APAG, FSC Reps Speak to the BBC About OnlyFans

APAG, FSC Reps Speak to the BBC About OnlyFans

LONDON — The BBC News World Service aired a report today about the recent decision by Only Fans to ban adult content, later reversed under public pressure by sex workers and much scrutiny by the mainstream media.

The segment featured APAG President Alana Evans, FSC Director of Public Affairs Mike Stabile, performer and content creator Jessica Starling and Forbes reporter Alexander Konrad.

Also featured was BBC Senior Investigative Journalist Noel Titheradge, who released his investigation about content moderation on OnlyFans on the same day the ban was announced and boasted on Twitter that his report had resulted in the ban. The BBC News editors initially backed him up, with a deceptive headline that read, “OnlyFans: Platform to ban sex videos after BBC investigation.” The U.K.’s state news organization later changed that headline to the awkward “OnlyFans: How it handles illegal videos — BBC investigation.” Neither Titheradge nor the BBC ran a correction statement about the headline change.

Titheradge’s report was later used by the Financial Times’ editorial board to justify recommending the continuation of financial discrimination against sex workers and adult businesses.

Today, the BBC News World Service headlined its segment, “OnlyFans flip-flops on porn,” with the following blurb: 

Why did one of the world's best-known porn provider platforms, OnlyFans, decide to ban porn? The controversial site has become a global phenomenon over the last five years, but its decision to outlaw adult content got everyone talking. It appeared to bow to pressure from financial services companies and anti-porn groups. Then it changed its mind. We look at the pressures the company is under and also at the business logic of internet porn.

“I appreciate that the BBC wants to platform sex workers,” Evans told XBIZ. “But when they asked about consent issues and trafficking claims, they left out every mention of the anti-porn groups like NCOSE which promote those claims. As we talk about the changes to OnlyFans, the concern over performer reaction has turned to questioning individual performers and sex workers about how we ourselves are responsible for monitoring underage access, as if it’s our responsibility ”

“They seem to want our opinion until it challenges their narrative,” Evans added.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Show More