SAN FRANCISCO — Kink.com responded today to recent allegations of unfair webcam model payment practices.
A feud surfaced last week when performer Maxine Holloway alleged that she was fired from KinkLive last month after she tried getting other models to sign a letter protesting a new Kink.com system of payment that she claimed drastically reduced wages for most performers.
But Kink.com President Peter Acworth told XBIZ that the company stopped contracting Holloway because her shows had become unprofitable. Further, Acworth said, Holloway was often late and canceled several shows at the last minute.
“We did not view this as serious, which is why we only asked her to stop booking with us temporarily,” Acworth noted.
Acworth, however, did confirm the new commission-only pay structure, effective July 1, that removes minimums.
He added that it also makes economic sense for KinkLive that's experiencing a monthly net loss is in the $30,000 – $50,000 range.
“As any webcam operator will tell you, it is not possible to run a webcam business and guarantee a minimum payment to the models. The economics of doing so do not add up,” Acworth said.
The new plan rewards the more popular performers, some of whom can earn up to 50 percent of total revenue over $1,500. Performers whose shows total revenue lands under $300 will be paid 30 percent and 40 percent over that up to $1,500.
“The new model benefits those models whose shows typically do well, but at the expense of those whose shows do not reach the minimum. We have numerous models who do better under the new plan and who are upset by this backlash,” Acworth said.
According to a SF Weekly article, performers Coral Aorta, Wendy Fairfax, and Siren Wolf are in support of Holloway’s claims, and feel that the new wage system will force them to be much more competitive and perform in ways that will push their personal limits.
“As with any webcam business, the operator has no control over the content of the show. It is entirely up to the model to set her own limits and determine how hard to work a given show. I strongly urge all our models to webcam with other companies and choose the site which works best for them,” Acworth said.
He added, “I congratulate all models who give webcamming a serious shot. It takes a lot of courage and determination, but I'm afraid the fact is that it's not a business for everyone, and any model that feels they are working too hard for the money should re-evaluate if it's right for them.
The Kink chief noted that at least two of Holloway’s supporters are currently solidly booked with the company and they all are still welcomed to continue to book with Kink.
But according to the SF Weekly article, Holloway and her cohorts have filed a class-action lawsuit against Kink.com claiming the new practices violate labor law. Acworth said he is aware of the threat of such a lawsuit, but could not confirm that it’s been filed.