Warning: This article contains information that some readers will find upsetting.
Former adult film star Lana Rhoades has shared the deeply painful reason behind her plea to have all of her old adult videos removed from the internet.
The 28-year-old, who entered the adult entertainment world in 2016 and became one of the industry's biggest stars, has been clear about her regrets.
Despite being one of the most searched actresses on major adult sites and even receiving accolades like Pornhub's Most Popular Female Performer in 2019, she revealed in interviews that her experience left her with significant psychological scars.
"If I could go back, I would give up everything to have my dignity and respect back, and for people not to be able to see me in that way," she confessed during a 2021 appearance on Harry Jowsey's Tap In podcast.
Lana Rhoades left the adult entertainment industry because it took a toll on her mental health. Credit: Albert L. Ortega / Getty
The Traumatic Scenes That Haunt Her
One of the most harrowing aspects of her past career that the former star, whose real name is Amara Maple, has openly discussed is the abuse and manipulation she experienced while filming certain scenes.
In an episode of the 3 Girls 1 Kitchen podcast, which she co-hosts, she shared: "There was one thing that, ya know, I tried talking to a therapist about before something that I had to do for a scene that was really rough for me."
"Basically, this guy had a bowl and he, like, gagged me until I threw up into it and he, like, p***ed in the bowl, and during the scene he asked me to drink it, and I didn't know how to say no. It was one of the most disgusting, foul scenes," she added.
These kinds of experiences not only contributed to her exit from the industry but also left lasting trauma. "I honestly feel like I'm in denial sometimes, and I can't accept some of the things that I've done," she shared.
Lana Rhoades. Credit: Instagram
Regrets and the Stigma of Porn
Rhoades has been forthright about the shame she feels about her career in adult entertainment, though not for the reasons many might expect.
She said it's got nothing to do with the "nudity," instead, "It's the stigma that will follow you for the rest of your life".
She has also spoken about the social and personal consequences of her career, including strained relationships, judgment from others, and the harsh treatment she faced after leaving the industry.
“The neighbors will tell you that you can't live next to them because they have children. Your boyfriends will tell you no one will ever love you because of your past," she lamented. "It’s held over you every day of your life."
Rhoades openly admitted that she regrets becoming an adult star in the first place. Credit: PG/Bauer-Griffin / Getty
Despite the trauma, Rhoades has found success in her post-porn career. She has amassed considerable wealth as a social media influencer, building a thriving business and becoming a self-made multi-millionaire.
"The industry I did not get paid s***," Rhoades said in an interview, reflecting on her former career. "I probably had $100,000 in my bank account when I quit shooting porn, and now I'm a multi-millionaire."
Rhoades launched her own OnlyFans page, where she fully controls her content and income, and has become a successful entrepreneur in the process.
With her newfound success and mental peace, Rhoades - who is a mom - has also become an advocate for others considering a career in adult entertainment, and warns against entering the industry.
"I don’t think that having sexual relations with people that you hardly know is good for your mental health or your heart," she said. "Everyone can do what they want, but I don’t think they’re making the best decision for themselves going into that."