Esther Adler-O’Keefe, a Southampton High School assistant principal, was reassigned after it emerged that she had appeared in a racy music video with Trey Songz in September.
Earlier this month, Superintendent Scott Farina sent out an email to parents to address their concerns about the assistant principal’s appearance in the video, saying that Adler-O’Keefe would be given other duties, reports Newsday.
“Ms. Adler-O’Keefe will oversee a variety of academic support services throughout the district,” the email read.
In the video, called “Best Friend,” Adler-O’Keefe plays a woman who goes on vacation with her husband and hires J.R. to house sit. J.R. then throws a raucous party, and Adler-O’Keefe reappears at the end of the music video to throw a beach ball at J.R.’s head after discovering him asleep on her couch surrounded by women.
After the video was released, Farina released a statement saying that the district was disappointed by Adler O’Keefe’s participation in the video.
“It has recently come to our attention that a member of our administrative staff appeared in a music video. The video in question showcases behaviors and language use that is not promoted by the Southampton School District,” Farina said. “In fact, we actively teach our students the importance of good character and making smart choices. Additionally, this is not representative of who we are as a district nor of our students and staff.”
According to Newsday, Adler-O’Keefe said in an email that she was unaware of the song’s “vulgar” content and would not have participated if she had known.