Gold Coast OnlyFans star responds to Schoolies first weekend despite controversy

Arrests were down, but controversial escort Kay Manuel has had a busy opening weekend at Gold Coast Schoolies. See what police had to say.

Controversial escort Kay Manuel said she’s filmed X-rated content with 75 graduates only 48 hours into the first weekend of Schoolies.

The OnlyFans creator, who has been heavily criticised for her plans to shoot with teens during the annual school leavers celebration on the Gold Coast, said she had a “small window” to film – but managed to cover the extreme numbers with large groups – including one of 20.

“My body is on the rocks at the moment, and we’re only entering day three of 14,” the 22-year-old said.

“But the easiest I found, is they all line up and they get to go one after each other. Most obviously have never been in that type of group situation, so they might want to go out of the room and just come in one by one.”

Kay Manuel at Platinum nightclub in Surfers Paradise, Schoolies 2024. Picture: Supplied

Critics have said the stunt is “sick” and sparked fresh warnings to teens of life-impacting consequences from filming for OnlyFans content – but Ms Manuel said what she’s doing is legal filming only with gradates over 18, and anyone with a problem had a problem with the law.

She said the response had been overwhelming, with the concept opening up conversations about safe sex and consent – conversations Ms Manuel herself said she didn’t have growing up.

“We’re here talking about it now because of all the controversy, but it’s somewhat helping in a weird way to open the conversation about sex within families,” she said.

“Obviously there would have been a lot of conversation surrounding this before the Schoolies left with their parents either asking them not to film, or just asking them to be safe about it. “It is really opening up the conversation about those types of things, which is great, because I was watching a movie with my dad a couple of months ago and an adult scene came on and I felt a little bit uncomfortable by it. I questioned myself as to why I was feeling a bit weird or awkward, but I didn’t have those conversations growing up – even to this day at 22 I’ve not had really a conversation about sex with my dad.”

Kay Manuel in Surfers Paradise, Schoolies 2024. Picture: Supplied

With a $25,000 security detail in tow, Ms Manuel said enforcing consent in the streets had been a top priority.

“It’s been great for my peace of mind, the Schoolies in general have been really lovely and positive,” she said.

“But when we’ve been in the street (for photos and interviews) and it’s an environment in which people have been drinking things are heightened. They may go to grab or slap my arse I tell them to stop and that’s assault.

“Those people see me as someone who has sex with anybody so think they can do whatever they want to me. But the security guard steps in and says you can’t do that – she has not given you permission.”

Gold Coast chief superintendent Craig Hanlon said police were aware of adult film content creators involving Schoolies in their activities.

“What we say to Schoolies is make sure you’re consenting to any behaviour … anything on the internet stays there forever,” he said.

“Just think of the consequences of a very short interaction with some of these people that may haunt them for the rest of their lives.”

After the first weekend of celebrations on the Coast, police reported four schoolies and eight non-schoolies had been arrested facing a total of 17 “minor offences” including drug possession and public nuisance charges.

“Considering it’s the Gold Coast on a weekend, that’s a good result,” Chief Supt Hanlon said.

“Schoolies are being enthusiastic but respectful, which is great to see.”

Police also wanded 295 adults and 172 juveniles in the hub, seizing two knives, a set of knuckle dusters and a fold-back-knife from non-Schoolies.

Queensland Ambulance Service had treated 80 patients so far, with six requiring further transport on Sunday night to Gold Coast University Hospital.

District director Justin Payne said some of those patients needed further assessment, while others had “traumatic injuries that required intervention”.

The Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth Sam O’Connor holds a news conference on the Gold Coast today ahead of Schoolies. Chief Superintendent Craig Hanlon. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“Most of the patients that we’ve been seeing presenting have been consuming alcohol, but it’s positive to see that the amount of excessive alcohol consumption is down this year,” Mr Payne said.

There have been no reports of drug overdoses.

Red Frogs volunteers had been busy handing out lollies, pancakes and assisting with revellers needing to be walked home.

Queensland director Chris George said thousands of Schoolies attended the beach party, dancing on the sand and had “a fantastic time”.

“The streets were quite busy last night, as were the hotels,” Mr George said.

“They’ve gone pretty hard … but they’re quickly learning it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”

Originally published as Gold Coast OnlyFans star responds to Schoolies first weekend despite controversy