MICHIGAN — University of Michigan regent Jordan Acker is facing questions over Slack messages attributed to him that contain obscene sexual comments about a Democratic party strategist and lewd remarks about a female University of Michigan student accompanied by a photo of her with friends. Acker is running for re-election to the board of regents, and the authenticity of the screenshots is disputed.

Six members of the Slack group confirmed they saw the messages when they were sent. The group consists of about 30 left-leaning professionals who discuss sports and Michigan politics and are not involved in the regents race. Members said they had been in the group with Acker for years and that he offered the comments unprompted.

One message attributed to Acker read, "A buddy banged [redacted] on election night 2018 and we literally discussed this yesterday. Said it was the most insane experience of his life." Another stated, "An absolute freak in bed."

A lawyer for Acker said, "He has never used Slack and has doubts about the authenticity of the alleged 'Slack screengrabs'." When pressed further, his attorney responded, "Your understanding that Mr Acker does not deny this is not correct or incorrect." The Democratic party strategist named in the messages declined to comment.

U.S. Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow, who has endorsed Acker, said, "If these messages are real, then they are disgusting." Acker also has endorsements from Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer and several major unions.

A progressive defense attorney from Dearborn, Michigan, is also challenging Acker for the board of regents seat, with endorsements from several University of Michigan graduate unions and the United Auto Workers. That candidate said the Slack messages were disappointing after he had been falsely accused of supporting things he never supported.

On April 19, Democratic party delegates from across Michigan will choose two nominees for the November general election for the University of Michigan board of regents. Paul Brown, a current regent, is also a candidate in the race for the two open seats. The terms of Acker and Brown both expire on January 1.