OnlyFans creators report coercion, threats, and exploitation by management agencies

Trigger warning: this article mentions physical abuse.

A recent investigation uncovered disturbing allegations of exploitation involving self-styled OnlyFans management agencies. These agencies, often known as “OnlyFans managers” or OFMs, promise to help creators grow their audiences and increase earnings. However, multiple creators shared a reality of coercion, threats, financial control, and restrictions by the OFM’s on the creator’s ability to leave their working arrangement. 

Promises of success turn into abuse 

Rebecca, a 29-year-old creator from south Wales, says she made the decision to join an agency after managers promised to help her earn more money. At first, they were supportive and encouraging. However, she says their behavior quickly became controlling. They criticized her appearance, restricted her social life, and pressured her to follow their demands.  

The situation escalated when Rebecca changed her account login details because she feared losing control of her account.

The BBC reports:

A brick smashed her window and, a few weeks later, two masked men arrived at her house. One came inside, she says, strangled her and threw her “up and down the stairs”. She shows the BBC photos of bruises over her legs and throat.

Loss of financial control and unfair contracts 

This is not an isolated incident. Investigators spoke with 60 UK-based OnlyFans creators who described similar experiences. Several human rights lawyers who reviewed the findings warned that some creators contracts with managers were deeply unfair and potentially exploitative. Further, the lawyers argue that creators often lacked bargaining power, leaving them vulnerable to financial manipulation and labor exploitation.

Matt Jury of human rights specialist law firm, McCue Jury & Partners stated: 

They [OFMs] are taking advantage… which is almost placing these content creators in servitude to the agents and agencies, trapped in a contract which is unfair.

Many creators reported managers demanding access to their accounts, controlling passwords, and taking up to 70% of their income. Some agreements also included financial penalties for leaving early. 

Tellingly, discussions uncovered in a large Telegram group used by OFMs appeared to openly discuss tactics for maintaining control over creators’ accounts and income. One even called the approach the “pimp method.” 

“Create an email and password for their [OnlyFans]. They can’t log in,” one user says. “I have access to their [payment platform] under their name again [in] my created email. And password. I have full control of everything.”

Urgent need for greater oversight and accountability 

OnlyFans, operated by Fenix International Limited, rejected claims that it has ignored these issues. The company said it takes user safety seriously, maintains strict account controls, and investigates reports of abuse. Nevertheless, experts and advocates argue that the rapid growth of the creator economy has outpaced regulations.

According to the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons: 

What Rebecca experienced are all recognized signs of exploitation—control, coercion, financial pressure and an inability to leave freely. It is something that the government needs to look at in more detail… we potentially have a platform which is enabling exploitation, enabling abuse. 

Indeed, just two weeks ago, a 21 year old man was arrested in the US for coercing women to publish explicit content for the platform. Also earlier this month, Czech police charged four people with trafficking for forcing women to produce content for OnlyFans. Clearly, there are huge gaps in the OnlyFans verification and safety systems and more needs to be done.

Trafficking and exploitation thrive in environments where individuals face coercion, financial dependence, and limited control over their work. In addition, it is vital to distinguish consensual adult work from situations involving force, fraud, or coercion. Only through greater oversight of management agencies along with stronger safeguards for creators, and clearer accountability measures can we hope to prevent exploitation in the growing online content industry.