Former Hollyoaks star Sarah Jayne Dunn continues to speak out about the controversy surrounding her decision to join OnlyFans, maintaining her stance on empowerment and control over her image following her departure from the Channel 4 soap in 2021. The actress, known for her role as Mandy Richardson, has consistently highlighted the hypocrisy she faced and her commitment to forging her own path in content creation, a narrative that has resonated with many while also drawing criticism.
The OnlyFans Decision and Hollyoaks Exit
Sarah Jayne Dunn’s journey into the world of OnlyFans began in October 2021, a move she publicly stated was about “taking back control” of her image. Having previously posed for “lads’ mags” and official Hollyoaks calendars throughout her career, Dunn emphasized that her OnlyFans content was no more explicit than what she had done before, but this time, she had full autonomy and financial benefit.
However, her decision led to an ultimatum from Hollyoaks producers. Citing concerns over the show’s youth-facing audience and contractual clauses against cast members being active on “certain 18+ websites,” Lime Pictures, the production company behind Hollyoaks, requested she deactivate her account. When Dunn refused to comply, her contract was terminated, leading to her character’s exit from the show.
Accusations of Hypocrisy and Double Standards
Dunn expressed significant disappointment and felt she had to “take a stand.” She, along with many fans, pointed to the perceived double standards within the entertainment industry and Hollyoaks itself. Dunn recalled feeling “pitted against other girls” and “made to feel disposable” during her time on the soap, particularly regarding past photoshoots for calendars where female cast members were pressured to participate. She argued that she had been sexualized for much of her adult life by the industry, making the sudden disapproval of her monetizing her image on her own terms particularly stinging.
The actress claimed that prior to launching her OnlyFans, she had attempted to discuss it with the production company but received no clear response. She later stated that Hollyoaks and other soaps subsequently introduced new contract clauses explicitly banning actors from creating OnlyFans accounts.
Empowerment and Control: Dunn’s Perspective
Despite the backlash and the loss of her long-standing role, Dunn has consistently framed her OnlyFans venture as an act of empowerment. She views the platform as a “safer space” for her content, arguing that its 18+ verification process offers more protection than other social media sites. She has highlighted the financial independence and creative freedom it provides, allowing her to control her schedule and content without external pressures.
Dunn has also revealed that she believes she knows the identity of the person who complained to Hollyoaks bosses about her account, expressing suspicions about a former colleague. She sees the success she has found on OnlyFans as validation of her decision, with other soap stars reportedly reaching out to her for advice on navigating similar paths.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Debate
The public reaction to Dunn’s story has been varied, sparking wider debates about female autonomy, sex work, and the boundaries placed on public figures, especially women. While some have criticized her choices, many have lauded her for standing her ground and challenging what they see as restrictive and hypocritical industry norms. Dunn frequently uses her platform to advocate for women supporting women and encouraging individual choices.
As she continues her career as a full-time OnlyFans creator, Sarah Jayne Dunn remains a prominent voice in the discussion about digital content creation and female empowerment, regularly reflecting on her journey and the impact of her choices.
