Euphoria always causes controversy, but usually for reasons different from those of this third season. Something that has only intensified due to a controversy brewing on social media: several OnlyFans models believe that their work has been misrepresented in the series. Going so far as to consider the storyline related to the platform offensive.
A series in free fall and full of criticism
In the third season of Euphoria, Sydney Sweeney’s character, Cassie, needs to raise $500,000 for her wedding. Since she has little time to do so, she decides to create an OnlyFans to make a lot of money in a short period. From here, a series of comic sketches begin where she first dresses up in a dog costume and then as a baby, all while striking suggestive poses, to get the money she needs and proceed with her wedding.
In addition to the ridiculousness of the plot, OnlyFans models have wanted to point out that what Cassie’s character does is prohibited on the platform “credit card companies have very strict rules that must be followed, and they are becoming stricter” said Sydney Leathers, a content creator who has been on the platform since 2017. Why? Because according to OnlyFans’ Terms of Use, any content related to minors, whether real or simulated, is strictly prohibited. This is something that companies like VISA and Mastercard impose on individuals engaging in sex work if they want to use their services.
Another important content creator on the platform, Maitland War, has gone further. Claiming that “it perpetuates the stereotype that sex workers lack moral principles and would do anything for money”, she has attacked not only the representation of OnlyFans but also her profession.
If we add to this the lukewarm reception of the season, it seems that Euphoria is no longer the darling it was in its first two seasons. Its multiple reviews, controversies involving cast members, and now problematic narrative lines make its future seem shaky. Something that seemed impossible just a few months ago, but is becoming clearer: Euphoria was once a phenomenon, but it seems it no longer has what it takes to maintain its popularity.
