OnlyFans 'Turned Their Backs on Us,' Creators Say as Porn Ban Destroys Their Livelihoods

OnlyFans has announced that it will ban sexually explicit videos and photographs from October 1.

The subscription-based service, which became famous as a place to view adult content, revealed in statement that: "In order to ensure the long-term sustainability of our platform, and continue to host an inclusive community of creators and fans, we must evolve our content guidelines."

Although they have said creators may still be able to post nude imagery, this will have to be in line with the company's new policies.

This news has come as shock to many in the sex industry, who will soon be unable to post and make money on a platform which was once lauded for championing the porn industry.

Sarah, who sells explicit photographs on the site, tells Newsweek that the incoming ban has left her feeling "insulted."

She says: "I think sex workers kind of built that platform and made it what it is. I'm just totally cast aside. It's really insulting.

"It's worrying, as it's been a really clear lifeline as a source of income, especially over the pandemic."

Having lost her job in hospitality back in March 2020, OnlyFans has been helping her pay to her bills.

The app has grown to over 130 million users, with many turning to the website to survive during COVID-19 job cuts.

She reveals: "If I don't get the money I get through OnlyFans I'm not entirely sure where else that will come from, as yet.

"Yeah financially it will not necessarily cripple me but it will have a huge effect and I know from other people that it will financially cripple them."

Claire, who makes customized explicit images on the site, also spoke to Newsweek, explaining that OnlyFans was her "primary source of income."

She adds: "So I'm out of a job entirely. I don't even know how to put it into words. They've totally turned their backs on us."

The U.S.-based creator is currently suffering from a sleep disorder and worries that she will not be able to afford her medicine.

She also revealed that she has just started therapy online, which she will have to stop because "it's expensive. It's 45 bucks a week.

"And I only did that because I was so sure that I was getting somewhere that I can just afford that without having to worry about it."

"I'm appalled. I'm embarrassed in a way. And I don't know, I'm shattered. Doing this [OnlyFans] was something that I really enjoyed.

"And I put so much time and effort into it and tears sometimes. It made me feel confident with myself, and they're just not even help us a little bit.

"And now they're doing all this... It's like, they pulled the rug out from under us now we've made them enough money."

She adds: "It feels like discrimination. It's hard to think of it as anything else than that."

Newsweek have contacted OnlyFans for comment.