The War Over OnlyFans: Dan Benson and Creators Clash on Platform’s Perks and Pitfalls
In the glittering yet gritty world of online content creation, a new FOX documentary exposes the fierce divide over OnlyFans. Former Disney star Dan Benson champions the site as a financial lifeline, while others like Jemma Lucy decry its toll on mental health, sparking a national conversation on empowerment versus exploitation.
Spotlight on the Documentary: TMZ Presents ‘The War Over OnlyFans’
Premiering on September 2, 2025, at 9 PM ET/PT on FOX, “TMZ Presents: The War Over OnlyFans” dives deep into the platform’s dual nature. Directed by TMZ’s investigative team, the hour-long special features raw interviews with high-profile creators sharing unfiltered stories of success and struggle. It streams the next day on Hulu, making it accessible for viewers nationwide.
The film structures its narrative in two parts: first, voices warning of OnlyFans’ dangers, followed by those celebrating its opportunities. An audience votes at the end on whether the platform is ultimately “legit or destructive,” adding an interactive twist to the debate.
Dan Benson’s Defense: From Disney to Dollars
Dan Benson, best known as Zeke Beakerman on Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” from 2007 to 2012, emerges as a vocal proponent. He joined OnlyFans in 2022 after private photos leaked online, turning a traumatic event into a thriving career. In the doc, Benson acknowledges the controversies but insists the earnings are “impressive, life-changing dough” too good to pass up.
Benson, a straight creator targeting a largely gay male audience, has built a massive following—over 258,000 on TikTok and 101,000 on Instagram—by pushing boundaries while setting personal limits, like avoiding on-camera sex with men. He credits the platform for financial independence after post-Disney struggles, including low residuals and supporting his elderly dog’s medical bills. “I’ve been having a tremendous amount of fun,” he shared in past interviews, emphasizing empowerment over stigma.
The Dark Side: Jemma Lucy and Critics’ Warnings
Contrasting Benson’s optimism, British reality TV star Jemma Lucy paints a grim picture. A former OnlyFans creator, she describes the work as “dirty” and addictive, leading to severe mental health issues and plummeting self-esteem. “No one actually enjoys being an OnlyFans creator—those who say they do are lying,” she asserts in the documentary, highlighting the emotional toll of constant content demands.
Lucy isn’t alone. Former creator Taylor Brazinsky calls OnlyFans a “cauldron of exploitation and sexual abuse,” sharing stories of harassment and pressure to escalate content. The doc also features Angela “Blac Chyna” White, who quit after facing similar pitfalls, underscoring how the platform can trap users in a cycle of dependency.
Other Voices: A Mix of Success and Heartache
Amber Rose flips the script, hailing OnlyFans as “the safest and most lucrative area of sex work.” As a prominent creator, she praises its control over content and earnings, which have funded her lifestyle and ventures. The special includes diverse perspectives, like a stay-at-home mom earning big bucks and a former university chancellor collaborating with his wife, showing the platform’s broad appeal.
Yet, the film doesn’t shy from controversies, including OnlyFans’ 2021 attempt to ban explicit content—later reversed amid backlash from creators reliant on it for pandemic survival. Unfair revenue splits (up to 50% to the platform) and account terminations for discussing pay also surface as ongoing issues.
Public Reactions and Expert Takes
Social media buzzes with divided opinions. On X, TMZ’s promo posts garnered thousands of views, with users debating the platform’s ethics. One viral clip from 2024 showed Benson’s former co-star David Henrie shading his OnlyFans involvement during a “Wizards” reboot quiz, drawing backlash and highlighting Hollywood stigma.
Experts like sex worker advocates Sarah Calanthe and Lydia Caradonna, featured in related discussions, stress the need for better protections. They argue OnlyFans empowers some but exploits vulnerabilities, urging policy changes for fairer contracts and mental health support. Benson himself has used earnings for good, like donating to LA wildfire victims in January 2025 via X-rated polaroids.
Impact on U.S. Audiences: Culture, Economy, and Beyond
For American viewers, this debate hits close to home. OnlyFans has boomed since the pandemic, with over 3 million U.S. creators earning billions, boosting the gig economy but raising questions about labor rights. Politically, it fuels talks on sex work decriminalization and tech regulation, especially as states like Texas and Florida eye bans on adult content platforms.
Economically, success stories like Benson’s inspire aspiring creators amid rising living costs, but warnings from Lucy highlight risks to mental health and privacy—issues affecting young Americans in a digital age. Culturally, it challenges taboos around adult content, influencing entertainment and social norms, while tech-wise, it spotlights data security concerns for users nationwide.
Conclusion: Empowerment or Exploitation?
“The War Over OnlyFans” lays bare a platform that has transformed lives—for better and worse. Dan Benson’s embrace of its financial freedom clashes sharply with Jemma Lucy’s cautions on its psychological costs, leaving audiences to weigh the trade-offs.
As OnlyFans evolves with over 200 million users, the future hinges on reforms for creator safety and fair pay. Whether viewed as a revolutionary tool or a risky venture, this documentary urges U.S. viewers to consider its role in modern work and wellness, potentially reshaping the conversation on digital entrepreneurship.