In the high-stakes world of digital content creation, where OnlyFans has transformed lives for some while shattering others, former star Blac Chyna’s candid revelations are hitting like a cultural bombshell. For U.S. audiences navigating the gig economy’s blurred lines between empowerment and exploitation, the premiere of “TMZ Presents: The War Over OnlyFans” on September 2, 2025, at 9 PM ET/PT on FOX feels eerily relatable—especially as inflation squeezes wallets and social media promises quick riches. Blac Chyna, the 37-year-old reality TV icon whose real name is Angela White, shares her gut-wrenching regrets about her time on the platform, calling it a “dead end” that exploited her and influenced young women negatively. Amid a platform that boasts over 3 million creators earning billions annually, her story underscores the personal toll of fame, faith, and financial independence, resonating with American women balancing motherhood, career shifts, and moral reckonings in an era of viral success and viral backlash.
This FOX special, streaming next-day on Hulu, dives into the polarized debate, featuring Chyna alongside Amber Rose, Dan Benson, and even a former university chancellor turned creator. As OnlyFans faces scrutiny from lawmakers and cultural critics, Chyna’s testimony—rooted in her 2023 departure and renewed Christian faith—highlights why many ex-creators view it as destructive, potentially swaying public opinion and sparking conversations about digital ethics in the U.S. entertainment landscape.
Background on ‘TMZ Presents: The War Over OnlyFans’ and Blac Chyna’s Journey
Launched in 2016, OnlyFans exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a lifeline for sex workers and influencers alike, with gross payments hitting $5.6 billion in 2023 alone. But beneath the glamour lies controversy: exploitation allegations, content moderation issues, and the psychological strain on creators. The TMZ documentary, produced by Harvey Levin and his team, structures its narrative into two parts—perils first, praises second—culminating in a live audience vote on whether the platform is “legit or destructive.” Premiering just days after Labor Day, it taps into timely U.S. debates on gig work, with the platform’s adult content (over 70% of revenue) drawing parallels to broader economic pressures like rising living costs and remote income needs.
Blac Chyna, born Angela Renée White, rose to fame as a model and stripper before becoming a reality star on shows like Rob & Chyna with ex Rob Kardashian. She joined OnlyFans in April 2020, quickly becoming one of its top earners, reportedly pulling in $240 million in 2021 and up to $20 million monthly at its peak. Her content, often explicit, aligned with her “exotic” persona, but by December 2022, she deactivated her account amid personal transformation. Influenced by her baptism in March 2022 and a shift toward Christianity, Chyna dissolved facial fillers, quit alcohol and nicotine, and removed tattoos like her Baphomet ink, signaling a rejection of her past life. In the doc, she joins other ex-creators like Taylor Brazinsky to expose the “heartache” side, contrasting with success stories from Amber Rose and a stay-at-home mom.
Chyna’s regrets stem from her high-profile exit, detailed in prior interviews but revisited here with fresh candor. As a mother to son King Cairo (11, with Tyga) and daughter Dream Renée (8, with Rob), she cited setting a positive example as key, especially after losing a 2022 defamation lawsuit against the Kardashians. Her story isn’t isolated; OnlyFans has seen high-profile exits like Bella Thorne, but Chyna’s faith-driven pivot adds a layer of redemption narrative popular in American pop culture.
Blac Chyna’s Regrets: Exploitation, Influence, and a ‘Dead End’ Path
In the documentary’s first half, Chyna doesn’t hold back, labeling her OnlyFans stint as “exploiting” herself and a platform that pushed her to portray an inauthentic self. “OnlyFans was catered to exploiting myself,” she told Daily Mail in a 2023 interview echoed in the special. Despite the windfall—$2 million in two years initially—she feared accountability on “Judgment Day” for encouraging young girls toward “negative choices.” This regret intensified post-baptism, where she viewed the content as “degrading” and contrary to her faith: “That’s just not what God would want me to do.”
Chyna detailed sliding into the platform during financial strain from lawsuits, including her $100 million suit against the Kardashians for alleged defamation and interference. “I was like, ‘Let me just try it a little bit.’ And I just slid right on in there,” she shared on Lecrae’s podcast in May 2024, noting the ease masked deeper issues like addiction struggles and identity tied to her “Blac Chyna” persona. By 2023, she called it a “dead end,” worth far less than her potential in acting (The Black Hamptons, Secret Society 2) and business.
Post-exit, Chyna joined Passes in December 2023—a “clean” platform banning nudity—for $9.99/month subscriptions focused on spirituality, fitness, and recipes, keeping 90% of revenue. “I am so grateful to join Passes… to show my true self,” she stated, emphasizing mental health transformation. In the doc, she warns of the grind: “Don’t take shortcuts… do it the hardest way” for true appreciation.
| Aspect of Regret | Chyna’s Quote/Insight | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Exploitation | “Blac Chyna… was like ‘she’s a super exotic dancer turned this'” | Felt inauthentic; tied to past stripping persona |
| Influence on Youth | Feared being “held accountable” for pushing girls toward X-rated content | As a role model with 17M+ Instagram followers |
| Financial vs. Moral | Earned $240M but called it a “dead end” | Prioritized faith and kids over quick money |
| Faith Alignment | “With me being baptized, that’s just not what God will want” | Led to deactivation and sobriety journey |
| Long-Term Worth | “I’m worth way more than that… bigger fish to fry” | Shift to acting, Passes, and personal growth |
Other Voices in the Documentary: A Balanced Debate
The special contrasts Chyna’s views with proponents like Amber Rose, who calls OnlyFans “the safest and most lucrative area of sex work.” Rose, a current creator, highlights empowerment and financial freedom, while Taylor Brazinsky decries it as a “cauldron of exploitation and sexual abuse.” Dan Benson (Wizards of Waverly Place) shares his transition to OF, and a former University of Wisconsin-La Crosse chancellor discusses collaborating with his wife for fulfillment. A stay-at-home mom celebrates scoring “big” on the platform, illustrating diverse U.S. experiences from rural creators to urban influencers.
This structure builds tension, ending with audience polls—early buzz suggests a split, mirroring national divides on sex work legalization.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Experts like psychologist Dr. Robin Zasio praise Chyna’s pivot as “transformative,” noting faith-based changes aid recovery from exploitative industries. Lecrae, in his podcast, lauds her vulnerability: “Tired of myself… now serving the Lord.” Passes CEO Lucy Guo emphasizes ethical alternatives: “Let creators make money without brand deals.”
Public reactions on X (formerly Twitter) are buzzing post-premiere clips. TMZ’s post garnered 18 likes and 13 replies, with users like @NyraKraal noting “stark contrasts” in Chyna’s regrets vs. others’ bonds. @2x2z3n8 questioned her hindsight: “Good for Blac Chyna to tell us how it is on OF.” Sentiment leans supportive (60% per informal trackers), with fans relating to her motherhood angle—over 40% of U.S. moms report gig economy regrets per AARP polls. Critics on Reddit call it “hypocritical” given past earnings, but overall, the doc sparks empathy for faith journeys.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Empowerment, Exploitation, and Cultural Shifts
For American viewers, Chyna’s story spotlights economic realities: OnlyFans’ $5B+ payouts offer independence amid 2025’s 3.8% unemployment, but at what cost? Women, comprising 80% of creators, face exploitation risks, echoing #MeToo extensions to digital spaces. Politically, it fuels debates on platform regulation, with bills like the EARN IT Act targeting adult content, affecting free speech and sex worker rights.
Lifestyle changes are profound: Chyna’s sobriety and filler dissolution inspire wellness trends, with U.S. plastic surgery reversals up 15% post-pandemic. As a Black woman in entertainment, her narrative challenges stereotypes, tying into broader cultural ties like hip-hop’s evolution from explicit to empowering content. Technologically, alternatives like Passes signal a shift to SFW monetization, influencing apps and AI content moderation. In sports/entertainment, it parallels athlete endorsements turning activist, boosting viewership for faith-based stories on platforms like BET.
Risks include stigma for ex-creators, but benefits like Chyna’s engagement to Derrick Milano in 2023 show positive rebounds.
Conclusion: A Divided Platform and a Personal Reckoning
“TMZ Presents: The War Over OnlyFans” exposes the platform’s dual edges through Blac Chyna’s regrets of exploitation and negative influence, contrasted by success tales from Amber Rose and others, culminating in a pivotal audience vote. Chyna’s journey—from $240M earner to faith-led activist—highlights the “dead end” of inauthentic paths, urging viewers to prioritize worth over wealth. As OnlyFans evolves amid scrutiny, her story forecasts more creators seeking ethical alternatives like Passes.
Looking ahead, expect regulatory ripples and more documentaries dissecting digital fame. For U.S. fans, it’s a call to reflect on gig work’s true cost. Tune in tonight and weigh in: Is OnlyFans empowering or destructive? Share your thoughts in the comments below!