As the meteoric rise of OnlyFans continues to dominate headlines, concerns over exploitation and coercion in the industry are intensifying. At its centre is a growing army of 'managers' who facilitate the creation and promotion of explicit content on the platform, often with devastating consequences for those involved.
One prominent figure in this sector is Markuss Hussle, whose real name is Markuss Kohs. He openly promotes a lavish lifestyle funded by his activities, showcasing private jets, luxury cars, and expensive holidays to potential clients. His online coaching programme, which costs around £6,000 (US$8,000), promises men a straightforward path to wealth – albeit one that involves taking a 50% cut of the money generated by women creating content for OnlyFans.
Hussle's tactics have been accused of preying on male loneliness and vulnerability. His digital marketing agency encourages men to purchase clips from the women he manages, often at exorbitant prices. When asked in a podcast whether he would permit his hypothetical daughter to open an OnlyFans account, Hussle reportedly replied, 'Absolutely not', highlighting a stark double standard.
The rise of these third-party managers has significant implications for OnlyFans' reputation as a safe and empowering platform. Critics argue that the involvement of intermediaries who profit from content creators' work introduces an element of exploitation, contradicting the company's defence of its platform as free from coercive practices.
While OnlyFans itself employs only 42 people, it generated an estimated $7.2 billion (£5.4 billion) in revenue from its 377 million account holders in 2024. The London-based platform has been hailed as a major British tech success story, providing a way for creators to earn money from home – but the industry's darker underbelly remains a pressing concern.