LOS ANGELES – Cherie DeVille’s latest opinion piece, published Saturday in The Daily Beast, addresses the discrimination adult performers face when using dating applications. Titled “Why Dating Is Hell for So Many Porn Stars — Thanks to Dating Apps,” the article explores how technology companies are impacting the romantic lives of sex workers.

Dating Apps and Deplatforming

DeVille writes that in the 21st century, most people meet partners on dating applications. However, her outreach to adult performers and other sex workers about their dating experiences revealed a pattern of platforms like Tinder banning them due to their occupation. DeVille states that nearly every sex worker has stories of dating applications deplatforming them for their profession, making it difficult for them to connect or find romantic partners.

April Kelly, an adult actress, shared her experience with DeVille. Kelly mentioned being involved in sex work during a Tinder conversation, after which her account received a warning. Subsequent attempts to use Tinder resulted in account deletions. Kelly reported a similar, faster process on Bumble. She noted that these incidents made it clear that being a sex worker was not acceptable to Tinder. Kelly also stated that she has been banned from Tinder twice and had her Bumble account taken down, finding it annoying because the apps often deplatform her even when she is not engaging in sex work on the platform.

Other sex workers have reported similar issues. Shiza Panda stated that Tinder banned her for mentioning "I have an OF." Adult performer Kristopher Koffin reported that Tinder banned him a couple of years ago for being a sex worker. Tinder’s terms of service state that members who violate policies, including promoting or advocating for commercial sexual services, may be removed from the platform.

Increased Censorship and Impersonation

DeVille’s informal research indicates that the issue of deplatforming has intensified in recent years. She concludes that sex workers are experiencing the most censorship since the 1980s, even as Americans show increased interest in sex work. DeVille has also encountered multiple scam artists impersonating her on dating applications and other social media sites, conning men out of money. She notes that dating applications have responded to this problem by deplatforming porn stars. Additionally, multiple women report being removed from dating applications because algorithms mistakenly identify them as catfishers, despite catfishers continuing to be prevalent.

Cherie DeVille's Commentary

Cherie DeVille has authored other commentary pieces on issues affecting sex workers and the adult industry. Her work includes articles such as "Sex Workers Are Getting Scammed on Instagram. Meta Needs to Step In," which discusses how trans creators are often targets, but the problem is widespread. She also wrote "An Anti-Porn Leader Is Accused and the Media’s Silence Is Deafening," addressing Mike Bickle, a founding father of anti-porn organization Exodus Cry, stepping away from his ministry after sexual misconduct allegations. DeVille has also offered insights into the adult industry in "What Hollywood Strikers Can Learn From the Porn Industry," where she writes about how Hollywood creatives could benefit from copying the porn world’s OnlyFans business model. Another piece, "When You Try to Watch Pornhub in Utah, You See Me Instead. Here’s Why," features DeVille writing about her sentiment regarding teenage boys watching her porn.

Key Facts

  • Cherie DeVille’s opinion piece, “Why Dating Is Hell for So Many Porn Stars — Thanks to Dating Apps,” was published in The Daily Beast on Saturday.
  • The article explores discrimination faced by adult performers and sex workers on dating applications.
  • Adult actress April Kelly reported being banned from Tinder and Bumble after mentioning her involvement in sex work.
  • Sex workers Shiza Panda and Kristopher Koffin also reported being banned from Tinder due to their profession.
  • DeVille’s research suggests sex workers are facing the most censorship since the 1980s.
  • DeVille has experienced multiple scam artists impersonating her on dating apps and social media, conning men out of money.