They've been ostracised by neighbours, frozen out of local social circles and accused of threatening other people's marriages – simply because of how they earn a living.
Showbiz
OnlyFans stars hit back after neighbours turn on them in vicious suburban backlash: 'We're not after your husbands!'
They've been ostracised by neighbours, frozen out of local social circles and accused of threatening other people's marriages – simply because of how they earn ...
For a growing number of Australian and international creators, the fiercest backlash isn't coming from online trolls or strangers on social media;
Mothers who once chatted over the backyard fence suddenly stop saying hello, invitations to children's birthday parties dry up, while whisper campaigns spread through tight-knit communities after residents discover their neighbour's job.
And according to the women at the centre of the controversy, one claim surfaces again and again: that they're out to steal other women's partners.
The creators themselves say nothing could be further from the truth.
'We're not after your husbands,' they say.
Australian adult content creator Emily Mai says she has been cut off from her local community after neighbours learned how she earns a living
Emily said the judgmental attitudes she received were so upsetting it forced her to lie about her profession
Two women who have built lucrative careers selling adult content online have spoken to Daily Mail about the surprising reality of life behind the paywall.
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They revealed how their success has sparked gossip, social exclusion and public judgement in communities where they were once welcomed.
Australia's Emily Mai, 35, and Texas-based Holly Johnston, 43, say they have both been branded as threats to local marriages, with neighbours convinced their mere presence puts relationships at risk.
'I had a neighbour on my street find out what I did by accident. It caused so many issues, she tried to rally people against me, get everyone on her side. She came to my house and didn't want to come inside... We weren't even friends!' Emily began.
Emily, who has more than 16,000 social media followers, said some locals even gave her the 'silent treatment' after discovering her profession – a reaction she claims says far more about them than it does about her.
She insists her work is simply that: a way to make a living.
'Why does what I am doing affect them in any way? I am not seeking out any of their husbands. I'm like, if you want to see me naked then you can... you just have to pay for it. This is so offensive for them, they're obsessed with my life,' she said.
'We are not here to steal anyone's husband. If we steal every single husband and boyfriend we speak to we'd go broke juggling relationships. We are simply here to provide a transactional service. It is all above board.'
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US-based Holly Johnston, an adult star with 1.7million social media followers and a huge number of Australian fans, says the Texas city she calls home harbours some very closed–minded views
However, Holly insists that there is nothing particularly abnormal about how she earns a living – despite a widespread community stigma
'It was pretty awful because there were thousands of people in this community group, including teens! She screenshotted a picture of me, it was quite embarrassing and shocking.'
One parent posted in the local Facebook group, claiming that Holly 'shouldn't be allowed near our kids'.
Holly saw the screenshot and admitted it stung – but insisted she won't quit her job, as it allows her to provide for her family.
Holly insists there is nothing particularly abnormal about how she earns a living – despite a widespread community stigma.
'I'm just doing what everyone else is... and getting paid for it! The single women are sending pictures and having sex with men... They are doing everything I am doing, just not on camera,' Holly began.
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She insists that when the camera turns off she effortlessly switches into 'Mum mode', where she is a caring and loving parent to her two children.
For both women, the backlash has little to do with what they actually do – and everything to do with the assumptions people make about them
'Many parents struggle when it's time to think about college. My daughter is going soon, she doesn't need to stress about whether she can afford it. She won't have to take out student loans... I can provide above and beyond for everything.'
Both women say the harshest judgement they've experienced hasn't come from strangers online, but from neighbours who instantly decided they knew what kind of people they were.
They argue the stigma surrounding adult content creators has little to do with reality and everything to do with assumptions – that women who work in the industry are promiscuous and a threat to other people's relationships.
However, despite the whispers, cold shoulders and neighbourhood gossip campaigns, neither has any intention of walking away from the career that has made them financially independent.
For them, the biggest battle isn't building a successful business online.
It's convincing the people living next door that they're just as ordinary as everyone else.
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