Media Planning and Buying Media Outdoor Advertising

OnlyFans billboard model speaks: ‘We must shed shackles of outdated moral judgment’

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By Eliza Rose Watson, Model

July 7, 2023 | 7 min read

When Eliza Rose Watson unveiled four London billboards promoting her OnlyFans business she didn't expect to inspire fierce criticism, vandalism and watchdog complaints. Here in The Drum she strikes back at the 'hypocritical' reaction.

ElizaRoseWatson

/ ElizaRoseWatson

As a proud 34-year-old OnlyFans model, I never imagined my story would become a topic of national debate. From overcoming an eating disorder, drug addiction and homelessness, I rose above adversity to reclaim my life. Today, I stand as one of the most successful OnlyFans models in the UK, using my platform to advocate for self-acceptance, empowerment and the freedom to express our sexuality on our own terms.

And then, controversy struck four billboards I proudly placed in London, displaying an image of me wearing a bra along with my usernames for Instagram and OnlyFans. While some critics label these ads as ’pornographic’ and inappropriate for public spaces, it is essential to separate fact from fiction.

First and foremost, it is crucial to highlight that my OnlyFans presence complies with UK pornography laws, with strict age verification measures in place to ensure no minors have access. Contrary to the accusations, my content does not exploit anyone and remains within the boundaries set by lingerie or alcohol advertisements that also share the public space.

With the utmost respect for the public, I worked hand-in-hand with advertising professionals to design the billboards. We aimed to strike a balance that conveys my message to the hundreds of thousands of OnlyFans users in the UK while being visually enticing and tasteful for those passing by. The goal was to be transparent about my work and provide those interested with a clear path to discover more should they choose to.

Critics often forget that studies reveal up to 92% of men in the UK have viewed pornography and that 16-and 17-year-old boys are more likely to access it through social media rather than designated adult sites. It seems that the same people who express outrage over billboards fail to address the free social media apps loaded on to their sons’ mobile phones. Redirected concern would be better served in having discussions about responsible access to explicit content.

It is interesting to note that our country elicits immense outrage at even the slightest hint of adult information publicly, while platforms like PornHub boast a larger audience than the BBC. This contradiction highlights the misplaced – perhaps even disingenuous – nature of outrage.

Let me be clear: my OnlyFans page operates as a legitimate business venture. I collaborate with professional service providers who support me in my work, just as any other business does. The billboards have been remarkably effective in attracting new clients and subscribers, largely due to the vast number of British people who consume pornography through OnlyFans. These individuals knew precisely what to do without the aid of a domain, instructions or QR codes.

The debate surrounding the accessibility and consumption of pornographic material online is an important one. However, driving independent creators who diligently adhere to the law into the shadows is not the answer. Instead, we should direct our efforts toward facilitating open and honest discussions about how we can responsibly navigate this digital age.

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It is high time we celebrate self-expression, embrace the choices and aspirations of modern women and men, and acknowledge the agency we possess over our bodies and our sexuality. As a society, we must shed the shackles of outdated moral judgment and place value on the empowerment and autonomy that comes from allowing individuals to forge their own paths.

In a world where overcoming adversity takes unwavering resilience, I strive to inspire others to reclaim their confidence, break societal norms and embrace their passions wholeheartedly. Let us not stifle those who dare to challenge perceptions and foster a society where choice and acceptance reign supreme.

Eliza Rose Watson is a leading OnlyFans creator. Her profile is accessible here.

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