Calif. principal filmed in scandalous dance with mascot will remain at school in different role

A California high school principal resigned from his position Thursday after he was filmed dancing scandalously with the school mascot at the pep rally and has since been demoted to associate principal.

Robert Nunes, who was put on administrative leave after the clip went viral, stepped down from his top post at Buhach Colony High School in Atwater and accepted the position of associate principal instead, the Merced Union High School District said in a statement.

“This decision comes as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff,” the Merced Union High School District told The Post. “Corrective action has been taken with all staff involved.”

Torrin Johnson, MUHSD Executive Director, served as Interim Principal while Nunes was placed on leave, and will continue in the role until further notice. The school district will begin hiring for a permanent principal to fill the position in spring 2025.

Nunes was placed on leave on Aug. 19, while his conduct was investigated by the Merced Union High School District after the video of him dancing with the mascot in front of cheering students went viral.

In the footage, Nunes can be seen rolling himself toward the school’s Viking mascot in an office chair to the song “Pony” by R&B singer Ginuwine, according to Your Central Valley. 

The dance segment took a bizarre turn when Nunes fired off gold confetti at the mascot, who seconds before appeared to also dance provocatively.

The principal then stands up face to face with the mascot, trading places in the office chair, in the clip.

Nunes approaches him and appears to place his hands on the mascot’s chest. He then slides his hand down the character’s chest before being surrounded by other excited students on the gym’s floor, according to a video obtained by the outlet.

“What happens at Buhach stays at Buhach,” Nunes shouted into a mic — a play on the infamous saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.”

The crowd goes wild at his remark, and the principal is seen pushing the mascot out of the room on the rolling chair.

But his statement didn’t prove to be true, as the clip went viral and not everybody vibed with the dance moves. Some questioned whether Nunes’ behavior was appropriate. 

Others did not find his conduct offensive. 

“I do not think that it’s right … that he’s under such a huge investigation,” an anonymous parent told ABC30. 

“I do believe that the kids liked the pep rally. They thought it was fun. I understand what they’re doing but I think they’re putting too much on him.”