Trisha Paytas: A Polarizing Persona and Her Major Career Controversies

"Trisha Paytas and husband Moses Hacmon shared that they welcomed their third baby on July 12, and detailed how they landed on Aquaman while continuing their tradition of movie themed names."

Who is Trisha Paytas?
Trisha Paytas, born May 8, 1988, in Riverside, California, is an American YouTuber, singer, and media personality who has captivated and divided audiences for nearly two decades. With over 5 million YouTube subscribers and nearly 1 billion views by 2025, Paytas has built a career on her unfiltered, larger-than-life persona. Her content spans vlogs, mukbangs, music videos, and reality TV appearances, including Celebrity Big Brother UK (2017) and The Masked Singer (2022). She’s also known for her music, releasing EPs like Fat Chicks and Chicken Parm and Heartbreak, and for co-hosting the Frenemies podcast with Ethan Klein. Married to Moses Hacmon since 2021, Paytas is a mother to daughters Malibu Barbie (2022) and Elvis (2024). 

Trisha Paytas has an OnlyFans account, which she has used to share adult content, contributing significantly to her income. As of 2021, reports indicated she was earning up to $1 million per month from the platform, placing her among the top 1% of creators, with a subscription fee of $4.99 per month. However, in a January 2023 X post, Paytas stated she no longer sells most explicit content, focusing primarily on nudes, as her views on the platform shifted after becoming a mother.
While her openness about mental health, relationships, and personal struggles has garnered a loyal fanbase, her provocative content and public feuds have sparked numerous controversies. Below is a detailed timeline of the major controversies that have defined her career.

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2007-2012: Early Trolling and Provocative Beginnings

• 2007: YouTube Launch and Trolling Tactics
  Paytas launched her YouTube channel in 2007, initially focusing on Quentin Tarantino-inspired content before shifting to lifestyle vlogs, beauty tips, and relationship advice. Her early videos often employed “trolling” tactics—exaggerated or controversial statements designed to attract attention. While this strategy boosted her visibility, it drew criticism for being attention-seeking and occasionally offensive, setting the stage for her controversial reputation.
• 2010: My Strange Addiction Tanning Controversy
  Appearing on TLC’s My Strange Addiction, Paytas claimed to be addicted to tanning, spending over $52,000 on daily sessions without sunscreen, citing childhood bullying over her pale skin. Her dismissive attitude toward health risks, including skin cancer, and her statement, “I’d rather die hot than live pale,” sparked widespread criticism for promoting dangerous behavior and trivializing health concerns.
• 2012-2013: Political Trolling and Publicity Stunts
  During the 2012 U.S. presidential election, Paytas posted videos claiming support for Republican candidate Mitt Romney. She later admitted to Business Insider in 2013 that these were trolling attempts to generate clicks. The misleading content frustrated viewers, reinforcing perceptions of her as someone who prioritizes attention over authenticity.

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2013-2017: Offensive Content and Public Feuds

• 2013-2017: Targeting Subcultures and Communities
  Paytas released videos targeting emo culture, alternative music fans, and the LGBTQ+ community, which were criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and lacking sensitivity. These videos were seen as exploiting marginalized groups for views, earning her accusations of insensitivity and opportunism.
• 2016: Racial and Cultural Insensitivity Allegations
  Some of Paytas’s videos and social media posts during this period were accused of racial insensitivity, including inappropriate language and cultural mimicry. Critics argued she used these moments to provoke reactions rather than engage meaningfully, further damaging her public image.
• 2017: Jason Nash Relationship Drama
  Paytas’s relationship with YouTuber Jason Nash (2017-2019) became a public spectacle, particularly after their breakup. In emotional videos, Paytas accused Nash of infidelity and manipulation, while Nash countered with his own claims. The public feud, amplified by Paytas’s dramatic online presence, led to accusations that she was exploiting personal drama for views, polarizing her audience.

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2018-2021: Social Media Conflicts and Frenemies Fallout

• 2018-2020: Feud with Gabbie Hanna
  Paytas’s feud with YouTuber Gabbie Hanna escalated in 2020 when Paytas posted on X, accusing Hanna of lying about others’ sexual health, messaging underage fans, and manipulating ex-partners. Lacking substantial evidence, these claims were seen as defamatory by some, prompting Hanna to label them as slander. The feud divided fans and reinforced Paytas’s reputation for stirring drama.
• 2020-2021: Frenemies Podcast Dispute with Ethan Klein
  Paytas co-hosted the wildly popular Frenemies podcast with Ethan Klein of H3H3 Productions from 2020 to 2021. In June 2021, Paytas abruptly left the show, citing disagreements over creative control and revenue splits. She released videos criticizing Klein and H3H3, sharing private conversations and accusing them of disrespect. Klein responded, calling her behavior unprofessional. The highly publicized fallout split their audience, with some viewing Paytas as manipulative and others sympathizing with her grievances.

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2022: Queen Elizabeth II Reincarnation Rumor

• September 2022: Viral X Rumor
  Following Queen Elizabeth II’s death, a viral X post claimed Paytas’s daughter, Malibu Barbie, born shortly after, was the Queen’s reincarnation. The rumor, retweeted over 20,000 times and liked over 200,000 times, was fueled by the timing of Malibu’s birth. Paytas denounced the speculation as “ridiculous and disrespectful,” but the incident highlighted her ability to attract attention, even unintentionally, reinforcing her controversial image.

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2023-2025: Gender Identity Debate and Evolving Image

• 2023: Gender Identity Controversy
  Paytas discussed her gender identity in videos, identifying as transgender and using both “she/her” and “they/them” pronouns. Some in the LGBTQ+ community criticized her for treating the topic flippantly or using it for attention, accusing her of exploiting sensitive issues. The backlash reignited debates about her sincerity and motives.
• 2024-2025: Shift to Family Life and Reduced Controversies
  As Paytas settled into married life with Moses Hacmon and welcomed daughters Malibu Barbie (2022) and Elvis (2024), her content shifted toward family vlogs and parenting. Her podcast Just Trish and her Broadway show, Trisha Paytas’ Big Broadway Dream (February 2025), reflect efforts to rebrand. However, her past controversies continue to cast a shadow, with critics skeptical of her transformation and anticipating potential future drama.

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ConclusionTrisha Paytas’s career is a testament to the power of provocation in building a public persona. Her controversies, from early trolling to high-profile feuds and insensitive content, have fueled her rise to fame while alienating segments of her audience. While her recent focus on family and creative projects suggests an attempt to move beyond her controversial past, Paytas remains a divisive figure whose every move is scrutinized. Whether she’s embracing drama or seeking redemption, her journey continues to captivate and polarize.