Understanding Bella Thorne and OnlyFans: A Tutorial
What is OnlyFans?
OnlyFans is an online content subscription service where users can pay for private content, including photos, videos, and live streams, through a monthly subscription. The platform, launched in 2016, is primarily used by sex workers, but it also hosts content from other creators such as fitness trainers, models, and musicians[1][3][4].
Bella Thorne and OnlyFans
In August 2020, actress Bella Thorne joined OnlyFans, generating significant attention and controversy. Here’s a step-by-step look at what happened:
Joining OnlyFans
Bella Thorne created an account on OnlyFans, promising her subscribers exclusive content, including nude photos. This move was seen as a way to destigmatize sex work and bring it into the mainstream[2][3].
Earnings and Controversy
Within 24 hours, Thorne made $1 million, and by the end of the week, she had earned $2 million. However, many of her subscribers were disappointed to find that the photos she provided were not nude but rather of her in lingerie. This led to a large number of chargebacks and complaints from subscribers who felt misled[2][3].
Impact on Other Creators
Thorne’s actions had unintended consequences for other OnlyFans creators. Following the backlash and chargebacks, OnlyFans implemented new policies limiting the amount creators could charge and how quickly they could receive their payouts. Sex work advocates criticized Thorne, calling her a „tourist” in the sex work industry and blaming her for the policy changes that would affect their income[2][3].
Safety and Privacy Concerns
OnlyFans, despite its popularity, raises several safety and privacy concerns:
Content Leakage
Content on OnlyFans is not as private as it seems. There have been numerous cases of creators’ content being screenshot, recorded, or hacked and then shared on the internet. Once content is online, it is nearly impossible to delete, which can have long-term consequences for the creators[1].
Predators and Traffickers
The platform’s open nature makes it vulnerable to predators and sex traffickers. Creators cannot choose who subscribes to their content, making it easier for malicious individuals to interact with them and potentially groom them for more explicit content[1].
Child Safety
OnlyFans has faced criticism for not adequately preventing minors from creating and accessing explicit content. Children have used fake IDs and other methods to bypass the platform’s verification processes, posing significant risks to their safety and well-being[1].
Key Facts About Bella Thorne and OnlyFans
- Bella Thorne’s Earnings: Bella Thorne made $1 million in 24 hours and $2 million in six days after joining OnlyFans in August 2020[2][3].
- Content Controversy: Thorne’s subscribers were disappointed to find that her photos were not nude but rather of her in lingerie, leading to numerous chargebacks[2][3].
- Impact on Creators: Thorne’s actions led to policy changes on OnlyFans, limiting what creators could charge and how quickly they could receive payouts, affecting the income of other sex workers[2][3].
- Safety Concerns: OnlyFans content is not always private and can be leaked or shared without consent. The platform is also vulnerable to predators and sex traffickers[1].
- Child Safety Issues: Minors have found ways to bypass OnlyFans’ verification processes, creating and accessing explicit content[1].
- Popularity and User Base: OnlyFans has over 3 million registered creators and 220 million registered users as of May 2023[3].
- Revenue Model: Creators on OnlyFans earn money through monthly subscriptions, tips, and pay-per-view content, with the platform taking a 20% commission[3][4].
- Brief Ban on Explicit Content: In 2021, OnlyFans briefly announced a ban on sexually explicit content due to pressure from banking partners but later reversed this decision[3][4].