OnlyFans in Talks to Sell its Pornographic Empire: Is the End Near?
OnlyFans, known as the kingdom of adult content on the internet, could be on the verge of changing hands. According to , the parent company of the platform, Fenix International, Ltd., is reportedly in negotiations to sell the business for around $8 billion to a group of American investors.
### A game-changer in the making
reported that Leonid Radvinsky, the billionaire owner of the site, was looking to “cash out,” but had not found a buyer yet. Now, Reuters identifies Forest Road Company as a potential buyer, a Los Angeles-based investment firm leading a group interested in acquiring the platform. On its website, Forest Road is described as “an unconventional investment firm” that embraces “complexity and creativity to extract value where others see only limitations.” They also express interest in the “media and entertainment” and “digital asset” sectors.
Not many details are known about the negotiations. Reuters, citing sources familiar with the process, indicates that Fenix is also in talks with other interested parties. Gizmodo reached out to OnlyFans for more information, but has not received a response yet.
### What to expect?
Founded in 2016, OnlyFans gained popularity during the pandemic, allowing users with sexual desires to satisfy them without human contact. The business has continued to grow since then, except for a hiccup in 2021 when they announced a ban on sexually explicit content (which was later reversed). The platform has become a reference in adult content and has transformed the porn industry with its model based on independent workers. In 2024, the company reported a 19% increase in payments made through the platform compared to 2023, surpassing $6.6 billion.
Radvinsky purchased the company in 2019 and has since reaped huge profits, reportedly earning $1 billion in three years through corporate dividends.
However, the company has faced criticism and legal issues. Some critics accuse it of being frequented by minors and allowing the circulation of illegal content. Recently, two customers sued the platform after discovering they were likely not chatting with real models, as many creators outsource customer service to third parties.
This article has been translated from Gizmodo US by Lucas Handley. You can find the original version .
