An artist hired to head up the Austrian International School of Sex says the announcement of "the world's first international sex school" was a publicity stunt.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ylva-Maria Thompson, a Swede announced as head of the organization in November, said the "sex school," which was to open in mid-December with "hands-on" lovemaking lessons, was a hoax masterminded by The Bird, an Austrian advocacy group, The Local reported Tuesday.

Thompson said The Bird aimed to draw attention to the country's low birth rate.

"I wasn't surprised it got so much attention. Sex still sells," Thompson said.

She said the group will not function as a school, but will be a trade organization for sex coaches.