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Paul Mulholland wasn’t always a blogging crusader for the exploited-at least, not until he allegedly realized there was clout to be gained. A blogger with a history of stirring controversy, he seemed to find his meal ticket when he aligned himself with Exodus Cry. Suddenly, he was no longer just another internet loudmouth; in his own mind, he had become a whistleblower-a self-styled white knight against the evils of an industry he had, by his own admission, once enjoyed as a consumer. His initial interest in the adult industry was based on personal consumption, yet now blogs for attention and, seemingly, a way into the business.

Paul Mulholland’s blogging led to one of his articles being featured on Exodus Cry’s website, targeting a so-called “shock” adult site with alleged accounts from former performers. Yet, it appears little effort was made to verify whether this site was operating within legal and ethical boundaries, nor did it consider that many performers in the industry are independent professionals exercising their own agency. Instead, the focus remained on building a narrative that fit his newfound, self-assigned righteous role. Meanwhile, actual victims of human trafficking-those who are street-trafficked, trapped in exploitative conditions outside the regulated industry, often without immigration documents-go largely ignored in his reporting. Some might argue that this kind of selective outrage does a disservice to those in genuine need, and it could be suggested that Paul’s compassion may be limited by personal bias.

The Double Standard of Paul Mulholland’s Crusade

Mulholland’s crusade also raises questions about his motives. Under the guise of “gathering evidence,” he has sifted through performer profiles, scrutinized content, and reached out to women he claims to want to “save.” However, it is alleged that he is lacking firsthand experience within the industry-never having been on set or interacted with professionals in person-his perspectives remain that of an outsider looking in. His interpretations of the industry might be shaped more by assumption and bias than by reality.

Comparing adult work to professional wrestling offers some insight. Just as independent wrestlers willingly throw each other through flaming folding tables for minimal pay, many adult performers engage in extreme content on their own terms. Yet, Mulholland’s focus seems to fixate only on certain women, raising the question of whether his outrage stems from genuine concern or a more self-serving motivation-whether it be personal validation, increased credibility, or social access to those within the industry.

Aligning with Exodus Cry: A Convenient Morality

Aligning with Exodus Cry allows individuals to present themselves as deeply compassionate and socially responsible, even if their actual motivations remain unclear. In the post-#MeToo era, where credibility is often built on perceived activism, affiliating with an organization that claims to combat trafficking can lend a certain moral authority. However, sex work is a complex and historically entrenched industry, and movements seeking to eradicate it entirely often stem from ideological or religious motivations rather than concern for the individual’s right to choose what to do with their bodies.

Exodus Cry’s messaging frames nearly all aspects of the adult industry as exploitative, providing a convenient platform for those looking to position themselves as saviors. The issue arises when this kind of grandstanding is used to push personal or ideological agendas. When someone presents themselves as a protector of victims-whether real or imagined-they gain a level of trust that allows them to shape narratives and exert influence over those they claim to help. At its worst, this approach may not be about safeguarding the vulnerable, but about leveraging perceived empathy for personal or ideological gain.

Paul Mulholland: Preaching to the Echo Chamber

Mulholland has aligned himself with religiously motivated, extreme social conservatives who provide the perfect echo chamber for his morality-focused brand of outrage. In their world, there is no room for nuance-only villains and victims, sinners and saviors. By constructing narratives that reinforce pre-existing fears, he taps into an audience eager to believe that every sex worker is a victim and that every adult website is operating with an intent of malice. Facts may become secondary to the confirmation of their worst assumptions. And for those blogging like Paul Mulholland, feeding that fear to their audience is a way to gain influence.