We Asked Hélène Boudreau About OnlyFans' Decision To Ban 'Sexually Explicit' Content

Popular content-sharing platform OnlyFans recently revealed it would soon be banning sexually explicit content to comply with banking partners and payout providers. We asked one of the most famous Quebecers on OnlyFans, Hélène Boudreau, what this news means for content creators like her.

OnlyFans announces changes

"Effective 1 October, 2021, OnlyFans will prohibit the posting of any content containing sexually-explicit conduct," said OnlyFans in an email shared with MTL Blog. "To ensure the long-term sustainability of the platform, and to continue to host an inclusive community of creators and fans, we must evolve our content guidelines."

Nude content will still be allowed, it said, as long it's in line with the company's Acceptable Use Policy.

While cooking, fitness, self-care and more exist on OnlyFans, the platform is best known for its sexual content, with fans paying sex workers a monthly fee to access their content.

OnlyFans has not yet specified what "sexually explicit conduct" entails, so it's still not entirely clear what these changes mean for content creators. The emailed statement said the company would be sharing more details in the coming days.

Meanwhile, sex workers like Boudreau are bracing themselves for what comes next.

How do you feel about the news that OnlyFans will no longer allow 'sexually explicit' content?

"When I heard the news, I was a bit confused and worried. But I knew I would find an alternative if OnlyFans closed down permanently or we couldn't post explicit images. I'm lucky enough to have saved a lot of money and have several other income streams, such as the MYM platform or webcamming with Jerkmate," Boudreau said.

"[But] it's for sure that OnlyFans is my main source of income so it's a very stressful situation."

How will this change impact your career?

Boudreau said if OnlyFans is no longer an option, she's considering creating her own website where people could pay to access videos and photos she's posted using a credit card and PayPal system.

"Otherwise, Brazzers contacted me yesterday and [asked if] I might have thought of going for 'traditional' porn. But I have to admit that with OnlyFans, I'm fine like this," she said.

What are your plans now? Do you think you will move to a different platform?

For the moment, Boudreau said she has no plans to change platforms "because they [haven't confirmed] clearly that they will remove nudity and porn videos/photos."

Whatever happens next, Boudreau said she'll be prepared.

"I am a woman who loves challenges and can cope with any change of situation that life brings me! I think my bachelor's degree prepared me very well for challenges. I don't think that after four years of university there is anything that scares me more than school," she said.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.