Anna Paul causes frenzy as fans flood Pacific Fair for photo op

Shoppers were left “confused” after Pacific Fair was flooded with teens on the weekend all desperate to meet a young woman with 7 million fans.

An adult star sparked wild scenes at a Gold Coast shopping centre after hundreds of fans turned up for an organised meet-and-greet.

Anna Paul has more than 7 million followers on TikTok alone after documenting her transformation from a “broke” schoolgirl to a wealthy skincare entrepreneur.

While Ms Paul has earned praise and adoration from young girls for her “girl-next-door” nature and body-positive messaging on TikTok and Instagram, she’s also been open about the fact she funds her lifestyle selling sexually explicit OnlyFans content.

The 25-year-old, who describes herself as a “sex worker”, launched her skincare line Paullie to a “six-figure waitlist” at the end of last year, and over the weekend hosted a pop-up at Pacific Fair to celebrate 12 new products hitting the range.

But after footage of young teens and children happily queuing to meet the star went viral, some parents have argued the shopping centre was wrong to promote a “poor role model”, prompting Ms Paul to defend her public lifestyle.

Anna Paul, a TikTok star with over 7 million followers, caused frenzy at a meet and greet at Pacific Fair on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

“The world needs more kindness I think that’s ultimately the goal here,” she told news.com.au when asked about the backlash.

“I started vlogging my life just to show people how you can have fun with the small things in life.

“It started during Covid when everyone was in lock down, and I would show my morning routine and fun things you can do, and then it all kind of exploded from there.

“Its so surreal to see how many people were interested in my life so quickly, the good parts and the bad.”

Her comments come after a report by the Gold Coast Bulletin reported parents were “riled up” by the fact a sex worker had drawn such a crowd at the shopping centre.

“I’m worried for our younger generations with what we are promoting. Pacific Fair, yes you dam(n) right sent the wrong message today,” one furious mum wrote on Instagram.

“I’m literally disgusted and actually cried tonight thinking of what this world is coming to for my son and daughter,” another agreed.

On TikTok, some echoed the sentiment, writing: “Why are we worshipping a porn star I’m so confused.”

Furious fans were quick to clap back, arguing Ms Paul is a great influence because she’s “super positive and loves her family”.

“She’s amazing and people love her not because what she does,” one stated.

“I love what she stands for,” another agreed.

As one implored on those reacting negatively to “chill”.

But as videos flooded social media of the huge event, some criticised the Gold Coast shopping centre. Picture: TikTok

Ms Paul’s appearance was to celebrate her skincare brand’s pop-up at the centre. Picture: Supplied

Many of the videos flooding TikTok from the event were also filled with praise, noting the event was free, and that Ms Paul was “giving back” to fans.

“I was there, I met her she’s so pretty in real life,” one wrote on a video of the social media star arriving at the event.

“This was such a fun morning, can’t believe she did it for free,” another shared.

As another revealed: “The crowds were huge they just kept getting bigger, the line for the meet and greet was so long, and there were so many people up on the top level all around.”

“Best day ever,” mused one.

“Pinch me, can’t believe I met the Queen today,” declared one fan.

Ms Paul told news.com.au “it’s my dream to talk to every single one of my followers in real life”, adding it made the turnout “even more special”.

“To hear their individual stories, to give them advice face-to-face, to hug them - all those things are priceless and I would do it everyday if I could,” she said.

“I hope that for them its also nice to see that I’ll show up for them the same way they show up for me.”

While her daily vlogs are known for their body positivity... Photo: Instagram/AnnaPaul

... Ms Paul’s wealth comes from selling sexually explicit content. Photo: Instagram/AnnaPaul

Shortly after the Pacific Fair appearance, Paullie’s new products hit virtual shelves, with shoppers already reporting several of the items were “out of stock”.

Demand for the Australian beauty brand has been huge, with the Australian Financial Review describing it as one of the biggest skincare launches down under in recent history, in September.

The line launched with four products that were inspired by Ms Paul’s own struggles with acne and are priced between $23 and $30.

She’s set to do a “surprise” appearance at Melbourne Central where the Paullie pop-up will be located between June 28 to 30, though there will not be a meet and greet due to the size of the space.

Originally published as Anna Paul causes frenzy as fans flood Pacific Fair for photo op