Key facts
- Some OnlyFans agents are accused of exploiting and threatening creators, demanding large percentages of earnings and controlling accounts.
- One creator, Rebecca, reported receiving abusive messages, threats against her daughter, and an alleged physical assault by masked men.
- The BBC investigation found evidence of agents using tactics such as locking creators out of their accounts and changing bank details.
- Human rights experts described the alleged actions as recognized signs of exploitation, including control, coercion, and financial pressure.
- OnlyFans stated it takes user safety seriously and invests in protective measures, denying allegations of ignoring exploitative practices.
A BBC investigation has revealed allegations of exploitation and abuse by agents, known as OnlyFans managers (OFMs), who promise to help creators earn more on the adult social media platform but allegedly engage in controlling behavior, threats, and financial manipulation.
Rebecca, a 29-year-old creator from south Wales, detailed her experience of escalating abuse from her agency, including controlling messages, threats against her daughter, and a physical assault by masked men at her home. She believes these incidents were linked to her OFM.
The BBC spoke with 60 UK creators and examined a large Telegram group for agents, 'OFM Empire,' where tactics like taking control of creators' accounts and using threats were openly discussed, with one user referring to it as the 'pimp method.' Contracts shared with the BBC showed managers demanding up to 70% of earnings and imposing fines for early contract termination.
Human rights experts and lawyers have described the alleged actions as recognized signs of exploitation, suggesting that the platform may be enabling such abuse. Eleanor Lyons, the UK's independent anti-slavery commissioner, stated that the government needs to examine the situation further.
An OnlyFans spokesperson denied the allegation of turning a blind eye, asserting that the company takes user safety seriously and invests heavily in protective measures. They stated that OnlyFans is not connected with or endorsing third-party agencies and cannot influence contractual relationships outside the platform. The company also noted its adherence to the Online Safety Act.
However, the BBC's investigation also highlighted potential weaknesses in OnlyFans' payment verification processes. A reporter posing as a new creator was able to receive test payments using a male colleague's bank account details, although OnlyFans stated that its third-party payment providers conduct confirmation of payee checks, rejecting payments if these checks are unsuccessful.