Kristin MacDonald OnlyFans Case: Can a Teacher Be Fired for Having an OnlyFans Account in B.C.?

The Kristin MacDonald OnlyFans Case: What Happened?

The Kristin MacDonald OnlyFans case made headlines across British Columbia after the 35-year-old education assistant (EA) at Terry Fox Secondary in Port Coquitlam was fired for posting adult content online under the alias Ava James (CBC News).

MacDonald had been an EA with School District 43 since 2015. After learning she posted racy photos and videos on OnlyFans and other platforms, the district ordered her to shut down all adult content or face termination. When she did not comply, she was fired on June 16.

In its termination letter, the district called her behaviour “egregious” and listed six grounds for dismissal, including:

• Posting material on public social media accounts that allegedly “sexualized the school environment.”
• Linking, in the district’s view, her adult content to her role as an EA.
• Media interviews where they claim she connected her job and her OnlyFans work.
• Capitalizing on her identity as a school employee in her subscription offerings.

MacDonald strongly disputes these claims. She says:

• She used an alias.
• She did not reference her school or job in content.
• No student complaints or conduct issues were ever raised.
• A TikTok video of her in a schoolgirl outfit may have been misinterpreted.

She calls the district’s conclusions “petty”, “far-fetched,” and rooted in stigma — not evidence.

What Legal Action Is Being Taken?

Two major processes are unfolding:

1. A Union Grievance (CUPE 561)

MacDonald and her union are challenging whether the dismissal aligns with the collective agreement.
Because she’s unionized, severance does not automatically apply the way it would for non-unionized workers.

2. A Discrimination Claim at the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal

MacDonald has hired the Vancouver employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, who told CBC the decision:

• Is discriminatory
• Reflects outdated attitudes about sex work
• May constitute occupational discrimination, which disproportionately affects women

The firm noted that an employer can generally terminate an employee for any reason — termination without cause in BC — but can’t fire someone for discriminatory motives, including those tied to gender, sex, and sex-based stigma.

This is why a human rights complaint is being filed.

Does Having an OnlyFans Account Automatically Justify Termination?

In British Columbia, even outside a unionized setting, the answer is no.

Employers must prove a real, measurable connection between off-duty conduct and the workplace. Examples include:

• Serious reputational harm
• Loss of trust
• A breach of clear, enforceable conduct policies
• Behaviour that directly impacts the employee’s ability to perform their job

In MacDonald’s case, Samfiru Tumarkin LLP argues:

• There was no connection between the OnlyFans account and her work
• She used an alias
• She did not reference the district
• No student, parent, or coworker raised concerns about her workplace behaviour
• The “schoolgirl outfit” issue is not tied to her actual school role

This raises questions about whether the district’s “just cause” claim can be justified, even within a unionized environment.

Why the Case Matters: Sex Work, Stigma, and B.C.’s Legal Landscape

The British Columbia OnlyFans conversation has expanded beyond one EA’s firing. It raises broader issues:

• Sex work stigma remains pervasive, especially for women
• Many adult-content creators keep their work private through aliases
• Low wages for education assistants add economic pressure
• Employers may be relying on outdated moral expectations rather than legal standards

MacDonald says she earned only $1,000 every two weeks after deductions as an EA. She turned to OnlyFans to support herself and her daughter.

Her view: “We should be able to do what we want as long as it’s not illegal. I’m not hurting anybody.”

Can a Teacher Get Fired for Having an OnlyFans Account?

Technically, an employer can attempt to terminate someone for off-duty conduct — but the firing must comply with:

• Employment contracts
• Codes of conduct
• Human rights laws

The bigger question is whether it is legal, fair, or discriminatory.

In non-unionized workplaces, a termination like this often leads to significant severance pay in BC because “just cause” is extremely hard to prove.

What Employees Should Do If They’re Fired Because of OnlyFans or Adult Content

Whether you’re an EA, teacher, or any employee in BC, follow these steps:

1. Don’t resign.
2. Don’t sign anything, including settlement or discipline agreements.
3. Document everything — letters, emails, requests to shut content down.
4. Speak to an employment lawyer or human rights lawyer immediately.

Terminations tied to morality, sex work, or off-duty conduct often involve complex discrimination issues.

Speak to an Employment Lawyer in British Columbia

If you’re facing discipline or termination because of an OnlyFans account or legal off-duty conduct, you may have options — including human rights complaints or other remedies.

At Samfiru Tumarkin LLP, our employment lawyers in British Columbia can help you understand your rights and navigate the next steps.