A lawsuit filed by prominent figures from the Adult Performance Artists Guild (APAG union) against tech giants Meta and OnlyFans has been voluntarily dropped.

The plaintiffs, which include Alana Evans, Kelly Pierce, and Ruby, initially accused Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, and OnlyFans, alongside its owner, of conspiring to limit their digital footprint and market reach by unfairly blacklisting them on social media platforms.

Filed in February 2022, the lawsuit echoed earlier allegations made on behalf of FanCentro in November 2021, which accused the defendants of “tortious interference with contract and intentional interference with prospective business.”

The claim centered around Meta purportedly utilizing its extensive social media network to suppress posts from adult entertainers not exclusively aligned with OnlyFans, thereby favoring the latter’s contracted performers. This was said to be accomplished through a contentious database used to flag content from so-called “dangerous individuals and organizations,” initially aimed at curbing terrorism and violent extremism.

However, recent developments have led to a dramatic shift in the plaintiffs’ stance. After engaging in discussions with Meta’s legal representatives, the performers were informed that there was insufficient evidence to support their central claim. Specifically, Meta clarified that there was no record of any competitor platform being targeted or nominated for exclusion through the contentious database.

Acknowledging the lack of concrete evidence to sustain their case, the plaintiffs have opted to drop the case against Meta, stating that pursuing further discovery would be “futile.” The motion to dismiss also highlighted “ambiguous and incomplete responses” from Meta regarding the mechanics of the so-called blacklist, further complicating their pursuit of justice. The absence of an archived version of the list, which is subject to change and lacks an automated nomination process, was a critical factor in their decision to withdraw.

Meta has concurrently filed for summary judgment, seeking a legal resolution in its favor. The case, which was set to challenge the dynamics of competition and freedom of expression within the adult entertainment sector on digital platforms, is now poised for closure. U.S. District Judge William Alsup is scheduled to deliberate on both motions on April 24, potentially bringing an end to a legal saga that has underscored the complex interplay between social media policies and the rights of adult entertainers.

The withdrawal of this lawsuit does not merely mark the end of a legal battle but also highlights the intricate and often opaque operations governing content moderation on major social media platforms.

As the adult industry continues to navigate the digital age, the implications of this case will likely resonate, prompting further scrutiny and debate over the fairness and transparency of social media practices.

• You can follow the APAG Union on Twitter at @APAGunion
• You can follow Alana Evans on Twitter at @alanaevansxxx
• You can follow Kelly Pierce on Twitter at @MrsKellyPierce