Kevin Bratt feels that his career took a significant hit due to a single fan’s actions. He is known for his controversial role in distributing Paris Hilton’s intimate tapes back in the early 2000s. Bratt is now suggesting that subscription services might offer some peace to celebrities, enabling them to rest easy without the constant threat of leaks.
“Making money like we used to? Not a chance,” Bratt expressed, reflecting on how times have changed. “With technology evolving, there’s no way to profit from them the same way. Now, platforms like OnlyFans allow users to publish their own content. So, releasing a tape just to get noticed? I doubt that strategy holds the same weight.”
In a new A&E docuseries titled “Celebrity Sex Tape Secrets,” Bratt dives into how these scandals have shaped public obsession and outrage, featuring icons like Pamela Anderson, Tommy Lee, and Kim Kardashian. As he reflects on the adult entertainment industry from years past, he admits to feeling cautious about media portrayals.
“I’m really careful with the media; you just never know how they’ll portray you,” he said.
Bratt laments the lost business model around sex tapes. “Indeed, the game has changed. It’s clear many celebrities benefit from promoting themselves through platforms like OnlyFans,” he noted.
OnlyFans has gained notoriety as a safer space for sex workers and celebrities to connect with their fanbase. Many turned to the platform during the pandemic, seeking alternative streams of income when traditional venues shut down. Reports indicate that some creators on the site can earn substantial amounts each month.
By the end of 2024, OnlyFans boasted approximately 377.5 million accounts, and its creators brought in over $6.6 billion in revenue in 2023.
“Sex tapes? Those days are essentially over,” Bratt stressed, asserting that for many, the real gain comes from finding success on platforms like OnlyFans instead of selling adult content.
“The future lies in leveraging platforms to become your own network and share user-generated content,” he added.
In 2021, OnlyFans faced backlash for initially planning to ban sexually explicit content, a move that advocates argued could push many into riskier situations. They claimed restricting safer virtual spaces could lead to vulnerabilities, including human trafficking.
Bratt believes celebrities shouldn’t be overly concerned about the threat of leaks. “Should they worry? No,” he replied. “Yet, the fallout from past tapes still lingers. For instance, Paris Hilton recently shared her experience regarding a tape with her then-boyfriend, Rick Salomon. She described feeling pressured into making the tape and how it complicated her life.”
Hilton recalls him saying that if she didn’t comply, he could “easily find someone who would.” She noted the emotional toll it took and how it affected her self-image, feeling exposed rather than iconic.
Reflecting on his past, Bratt acknowledges that some of his actions have led to public misconceptions. “People often see me as a villain, but I’m really just a regular guy from Cleveland,” he stated.
These days, Bratt leads a quieter life, free from the scandals that once defined him. “I’m not stressed. I don’t have to worry about lawsuits anymore,” he concluded.
The docuseries “Celebrity Sex Tape Secrets” is set to air on Monday at 9 PM.
