Ex-University School of Nashville teacher sues former student
He said that she created a false narrative, accusing him of grooming and sexual impropriety.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - An ex-teacher at the University School of Nashville is now suing the former student who accused him of sexual misconduct.
Dean Masullo, who was terminated in 2024 following an investigation into accusations made by the student, is suing his accuser for defamation, false light invasion of privacy and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
“This lawsuit involves the story of a troubled high school student, with family turmoil at home, who has a history of attaching herself to someone who can offer her stability, only to turn on that person after a few months,” Masullo claims in the lawsuit.
He said that she created a false narrative, accusing him of grooming and sexual impropriety. Masullo added that “these lies spiraled into a chain of events that ruined his career and reputation.”
“Her premeditated lies falsely accuse Masullo of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and grooming. Her lies were also libelous and defamatory per se and have seriously impugned Masullo’s personal and professional reputation,” the suit states.
Previous Coverage:
Here are instructions on how to watch WSMV4 live on various platforms.
In October 2024, students conducted a walkout at USN over the allegations and demanded that two of the top school administrators step down.
Masullo was terminated in July, but the victim who spoke at the walkout said that after that, she and her family never got updates about the investigation when they were supposed to.
At that time, the victim said she was not the only one who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Masullo, and she wants the school to be a safe space going forward.
“I don’t have the option of leaving this behind,” she said. “My sisters still go to school there. My friends go to school here.”
In January 2025, the USN Board of Trustees dismissed Director Amani Reed. The school’s administration said Reed was let go following an independent report into the school’s handling of the Masullo investigation.
“The independent report, prepared by the law firm Barnes & Thornburg LLP, was commissioned by USN’s Board to impartially uncover all facts about this matter, including how it was handled by the school’s administration and Board,” USN said.
Copyright 2025 WSMV. All rights reserved.
