Why some athletes and musicians are using OnlyFans as a side hustle

OnlyFans is an online platform where people create content (photos, videos and live streams), which can be monetised. Although it hosts a variety of content across topics like fitness and cooking, OnlyFans is known widely for hosting adult content, much of it explicit. As its popularity has soared, so too has the controversy and stigma surrounding the platform.

Last week, Kurts Adams Rozentals, a world-class British canoeist, revealed that he had been banned from competing by Paddle UK — the sport’s governing body — after they learned he was an OnlyFans content creator. He told the BBC he started posting content because Paddle UK’s annual grant of £16,000 was insufficient to cover rent, travel, food and other expenses associated with full-time training in London.

BBC Business Reporter Charlotte Edwards explains exactly how the platform works and who owns it. She also gives us the latest on the embattled British canoer.

Plus: Chimgozirim Nwokoma, a senior reporter for Tech Point Africa, tells us about All Access Fans — an African start-up that have taken inspiration from OnlyFans’ subscription-based business model — and the reaction to it.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart

Producers: William Lee Adams and Benita Barden

Editor: Verity Wilde