A former primary school teacher who lost her job after a nude photo of her was “leaked” has said the situation “ruined” her life.
Sarah Seales, 41, was fired by bosses at Starbase, an education program run in the US that teaches STEM classes, after the organisation claimed her OnlyFans account was “putting its reputation at risk”.
But in the year since the single mum of twins lost her $US 55,000 ($AU 85,000) job, Ms Seales’ said she’s been pushed into making the racy side-hustle her main income stream, but it’s not a lucrative as it seems.
“It hasn’t been a million-dollar payout for me,” she told Yahoo Lifestyle Australia.
“The average model on OnlyFans makes $150-a-month and compared to them, I’ve done okay but the income is so up and down.
“You read all of these stories about women making fortunes [on OnlyFans], but they’re already famous or have a large following on social media.”
Ms Seales explained at the time of her dismissal that she had been discreetly running an adult subscription service to help supplement her teacher earnings, which only just covered her rent and health insurance.
The teacher of 20 years even went to great lengths to disguise her sexy online business, posting her explicit content to subscribers under the username “Buttercup1981.”
However, when someone in Ms Seales community uncovered the account, a naked photo of the teacher was circulated, prompting the school to terminate her employment.
“These photos pose a real and immediate risk of harm to the reputation or business dealings of Starbase Indiana, Inc. up to and including the loss of schools, donors, community partners and our contract to operate with the State National Guard,” the letter, published on June 27 2022, read.
Prior to her dismissal, Ms Seales took to Instagram to share her feelings about being exposed, writing: “I am shocked and saddened by his vile attempt to ruin my life. If you could think of any way to help me I would appreciate it. I feel heartbroken.”
Several days later, she confirmed she had been fired by Starbase in a post advertising her OnlyFans to her then 1700 Instagram followers.
“I just got fired from my teaching job over a nude photo! I need all the support I can get! Tips and loving support appreciated!!” she wrote beneath a selfie that showed her lying provocatively in a pale pink bra.
Despite amassing 30,000 new followers as a result of the scandal, the mother has revealed she feels like she’s “failed” her family, stating the situation has been “hard on my mental health”.
Writing about the “wild ride” on Instagram this week, many fans shared messages of support.
“This will only make you stronger,” one up-beat follower wrote.
“Own it and stay positive!” another agreed.