Drea de Matteo says joining OnlyFans became both a financial necessity and a political statement after financial difficulties put her home at risk. The actor, known for The Sopranos, said the decision reflected her wish to avoid relying on an entertainment industry she believes sidelined her over her public opposition to COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

De Matteo said her household faced foreclosure after pandemic-era financial arrangements failed to provide the support she expected, while her boyfriend had left his band. She said she turned to OnlyFans to save her home and support her family, despite concerns about public judgement, and has linked the experience to the launch of her new ULTRAFREE podcast.