Calif., Feb. 27 (UPI) -- A California college decreed the public was barred from a lecture Wednesday by a porn actor alumnus, limiting the event to students.

Pasadena City College said Tuesday the event featuring James Deen was "unauthorized," the Los Angeles Times reported. Officials said a public lecture could be held at a later date but his appearance Wednesday would be restricted.

"We support the instructor's academic freedom within the classroom," Robert Bell, assistant superintendent of Academic and Student Affairs, said. "The college's concern is to schedule all public events according to procedures so we can insure public safety and security."

Hugo Schwyzer, who arranged the talk, said he had received only a handful of angry phone calls and emails since the event was announced two weeks ago, suggesting security would not be a problem. Schwyzer also said he had followed procedures for arranging speakers.

James Deen, born Bryan Matthew Sevilla, has starred in many X-rated films and received awards, including being named "Male Performer of the Year" by Adult Video News in 2009. He also co-starred with Lindsay Lohan in "The Canyons," a movie scheduled for release this year that has been described as an attempt to revive Lohan's career and those of its director, Paul Schrader, and writer, Bret Easton Ellis.

Before launching his movie career, he took classes at Pasadena City College.