Cardiff University has faced backlash after its official Instagram account followed a student-run "banter" page that published anonymous confessions describing sexual assault and posts containing misogynistic language. The university has since unfollowed the Cardiff Uni Banter account following complaints from students and staff.
One of the posts shared on the account contained an anonymous confession describing a man continuing to have sex with a woman while she was experiencing a seizure. According to student media coverage, this particular post was subsequently removed without public acknowledgement from the account operators.
The Cardiff Uni Banter Instagram account, which describes itself as a space for "the best confessions, memes and banter in Cardiff", has accumulated approximately 14,000 to 15,000 followers. The page publishes anonymous submissions from students covering topics including university life, relationships, sex, and nightlife, with posts dating back to at least January 2025.
What concerns have been raised about the account's content?
Multiple students have expressed alarm at the material being shared. Beyond the sexual assault confession, reports indicate that posts on the account have used derogatory terms for women, including "tarts", "hoes", "slags", "chopped" and "jezzy", as well as references to alleged cyberflashing incidents.
Jennifer Taylor, National Union of Students Cymru president, characterised the comments as
"dangerous, harmful and are reinforcing a toxic culture on our campuses that must be tackled head on".
Rebecca Rumsey, 23, a Cardiff University student and co-founder of the sexual misconduct campaign group Time To Act, explained that her organisation had received numerous reports about the account's content.
"We got sent the posts hundreds of times by students,"she said.
"We tried to reach out to the page — they still haven't responded."
Megan Elmer, who contacted media outlets after becoming concerned about the content, argued that the account
"contributes to the perpetuation of rape culture by normalising misogynistic attitudes and discussions of sexual violence". She raised questions about why Cardiff University's official account had been following the page, asking:
"Imagine being a woman who has been raped or sexually assaulted at university, maybe even one of those girls whose sexual violence has made the account. How would you feel if your own university followed that account."
Why was the university following the account?
Cardiff University stated that it had followed Cardiff Uni Banter specifically to monitor and report problematic posts. A university spokesperson explained:
"We followed the account so we could actively monitor and report such posts. We unfollowed the account in response to the concerns expressed by our Students' Union and from staff, students and members of the public."
The university emphasised that the account was
"not affiliated or associated with Cardiff University, nor are we aware who is responsible for it". The institution added that it had received complaints about the account, had reported posts and the account itself to Instagram, and would continue to do so.
What is the university's stance on sexual misconduct?
Cardiff University stated that sexual violence, harassment, and all forms of gender-based violence would
"not be tolerated", emphasising that following the account was not
"in any way an endorsement"of its content. A spokesperson said:
"This is not just banter. As a university we're committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where everyone has the right to feel safe and treated with dignity and respect."
According to reporting on the university's policies, Cardiff University maintains a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct. The institution's Report and Support service aims to respond to disclosures within two working days and offer an appointment within seven working days, though anonymous disclosures can help identify patterns but cannot prompt action on specific information shared.
How have students responded?
Time To Act has called for students to unfollow the account, stop submitting confessions, and report content they believe promotes sexual violence or misogyny. Students have organised boycott efforts, with some using "cardiffuniboycott" in comments on the page's posts. Following the backlash, Rebecca Rumsey reported that the account had lost approximately 2,000 followers.
"There's a lot of misogynistic and rape culture posts on that page, and it's not good enough,"Rumsey said.
"It's not banter."
What happens next?
Cardiff University has stated it will continue reporting the account and its posts to Instagram, and has encouraged other users to report content they find concerning. The university has not disclosed whether it is investigating who operates the Cardiff Uni Banter account or what further action it may take beyond unfollowing and reporting posts.
Cardiff Uni Banter has been approached for comment but has not responded to requests for a statement.
Key Facts:
- Cardiff University unfollowed the Cardiff Uni Banter Instagram account after students raised concerns about sexual assault confessions and misogynistic posts
- The account has 14,000–15,000 followers and publishes anonymous student submissions covering university life, relationships, and nightlife
- Time To Act, a sexual misconduct campaign group, has called for a boycott and reported that the account lost around 2,000 followers following the backlash
- The university stated it followed the account to monitor and report posts, and that it is not affiliated with the page
- Cardiff University maintains a zero-tolerance policy on sexual misconduct and has reported the account and specific posts to Instagram
If you have been affected by the issues raised, support is available through Cardiff University's Report and Support service and other confidential resources.
