Timeline of Events: Walters TV controversy & investigation

Thursday, July 24, 2025:

1. Incident Occurs:
2. During a State Board of Education meeting held in Ryan Walters' office, board members Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage reported seeing a video featuring nude women on a TV. They state they were the only attendees seated in a position to see the screen.
3. Another board member, Chris Van Denhende, confirms media reporting and says that while he could not see the screen, Walters did react and turned off the TV when Carson called attention to it.

Related Stories: State Board members allege that nude women were displayed on Ryan Walters' office TV; Lawmakers react

Friday, July 25, 2025:

1. Allegations Reported:
2. The incident is reported by multiple board members to the media, describing seeing images of nude women on the office TV during the meeting. Lawmakers express concern, calling for clarity and transparency. Board member Van Denhende says, "I have no reason to doubt what Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage have said.".

Weekend (July 26-27, 2025):

1. Walters Responds:
2. Walters issues public statements claiming the allegations are "politically motivated attacks" by board members with a political agenda. He categorically denies any involvement or knowledge of what appeared on the TV, saying, "I have no knowledge of what was on the TV screen during the alleged incident," and asserts that none of his devices were used to display inappropriate content.

Related Story: Ryan Walters issues statement after OSDE explicit video allegations

Monday, July 28, 2025:

1. Investigation Referred:
2. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) refers the matter to the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office for investigation.
3. The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office confirms the case was referred to them and clarifies the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and the Attorney General’s office are not involved.
4. OMES says its own authority is limited to administrative reviews and records preservation, and criminal investigation falls to law enforcement.

Tuesday, July 29, 2025:

1. Walters Holds Press Conference: Ryan Walters addresses nude video allegations in press conference: 'Coordinated attack to crucify my character...'
2. Walters publicly defends himself, calling the last five days "the nastiest, biggest lie ever lodged [against] an official in Oklahoma."
3. He accuses board members Becky Carson and Ryan Deatherage, the press, teachers' unions, and even Gov. Kevin Stitt orchestrated a "coordinated attack" to "crucify" his character and derail his education agenda.
4. Walters claims both OMES and the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office have "cleared" him and insists investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing, specifically stating no personal devices were connected to the TV and only cable was accessible.
5. He calls for Carson and Deatherage to resign "in disgrace for the lies they told" and suggests the governor was possibly involved in directing the board to make false allegations.
6. Walters tells the media, "My family has watched as a press corps showed why the public has zero trust in their reporting."
7. Board Members Respond: Board members who allege nude video was displayed in Walters office speak out
8. Board members, including Carson, Deatherage, and Mike Tinney, issue a joint statement:
9. They emphasize none have directly accused Walters of anything but simply reported inappropriate content that, if seen by a teacher, would result in their license being revoked.
10. They call on Walters to cooperate with law enforcement and to "refrain from smearing" their reputations.
11. Investigation Status Clarified: Investigation into Ryan Walters still ongoing, Oklahoma Co. Sheriff says
12. The Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office publicly contradicts Walters' claim, stating, "We have not cleared anyone. The investigation is still ongoing... This investigation is still in its infancy, so it would be inappropriate to discuss who we plan to speak with or any evidence we are seeking. You can, however, expect a thorough investigation with the results being made public at the conclusion.".
13. OMES similarly states its review is separate and limited in scope.

Tuesday, July 30, 2025:

1. Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna has formally requested assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation in the ongoing inquiry into allegations that obscene material was displayed during a closed-door State Board of Education meeting.
2. The OSBI will now work alongside the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office to determine whether any criminal activity occurred. Behenna said the goal is to ensure accountability if warranted, or provide clarity if no wrongdoing occurred.
3. In an Exclusive Interview, three OK Board of Education members sit down with News 9 to address Walters' latest statements and the broader investigation.

Additional Context

1. Walters continues to describe the allegations as "categorically false" and frames the controversy as a political and media-driven attack designed to prevent education reform.
2. Board members maintain that their only intention was to report inappropriate content, not to accuse Walters personally, and urge an end to personal attacks and political escalation.
3. Public and legislative calls continue for full transparency and accountability pending the results of the ongoing sheriff’s investigation.

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