Written by David Bibiyan — Principal Attorney, Bibiyan Law Group, P.C. (UCLA Graduate, J.D., The University of Chicago Law School, Admitted to the California Bar)
Reviewed by David Bibiyan — September 3, 2026
With the expansion of social platforms like OnlyFans, legal sex workers have been able to utilize technology to earn a living online. However, despite the growth of the legal sex industry, there are many who are often still exploited by their employers, whether online or in person.
If you or a loved one is working in the legal sex industry and are dealing with an employer’s abuse or violations to your rights as an employee, reach out to speak to an employment lawyer about filing a claim for compensation.
To learn more about the highlighted case, read the article “Kenzie Anne files Class Action Lawsuit Against Vixen Media Group, Mike Miller.“
Signs You May Have a Similar Claim
No single factor decides classification, but these patterns are worth a closer look:
- You were paid as a 1099 contractor, yet the company controlled your hours, methods, and standards like an employer would.
- You were not paid for required preparation, waiting, or off-set time.
- Your final pay was late, incomplete, or left out earned amounts when the work ended.
- You did work that is central to the company’s main business, not a separate trade of your own.
- Others in your role were treated the same way, suggesting a company-wide practice.
If workplace mistreatment went beyond pay, such as harassment or a hostile environment, our guides on filing a lawsuit for a hostile work environment in Los Angeles and our California sexual harassment practice may help you understand those separate protections.
We Are Here to Help
At Bibiyan Law Group, we focus exclusively on protecting workers in California. We have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of employees in workplace disputes, and our case results reflect that track record. Whether you work in entertainment, media, or any other industry, if you believe you were misclassified, underpaid, or mistreated at work, we are ready to listen and explain your options.
You do not have to sort this out alone. Contact Bibiyan Law Group today to schedule your free consultation and find out whether you may have a claim.
Sources
- Thoma v. VXN Group, LLC, No. 2:23-cv-04901 (C.D. Cal.), Docket, https://dockets.justia.com/docket/california/cacdce/2:2023cv04901/888691.
- Cal. Lab. Code § 2775, Employment Status; ABC Test, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB§ionNum=2775.
- Cal. Lab. Code § 203, Willful Failure to Pay Wages; Penalty, https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB§ionNum=203.
- Cal. Cts., Access Your Court Case, https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-caselookup.htm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kenzie Anne lawsuit about?
It is a California class action in which adult performer Mackenzie Anne Thoma alleges that Vixen Media Group misclassified performers as independent contractors and failed to pay wages they were owed. The allegations have not been proven in court.
What is the current status of the Vixen Media Group lawsuit?
As of late 2026 the case is active in federal court. The class has been certified, mediation did not produce a settlement, and the case is moving through further litigation. An active docket can change quickly.
What law is the case based on?
Chiefly California’s worker-classification rule under Labor Code section 2775 (the ABC test from AB 5), along with wage-payment rules including the waiting time penalty under section 203.
Could workers in other industries have a similar claim?
Possibly. Misclassification affects many fields beyond adult entertainment. If a company controls your work like an employer but pays you as a contractor, you may have a claim worth reviewing.
This article is provided for general information only and is not legal advice. It describes allegations in a pending case that have not been proven in court, and nothing here should be read as a finding of liability. Reading this does not create an attorney-client relationship. Speak with a qualified employment lawyer about your specific situation.
David Bibiyan, a top attorney at Tomorrow Law™, specializes in employment law, fiercely defending employees in cases of discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and wage issues. Known for his deep legal knowledge and dedication, he consistently secures favorable outcomes through skillful negotiation and litigation. His passion for justice drives his commitment to workers’ rights and fair employment practices.