Contrasting Portrayals of OnlyFans in Euphoria and Margo's Got Money Troubles
Diverse Representations of OnlyFans in Recent Shows
In April, two streaming series introduced characters with OnlyFans accounts: Cassie from HBO's Euphoria and Margo from Apple TV's Margo's Got Money Troubles. However, the two shows depict their struggles in starkly different ways. In Euphoria, Cassie, portrayed by Sydney Sweeney, initially engages with OnlyFans as a fun venture that soon turns into a necessity. Conversely, Margo's Got Money Troubles, based on Rufi Thorpe's novel, takes a more nuanced approach to Margo's character. The varied responses to these portrayals stem from the distinct perspectives of the creators, with Sam Levinson at the helm of Euphoria and a predominantly female team behind Margo's Got Money Troubles. Warning: Spoilers ahead!
The Male Perspective in Euphoria's Cassie Howard
Male gaze of Euphoria on Cassie Howard
This isn't the first instance where Euphoria has showcased a female character leveraging her sexuality on screen. In its inaugural season, Kat (Barbie Ferreira) worked as an online dominatrix, while Jules (Hunter Schafer) sought older men through dating apps. These portrayals raised significant concerns, particularly since both characters were minors. Fast forward to the third season, which jumps five years ahead, and these characters have matured, or so it seems.
Cassie Howard (Sweeney) aspires to have a lavish wedding and transitions from Instagram to OnlyFans to fund her wedding to Nate (Jacob Elordi), who is in debt due to a failed business venture. Upon discovering the extent of his financial troubles (almost a million dollars), she decides to pursue OnlyFans full-time, hoping it will lead to greater opportunities. From the outset of the season, Levinson places Cassie in provocative scenarios, dressing her in a dog costume and later in a diaper and pacifier, which contravenes OnlyFans' content guidelines. Although Cassie desires to be an OnlyFans creator, she is manipulated by those around her, particularly Nate and her manager Maddy (Alexa Demie), who view her as a source of income. Cassie herself shows little hesitation in donning a sheer American flag dress or selling her used underwear, driven by dreams of wealth.
Margo's Perspective in Margo's Got Money Troubles
Female gaze of Margo's Got Money Troubles on Margo Millet
While the writing team for Margo's Got Money Troubles includes both genders, the direction is led by Dearbhla Walsh, Kate Herron, and Alice Seabright. Creator David E. Kelley, who is married to Michelle Pfeiffer (who plays Margo's mother), consulted with OnlyFans creators during the writing process. Margo (Elle Fanning), a college student, finds herself pregnant by her English professor and is forced to leave her waitressing job due to childcare costs, turning to OnlyFans for financial support. As an aspiring writer, Margo collaborates with other creators to develop an alien persona named the Hungry Ghost, embarking on her first adventures on Earth. The series has already been renewed for a second season by Apple TV.
Both shows incorporate nudity, yet they convey different messages. In Euphoria, Cassie's nudity is sensationalized, culminating in a scene where her breasts are pressed against a window for a client. In contrast, Margo's portrayal as the Hungry Ghost character emphasizes her eagerness to experience human life. The nudity in Margo's Got Money Troubles serves a purpose, often reflecting her journey of self-acceptance and artistic expression.
Reactions from OnlyFans Creators
What OnlyFans creators think about the shows
A report from Elle highlighted the curiosity among OnlyFans creators regarding their representation in mainstream media. Some expressed concern that these portrayals perpetuate stigma; for instance, Cassie's baby costume was labeled "dangerous" for violating platform rules. Naomi Noel, one creator, criticized Euphoria for its negative depiction of sex work and women, stating, "The show is very male gaze-y at this point, even though it started out great." Meanwhile, Fanning, who created her own OnlyFans account for research, viewed the platform as a space for creativity and character development. Another creator, Gracie Canaan, noted that the series accurately reflects the hard work involved in being an OnlyFans creator, stating, "I think a lot of people would be surprised at the level-headedness and business savvy of a lot of OnlyFans creators." As Cassie's storyline continues in Euphoria, which concludes on June 1, Margo's Got Money Troubles will delve deeper into Margo's journey as a creator in its upcoming second season. Euphoria is available for streaming on JioHotstar in India, while the first season of Margo's Got Money Troubles can be found on Apple TV.