Introduction
In the digital age, where social media is a platform for diverse forms of content creation and monetization, opinions on who gets to have a voice and how they use it often become a subject of debate. The latest controversy emerged when Trace Cyrus, former guitarist of the pop-rock band Metro Station and brother of pop sensation Miley Cyrus, voiced his opinions on female users of OnlyFans, sparking outrage across social media.
The OnlyFans Platform: A Paradigm Shift
OnlyFans, a social media platform akin to Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, has redefined content creation by allowing creators to monetize their content. Users, affectionately known as “fans,” pay a monthly subscription fee to access exclusive content from their favorite creators. However, OnlyFans has gained notoriety for its association with adult entertainment and sexual content.
Only Fans. pic.twitter.com/vR6PAzvQZQ
— Trace Cyrus (@TraceCyrus) August 30, 2023
Trace Cyrus’ Criticism
In a post on a social media platform (formerly known as Twitter), Cyrus expressed his views on women who create sexual content on OnlyFans. While he acknowledged knowing “amazing girls” who are OnlyFans creators, he raised concerns about their chances of finding a “good guy with morals.” Cyrus stated that some men who are willing to pay for sexual content are “desperate losers” and don’t view these women as potential future partners or wives. Additionally, he criticized what he perceived as an “independent mindset” among female users, suggesting that it leads to a lonely future and that traditional family values should be prioritized over financial independence.
Social Media Backlash
Cyrus’s remarks ignited a firestorm of reactions on social media. Many users questioned why he felt the need to comment on how women choose to use their bodies and monetize their content. Some emphasized that sex workers are valuable humans with families, businesses, educations, and homes, challenging the notion that their profession diminishes their worth. Others sarcastically noted the absurdity of denying women the autonomy to make choices about their bodies and lives.
In response to the backlash, Cyrus doubled down on his initial criticism, claiming that most responses lacked intellectual substance and resorted to name-calling and verbal abuse.
Empowerment and Autonomy on OnlyFans
It’s worth noting that several celebrities, including Cardi B, Carmen Electra, Bella Thorne, Drea de Matteo, and Iggy Azalea, have embraced the OnlyFans platform in recent years. For them, it represents an opportunity to exercise autonomy over their sexuality and creative expression. Iggy Azalea, for instance, spoke about her desire to commodify her own image and creative work without apologizing for it. Carmen Electra emphasized the freedom to control her own image and creative vision.
Bella Thorne, in particular, made headlines by becoming the first OnlyFans creator to earn $1 million in under 24 hours. She emphasized the platform’s lack of censorship and judgment, allowing her to fully control her image.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Trace Cyrus’s remarks highlights the ongoing debate about autonomy, sexuality, and the right of individuals to make choices about their bodies and how they monetize their content. As celebrities and creators continue to embrace platforms like OnlyFans for the empowerment and control they offer, discussions about the intersection of traditional values and modern expression are likely to persist. Ultimately, it’s a conversation about the evolving landscape of social media, where users have unprecedented control over their narratives and how they choose to express themselves.
