FSC Report Reveals Widespread Financial Discrimination Against Adult Industry

FSC Report Reveals Widespread Financial Discrimination Against Adult Industry

LOS ANGELES — Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a new report detailing the extent of financial discrimination against the adult industry.

The report reveals that an overwhelming majority of adult industry workers have lost a bank account or financial tool due to their source of income.

The report follows a study conducted between December 2022 and March 2023 by FSC and Sex Work CEO, an educational platform for sex workers. Over 400 members of the adult industry took part in the survey.

“Financial Discrimination and the Adult Industry” documents the broad scope of the discrimination faced by performers, content creators, professionals and business executives in the adult industry. 

According to the report: 

  • Discrimination is widespread. Some 62% of respondants have lost or been denied a bank account due to their work in the adult industry. More than 40% have lost an account or financial tool in the past year alone.
  • It’s a major drag on business. Nearly half of adult businesses (48%) rated financial discrimination as their top challenge to revenue.
  • It makes performers vulnerable. One in three performers have either been outed as adult workers to their financial institution by those who wish to harm them, or have faced extortive threats to do so.

“The rampant financial discrimination against the adult industry is devastating to our businesses and workers,” said FSC Director of Public Affairs Mike Stabile. “From predatory fees to unwarranted fund seizures, financial institutions are exploiting the labor of those working in the adult industry. This report shines a light on a shameful practice.” 

Those in the adult industry regularly report having accounts closed, sometimes with funds seized, despite their source of income being legal. From mainstream banks and credit card networks to financial tools like PayPal and Venmo, financial services discrimination creates constant instability for workers and businesses, forcing them to pay extortionate fees or rely on third parties to manage their income.

The report builds on scholarship and studies conducted by groups such as Hacking/Hustling and CLEAR, and by researchers like Dr. Val Webber and Bianca Beebe.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Adult Time Drops New Installment of 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Coco Bae Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Coco Bae stars with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Reality Kings.

Eve Sweet Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Vixen Angel Eve Sweet stars with Vixen Media Group (VMG) exclusive Jason Luv in the latest release from studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Brazzers Drops Season Finale of 'MILF Quest'

Brazzers has released the final episode of the first season of "MILF Quest," hosted by Cherie DeVille.

Beca Barbie Makes Her Hookup Hotshot Debut

Beca Barbie has made her debut for Hookup Hotshot alongside Nade Nasty.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Valerica Steele Headlines Jonni Darkko's 'DVP Sluts'

Valerica Steele toplines director Jonni Darkko’s “DVP Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Show More