Real-life OnlyFans creators have criticised the portrayal of sex work in the latest season of HBO's 'Euphoria', particularly the character Cassie Howard, played by Sydney Sweeney. The show depicts Cassie starting an OnlyFans account to fund her wedding, engaging in role-play scenarios including dressing as a dog and a baby.
Adult industry figures argue that the show's depiction is unrealistic and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Sydney Leathers, an OnlyFans creator since 2017, told Variety that much of Cassie's content would not be permitted on the platform, citing age-play scenes where she dresses as a baby. 'That alone is infuriating,' Leathers said, noting that credit card processors enforce strict rules against such content.
Maitland Ward, a top earner on OnlyFans and former 'Boy Meets World' star, expressed concern that the baby costume reinforces negative perceptions. 'In the climate we're in, that they dressed her up as a baby to make pornographic OnlyFans content was beyond troubling,' Ward said. She added that it perpetuates stereotypes that sex workers lack moral boundaries and that sex work is linked to trafficking and abuse.
Show creator Sam Levinson defended the scenes, explaining to The Hollywood Reporter that the absurdity was intentional. He described the humour in Cassie's dog costume and noted that the housekeeper filming the content added another layer of absurdity. Levinson also discussed the lighting choices, using ring lights to create a jarring contrast between Cassie's fantasy and the depressing reality.
Despite Levinson's comments, critics maintain that the portrayal is damaging. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between mainstream media depictions of sex work and the lived experiences of those in the industry.
