OnlyFans, the subscription platform known for explicit content, has seen the rise of a new kind of middleman: managers who take up to half of what creators earn. Markuss Hussle, one such manager, promotes his wealth through private jets and a fur-clad girlfriend, teaching others how to profit from managing women on the platform. According to a Guardian investigation by Amelia Gentleman, these managers have siphoned a portion of the $25bn generated on OnlyFans since its inception.
Exploitation and Coercion
Many creators report negative experiences with managers. Ari Kytsya, an OnlyFans creator, says she is approached by managers several times daily. She told the Guardian: “Almost every girl that I’ve talked to in the industry has had an experience – whether it’s being stuck in a contract that they can’t leave or having management taking advantage of them, or scamming them, or forcing them to do something.” This highlights a dark side to a platform often praised for empowering women.
The Business Model
Managers like Hussle and Andrew Tate, who also sold courses on managing women, promise creators fame and fortune. However, the typical arrangement takes 50% of earnings, leaving creators with half. Some managers lock creators into restrictive contracts, making it difficult to leave. The Guardian’s report notes that this model has turned the ethical promise of OnlyFans into a “sleazy nightmare,” as described by critic Stuart Heritage in a review of the documentary OnlyFans: Inside the Machine.
Impact on the Industry
The rise of OnlyFans managers has shifted power dynamics, with many creators feeling exploited. The platform, which has paid out over $5bn to creators since its launch, now sees a growing number of intermediaries taking a cut. This has led to calls for better regulation and protection for creators. The Guardian’s investigation serves as an essential read about the new realities of internet-era sex work and who pays the price.
