In recent years, the issue of sex trafficking has garnered significant attention, with many celebrities stepping forward to advocate against this heinous crime. While their intentions may be noble, it is crucial to understand why celebrities are not reliable or trustworthy sources of information on this complex and sensitive topic. Celebrities, by their nature, are not experts in the field of human trafficking, and their involvement can do more harm than good, often actively worsening the landscape for sex workers and victims.
First and foremost, celebrities are entertainers. Their primary occupation is to perform, be it in music, film, or television. Their expertise lies in their craft, not in the intricate and often misrepresented world of sex work and labour trafficking. Some celebrities may have a genuine passion for combating human trafficking. However, their knowledge is typically surface-level, based on what they have learned from ‘experts’ and inexpert media, rather than direct, extensive study or experience in the field. The nuances of sex trafficking require an understanding not only of the people and communities affected, but also of legal frameworks, social services, victim/survivor psychology, international relations, and border politics – areas that require a lifetime of dedication to reach any depth.
Their expertise lies in their craft, not in the intricate and often misrepresented world of sex work and labour trafficking.
Moreover, the celebrity lifestyle often deliberately distances them from the realities faced by the average person, let alone those from more marginalised communities. Living in privileged and isolated circumstances, celebrities may not fully grasp the socio-economic and political factors that contribute to trafficking. Their perspectives can be shaped by sensationalized media reports rather than survivor-led movements or the comprehensive research and data used in the field. This lack of grounded understanding can lead to oversimplified views and ‘solutions’ that do not address the root causes or complexities of sex trafficking. Simply put, their material realities are too disparate.
Furthermore, celebrities' involvement in anti-trafficking campaigns is often designed to overshadow the work of experienced advocates and peer organizations. Media attention naturally gravitates towards the beacon that is celebrity, often at the expense of highlighting the efforts of workers and organizations who have dedicated their time to this cause. This can lead to a skewed perception of the issue, where the focus is on high-profile events and personalities rather than on the critical, ongoing work being done by survivors, social workers, and human rights organizations.
Celebrities also risk super spreading misinformation, either unintentionally or through association with dubious organizations. The recent rise in conspiracy theories, such as those propagated by the QAnon movement, has seen some celebrities inadvertently or deliberately endorsing false narratives about trafficking. These conspiracy theories often include outlandish claims that distract from real and urgent issues, like the everyday exploitation of people made vulnerable by rigid and punitive systems, ie. borders and their enforcement. When celebrities share unverified or sensationalized information, it can lead to public misunderstanding and divert attention from effective, evidence-based interventions.
Celebrities also risk super spreading misinformation, either unintentionally or through association with dubious organizations.
Specifically, celebrities like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have been known to actively worsen the landscape for sex workers through their involvement in anti-trafficking efforts. Kutcher’s organization, Thorn, while aiming to combat trafficking, has been criticized for using tactics that conflate consensual sex work with trafficking. This conflation can lead to increased criminalization and stigmatization of sex workers, who often rely on their work for survival. The resulting policies and law enforcement actions can push sex work further underground, making it more dangerous for those involved by stripping them of legal protections, their worker and industrial rights, as well as infringing on their human rights.
Moreover, the campaigns led by such celebrities often advocate for policies that both harm sex workers and fail to help trafficking victims. For instance, promoting blanket criminalization of sex work under the guise of fighting trafficking fails to differentiate between sex work – which is performed by consenting adults – and forced, coercive exploitation. This approach ignores the voices of sex workers, who frequently advocate for decriminalization as a means of increasing both safety and agency. By endorsing these harmful policies, celebrities contribute to an environment where sex workers face greater risks and reduced rights.
Misguided campaigns can lead to policies and practices that harm the very individuals they intend to help. Sensationalist approaches can result in crackdowns and rescues that prioritize arresting everyone – including victims –, over providing holistic, trauma-informed care to survivors. These actions re-traumatize victims and fail to offer them the support they need to rebuild their lives.
By endorsing these harmful policies, celebrities contribute to an environment where sex workers face greater risks and reduced rights.
In an age where social media presence is crucial for maintaining relevance, some celebrities may engage in activism more for the sake of public relations than genuine commitment. This performative activism, while raising awareness, can lack the substance and long-term dedication needed to make a real impact. When the cameras are off and the hashtags fade, true progress requires sustained effort and expertise that celebrities are often not positioned to provide.
While celebrities can play a valuable role in raising awareness about sex trafficking, they should not be regarded as reliable or trustworthy sources of information on this issue. Celebrities can best contribute by using their platforms to amplify the voices of survivors, peer led orgs and trusted experts, who support evidence-based interventions, and advocate for systemic changes that address the root causes of all labor trafficking. By doing so, they can help ensure that efforts to combat sex trafficking are both effective and respectful of the complexities of the issue, while avoiding the harm perpetrated against sex workers, both deliberate and inadvertent.
Are you a sex worker with a story, opinion, news, or tips to share? We'd love to hear from you!
We started the tryst.link sex worker blog to help amplify those who aren't handed the mic and bring attention to the issues ya'll care about the most. Got a tale to tell? 👇☂️✨
