OnlyFans has reversed its decision to ban sexually explicit content following widespread backlash from users and creators. The platform, known for its adult content, announced last week that it would prohibit sexually explicit conduct from October 1, but has now suspended the policy change.
In a statement on Twitter, OnlyFans said: 'We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse creator community and have suspended the planned October 1 policy change. OnlyFans stands for inclusion and we will continue to provide a home for all creators.'
The reversal comes after intense criticism from sex workers and other creators who rely on the platform for income. OnlyFans had cited pressure from financial partners as the reason for the ban, with CEO Tim Stokely naming three banks—Metro Bank, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of New York Mellon—as behind the move due to 'reputational risk'.
Stokely told the Financial Times: 'The change in policy, we had no choice — the short answer is banks.' He claimed Metro Bank closed OnlyFans' corporate account in 2019, and accused Bank of New York Mellon of making it difficult to pay creators. JPMorgan Chase was described as 'particularly aggressive' in closing accounts of sex workers.
OnlyFans, founded in 2016 by Essex businessman Tim Stokely, saw its membership surge to 130 million users during the pandemic. The platform allows creators to post nude videos and photos behind a paywall, and pays over one million creators more than $300 million each month.
