‘Harry Potter’ star Jessie Cave says she was barred from a fan convention because of her OnlyFans account. She calls it “baffling,” as other actors with nude or sex scenes in their work still attend such events. Here’s the full story and its wider implications.
When Fandom Meets Real Life
The world of Harry Potter continues to thrive decades after J.K. Rowling’s first book hit the shelves. Fans gather at conventions worldwide, celebrating the magical universe that shaped their childhoods. But for some of the stars who once brought these beloved characters to life, fandom has taken a complicated turn. Jessie Cave, best known for her role as Lavender Brown, recently revealed she was barred from a Harry Potter fan convention because of her OnlyFans account. Her story not only sheds light on the lingering stigma around the platform but also highlights how fandom spaces can exclude performers in unexpected ways.
Who is Jessie Cave?
Jessie Cave rose to fame in 2009 with her role as Lavender Brown in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Lavender was the bubbly, lovestruck Gryffindor who famously dated Ron Weasley, played by Rupert Grint. She reprised the role in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 and 2.
Beyond the Wizarding World, Cave built a career as an actress, writer, illustrator, and comedian. She appeared in films like Great Expectations and shows like Black Mirror and Industry. She also created her own comedy sketches and even launched a successful podcast. Despite this broad portfolio, her association with Harry Potter remains a defining part of her public identity — which makes her recent exclusion from conventions even more striking.
The Controversy: Why Jessie Cave Was Barred
In a candid post on her Substack, Jessie Cave revealed that she had been turned away from a Harry Potter convention because of her presence on OnlyFans.
“I found out that I didn’t get booked for a ‘Harry Potter’ convention recently, as I’m now doing OnlyFans,” she wrote. “They explained it was because it’s a ‘family show and OnlyFans is affiliated with porn.’ This was baffling to me as some actors who do conventions (most actors, actually) have done TV and films in which they’ve done sex scenes and nudity. I’m just playing with my hair!”
This statement highlights the double standards in the industry. While actors with mainstream film nudity are often welcomed at conventions, Cave’s association with OnlyFans — even though her content is non-sexual — led to her being excluded.
What Jessie Cave Shares on OnlyFans
Unlike many creators who use OnlyFans for explicit content, Cave has clarified that her account is focused on non-sexual material. Her posts are dedicated to “hair sounds” and content that appeals to people with hair fetishes, something she describes as sensual but not sexual.
In her words, “fetish doesn’t necessarily mean sexual.” She even stated that her decision to join OnlyFans was rooted in practical and personal reasons, such as paying off debts, renovating her home, and reclaiming her independence.
Her message is clear: she’s using the platform creatively and authentically. Yet the stigma surrounding OnlyFans remains powerful enough to overshadow the actual nature of her content.
Double Standards in the Entertainment Industry
Cave’s experience underscores a glaring inconsistency in how the entertainment world treats sexuality and adult associations. Many actors who openly appear in films or television shows with nudity or sex scenes are celebrated and still invited to conventions. However, the association with OnlyFans — regardless of the content — creates an automatic assumption of explicitness.
This begs the question: Is the problem really about family-friendly conventions, or is it about society’s discomfort with platforms like OnlyFans? Cave’s situation reflects the cultural stigma that still surrounds adult work or even the perception of it, regardless of whether the content qualifies.
How Jessie Cave Feels About the Ban
Interestingly, Cave isn’t devastated about being cut out of Harry Potter conventions. In her Substack, she expressed acceptance of the situation:
“I am not upset about the prospect of no more Harry Potter conventions. There’s going to be a new cast now and it’s a different time. Plus, I have done conventions for over 15 years and have enough photos and wizard memorabilia.”
Her response shows maturity and perspective. Having built her career beyond Harry Potter, Cave seems more focused on exploring new creative outlets, even if it means facing backlash from a portion of the fandom.
The Bigger Picture: OnlyFans and Celebrity Use
OnlyFans is often associated with adult content, but its uses extend far beyond that. Celebrities and creators use the platform for exclusive content, personal interactions, and fan engagement.
For example:
- Drea de Matteo (The Sopranos) revealed that OnlyFans helped her avoid foreclosure.
- Larsa Pippen (Real Housewives of Miami) earns significant income from non-explicit content.
- Musicians, fitness trainers, and influencers also use it as a subscription-based service.
Jessie Cave joins this list of public figures who use the platform in non-sexual ways, showing its versatility. However, the stigma persists, especially when linked to family-friendly brands like Harry Potter.
Fandom, Image, and Gatekeeping
The decision to bar Jessie Cave from conventions also raises questions about gatekeeping in fandom culture. Who decides what is “family-friendly”? Is it fair to exclude an actor over assumptions about a platform rather than the reality of their content?
Fan conventions are meant to celebrate community and connection. Excluding someone for exploring new avenues of self-expression contradicts that spirit. Moreover, it risks alienating fans who may also be part of alternative or stigmatized communities.
Harry Potter’s Next Generation and Cave’s Legacy
With HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter TV series casting a new generation of actors, it’s clear that the Wizarding World is evolving. Cave acknowledges this shift, suggesting that it might be the right time for her to step back from the convention circuit.
Her portrayal of Lavender Brown remains a memorable part of the Harry Potter films. Despite the controversy, her legacy in the franchise is secure. For many fans, she will always be remembered for her charm, humor, and emotional performance as Ron Weasley’s lovestruck classmate.
Conclusion: A Reflection of Larger Issues
Jessie Cave’s story isn’t just about one actor losing out on a convention appearance. It reflects society’s broader discomfort with OnlyFans and its association with adult entertainment. It highlights double standards in how performers are judged for their choices, even when their content is not explicit.
At the same time, Cave’s response shows resilience. She’s not allowing the controversy to define her career or self-worth. Instead, she’s using the platform as a tool for financial independence and creative expression.
The Harry Potter fandom may be moving on, but Jessie Cave’s voice adds an important chapter to the ongoing conversation about celebrity, fandom, and the evolving digital landscape.
