Megan Prescott, a name once synonymous with the groundbreaking teen dramaSkins, is now speaking out about a stark contrast in how her sexuality was perceived and controlled during her time on the show versus her current work.
At just sixteen years old, Prescott found herself thrust into the spotlight as Katie Fitch, navigating the complex and often explicit world depicted in the series. Years later, she asserts she receives more respect and agency on a platform often stigmatized than she ever did within the television industry.
The show, notorious for its raw portrayal of teenage life, has faced increasing scrutiny regarding its safeguarding practices. Prescott’s experience adds another layer to this conversation, revealing the discomfort she felt filming intimate scenes with an actor significantly older than herself.
“I’m treated better on OnlyFans than I was onSkins,” she stated, highlighting a disturbing double standard. She observes a pattern where the sexualization of young performers is accepted—even profitable—until those same individuals seek to benefit directly from their own image and sexuality.
Prescott points to a pervasive hypocrisy: society readily consumes the sexualized images of young women, but condemns them when they attempt to reclaim ownership and profit from their own bodies as adults. The question, she poses, is why she can’t take control and earn significantly more as a grown woman.
The illusion of wealth surrounding the young cast ofSkinswas also shattered. Despite the show’s cultural impact, Prescott revealed that their earnings amounted to little more than minimum wage when calculated by the hour. Furthermore, they receive no residuals from streaming platforms.
FollowingSkins, Prescott faced a harsh reality, struggling to find consistent work. This led her to explore sex work, initially grappling with internalised shame and fear of professional repercussions. She believed revealing this work would end her acting career.
The pandemic proved to be a turning point. After losing her job, a friend suggested OnlyFans, and Prescott discovered a newfound financial independence and sense of empowerment. The platform, she says, fundamentally changed her life.
Skinslaunched the careers of many successful actors, but Prescott’s story serves as a cautionary tale, exposing the vulnerabilities and potential exploitation faced by young performers navigating a complex and often unforgiving industry.
