Former Adult Film Star Lindsay Brooke Shares Unvarnished Truths About Industry

Former adult film star Lindsay Brooke has spoken out about the realities of the adult entertainment industry, offering candid answers to questions submitted by the public.

Brooke, who retired from the industry in 2024 after more than 15 years, initiated an "ask me anything" session on Threads, a social media platform. Her responses, shared on the platform, aimed to demystify aspects of her former career.

Research indicates that approximately 40 million Americans regularly visit pornography websites. Brooke, responding to the influx of inquiries, stated, "I spent 17 years inside the adult industry. What do you actually want to know?"

When asked about the best and worst parts of filming a scene, Brooke responded, "The best part? Um. Being done. Worst part: f —king a complete stranger." She also shared that she earned approximately $1,500 per scene, which she felt was "not enough."

Regarding the perceived toxicity of the industry, Brooke noted that experiences can vary, stating, "There’s good and bad in every job. There are great companies I loved working for, and others whose sets I walked off."

Brooke expressed concern about the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the industry, particularly concerning deepfakes. She stated, "I’m not for anyone using someone’s likeness without consent. Taking a woman’s face without her yes is the same old problem with new tools."

On more personal topics, Brooke addressed the common question about diet and flavor, suggesting that overall health and hydration contribute, though she acknowledged hearing anecdotal advice about specific foods. When asked if size matters, she replied, "Yes and no. That’s the truth."

She also revealed that during menstruation, performers might use a sponge. When questioned about retirement benefits, Brooke stated, "No."

Brooke detailed her mental health struggles during her career, admitting to using narcotics as a coping mechanism. "The drugs made it easier. I used them not to feel while on set and used them to feel while at home," she stated.

As a mother of three, Brooke attempted to leave the industry multiple times but cited financial pressures and the stigma associated with her work as reasons for returning. In 2024, on the verge of signing a new contract, she reportedly attempted suicide by taking a lethal dose of pills. She survived the incident and has been sober since.

Brooke described her desire to leave the industry from the outset, stating, "I wanted to get out from the moment I started. I didn’t know how to get out. I got out because I couldn’t get high enough to sign another deal."

Since exiting the adult industry, Brooke has focused on educating others about its realities. She posted on Substack, addressing men directly: "The entire industry is built off illusions; women don’t actually want men to do everything we portray in the movies."

Brooke suggested that pornography is designed to disconnect viewers from their true selves. Research from 2015 indicated that frequent pornography consumers may have reduced gray matter in brain areas associated with motivation and decision-making, and may experience desensitization to sexual stimuli. Additional studies link regular porn use to higher rates of depression, diminished quality of life, and poorer overall mental health.