Incident Details
The altercation unfolded on Feb. 9, 2026, inside OSU’s Smith Laboratory Building. Video footage, which has drawn millions of views online, shows journalist Michael Newman approaching former OSU President E. Gordon Gee for a question on student loan debt after Gee exited a restroom following a class event. Perez intervened, slapped Newman’s camera from his hand, grabbed him by the head and shoulder, and caused him to fall.
Newman, working with D.J. Byrne of the newsletter The Rooster, described the encounter as sudden, noting an open-hand strike to his face while he protected his equipment. He emphasized concerns over his First Amendment rights alongside physical injury.
Court and University Response
A judge granted Newman’s request for a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) against Perez, barring contact but allowing Perez on campus or at work if Newman appears there. OSU placed Perez on administrative leave the day after the incident, pending a full investigation by university police.
OSU spokesperson Ben Johnson called the matter “very concerning” and confirmed Perez received a summons for assault. The university continues its review of facts.
Broader Context
Perez joined OSU’s Chase Center recently after time at Arizona State University; the center aims to counter perceived liberal bias in higher education. The case has sparked online debate, with some viewing it through ideological lenses, as seen in Reddit discussions.
No trial date is set yet, and OSU police investigation proceeds.