Kay Manuel, an Australian OnlyFans content creator, has sparked controversy by coming out as transgender after previously bragging about her sex with high school dropouts. After being heavily criticized by the media for her behavior, Manuel—who became known as the “Australian Bonnie Blue”—admitted to transitioning.

Revelations Amid Public Scrutiny

This week, during “Schoolies Week,” a celebration commemorating the conclusion of Year 12 examinations, 22-year-old Manuel made headlines when she claimed to have slept with 75 high school dropouts in a 48-hour period. Widespread condemnation was directed at her actions, which were made public via a billboard in Surfers Paradise that promoted her OnlyFans account.

Manuel revealed to the Courier Mail that she had transitioned during the criticism, admitting that everyone involved was aware of her gender identity. She then acknowledged that her claim that she was born female was untrue, but earlier this week she informed Daily Mail Australia that she was.

“I didn’t know what else to do besides lie,” she told the Courier Mail, adding that she wanted to live her “best life” and maintain privacy.

Disputed Claims and Public Backlash

Manuel’s statements on her experiences have changed over time. She first claimed that during last year’s Schoolies Week, she had sex with 250 school dropouts. She has acknowledged lying under duress from reporters and inflating her stats.

Outrage was generated by her advertising strategies, which included public advertisements and meet-and-greet events. She was criticized for allegedly preying on young adults who were at risk. Manuel justified her activities by claiming that participants were sober, checked, and had their age confirmed by government-issued identification.

“Platforms like OnlyFans require ID checks to prevent underage uploads,” she said to the Gold Coast Bulletin.

Admission of Transition

For years, there has been conjecture over Manuel’s gender identification. She was once known as Kayden Tai Manuel, according to acquaintances from her birthplace of Coffs Harbour on the North Coast of New South Wales, according to the Daily Mail Australia.

A former coworker at a McDonald’s restaurant noted that Manuel had shown interest in transitioning as early as 2018, while a former school buddy said that Manuel had verified her transition in private messages.

She underwent surgery after making the full-time switch to female in recent years, Manuel told Daily Mail Australia. She denied being transgender at first, but she subsequently told the Courier Mail that she never thought the phrase applied to her identity.

Legal and Ethical Concerns

Manuel was further criticized for reportedly filming pornographic material during Schoolies parties utilizing Airbnb apartments. Commercial pornography is not allowed on Airbnb’s property. It has been stated that complaints led to Manuel’s eviction from her rental property.

During the event, she also intended to work with Annie Knight and Bonnie Blue, two additional OnlyFans creators. Last year, both were deported from Fiji for allegedly breaking local laws during similar festivities.

Manuel defended her actions, stating, “Consent forms were ready, and everything was lawyer-approved.” She added that participants could withdraw permission after filming and had the option to conceal their identities.

Local Reactions and Ongoing Controversy

Coffs Harbour residents said that Manuel’s transformation was well known. In social circles and group conversations, rumors concerning her identity were said to have spread. Despite the public outcry, Manuel said she was innocent and that she had complied with all legal and moral requirements.