Could Amanda Bynes Help Change OnlyFans’ Reputation?

Amanda Bynes has been slowly returning to the spotlight over the last few years, with an art show and renewed Instagram presence. Now, the former child star has announced a new way to connect with her fans.

The Amanda Show star revealed on April 15 that she’s joining OnlyFans. She shared a mirror selfie to her Instagram Story with the caption, “I’m on OnlyFans now!” 

Despite the platform’s salacious reputation, Bynes made it clear her content will be PG-13. “Disclaimer: I’m doing onlyfans to chat with my fans through dm’s. I won’t be posting any sleazy content,” she wrote, adding, “excited to join!” 

The Toast hosts Jackie and Claudia Oshry point out that Bynes’ move could help OnlyFans shift its image.

“I do think OnlyFans wants to be a subscription service for your faves, not just pornography,” says Jackie. “There was a time a couple of years ago where OnlyFans made a directional pivot where they didn’t want to be subscription just for sex work.” In fact, Jackie says, “They were reaching out to people like us to get us to move over from platforms like Patreon.” At the time, however, “the stigma was just far too great.”

But could Bynes’ addition to the platform signal a larger trend?

Sexologist and OnlyFans creator Dr. Tiffany Chan told The Daily Mail that Bynes could probably earn major cash on the platform, even without explicit content, because of peoples’ nostalgic fascination with the child star. “If it’s just her and the only plan is to chat with fans, it could be lucrative for her and she may even attract a large female following,’ Dr. Chan said. “There does seem to be a rising trend in SFW [safe for work] OnlyFans accounts, which seems to be an interesting shift and it seems this might be the avenue Bynes is going for,” Dr. Chan also told the Mail.

Apparently, a subscription to Bynes’ content on OnlyFans costs a hefty 50 bucks a month, but for fans of the Nickelodeon actress, that may be well worth it. 

“If you’ve really been thinking about Amanda Bynes and how you feel bad for her, this is a great way to support,” says Claudia. 

We’re all for supporting grown-up child stars, especially ones who are forging their own path. Time will tell if more celebrities will join Bynes in making SFW OnlyFans content. 

For more pop culture hot takes, listen to The Toast.