Passes, a direct-to-fan monetization platform backed by $40 million in Series A funding, has been sued by a creator alleging that the company produced, possessed, and sold sexually explicit content featuring her when she was a minor. The lawsuit, filed by creator Alice Rosenblum, claims that Passes, its founder and CEO Lucy Guo, and two individuals described as "agents" for the company, knowingly distributed Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

According to the lawsuit, Rosenblum alleges that Alec Celestin, one of the defendants, groomed her and directed her to take explicit photos and videos of herself when she was 17. The lawsuit also claims that Guo intervened to personally override safety measures within Passes that would have flagged Rosenblum's content as CSAM. Passes has denied these allegations, stating that Guo had no involvement and that there is "no record or recollection" of Guo interacting with Rosenblum.

The lawsuit raises questions about how fan platforms can be used to distribute illegal content, despite Passes' guidelines prohibiting nude photos or videos. The company has emphasized its strict content moderation policies, including the use of automated tools and a trust and safety team to review flagged content. Passes also uses Microsoft PhotoDNA to automatically scan all images for CSAM, which would then be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC).

Passes has distanced itself from Celestin, describing him as a "former social media contractor" who has "gone to great lengths to embellish his relationship with our company." However, Celestin has been linked with Passes in a previous lawsuit, and has appeared alongside Guo in Instagram posts celebrating milestones in Passes' development.

The lawsuit's outcome remains to be seen, but it highlights the importance of robust content moderation and safety measures on fan platforms. As the creator economy continues to grow, platforms must prioritize the protection of their users, particularly minors, from exploitation and harm. The case also underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the industry.

Passes has positioned itself as a mainstream platform, working with celebrities such as NBA legend Shaquille O'Neil, NCAA gymnast Olivia Dunne, and record producer Kygo. The company's reputation and business model will likely be scrutinized in the wake of this lawsuit, as the industry grapples with the challenges of balancing creative freedom with safety and responsibility.

In a statement, Rodney Villazor, a lawyer representing Rosenblum, emphasized that "each defendant will have to answer for his or her own actions in court, not on social media." The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of failing to prioritize user safety and the importance of vigilance in preventing the distribution of illegal content.