In the shadowy world of the online "manosphere," a new and troubling trend has emerged, spearheaded by Andrew Tate-style influencers. These personalities are running so-called "pimp schools," where they coach young men on how to exploit models from platforms like OnlyFans. Their goal? To recruit these models and seize control of their earnings, turning a profit from their work.
It's a concerning development in the digital age, reflecting a broader trend of hustle culture. Followers of these influencers are bombarding women with messages, offering management services with promises of increased profits. Over the past year and a half, there's been a noticeable spike in these unsolicited offers.
Researcher Dr. Tim Squirrell highlights the roots of this trend, noting that it was inspired by the controversial social media figure Andrew Tate. Tate, who has a history of running a lucrative webcam modeling business, was arrested on serious charges in Romania. "He has introduced this hustle culture to a larger number of people who see this as one of many money-making methods," Dr. Squirrell explained.
This isn't just about managing OnlyFans accounts – it's about manipulation and deceit. Security expert Tony Hunt warns that these influencers are teaching men not just to run agencies, but to engage in practices that resemble human trafficking.
Adding a twist to this already controversial narrative, Andrew Tate has recently announced his entry into the world of Misfits Boxing. He's set to face off against the Misfits heavyweight "champion" Chase DeMoor on December 20. This move further cements Tate's place in the spotlight, despite the controversies surrounding him.
The implications of these "pimp schools" are profound, raising significant questions about online safety, exploitation, and ethics in the digital age. As this trend grows, so too does the need for awareness and action to protect vulnerable individuals online.