Pete Davidson has sparked a debate about the creator economy after questioning how some social-media personalities can earn millions, then joking that he has considered launching an OnlyFans account. OnlyFans creator Sophie Rain responded publicly, saying online content work involves far more effort than a short clip can show. Davidson did not name Rain in his original remarks.
The exchange followed a September 30, 2026 Variety “Ask a Local” segment. Davidson questioned the popularity of “get ready with me” videos and TikTok dances, and expressed disbelief at reports of creators earning around $40 million a year. He also joked about whether he should try subscription content himself. Complex reported on Davidson’s comments.
Sophie Rain’s response
Rain responded on social media and later told the New York Post that Davidson should try the work before dismissing it. In a video reported by multiple outlets, she said she had worked as a server before becoming a creator and argued that creators need to post consistently to keep their audiences engaged.
Rain has publicly discussed substantial earnings from her subscription business. Those figures are self-reported and repeated by news outlets; they should not be treated as independently audited platform data. Gross earnings are also different from take-home income after platform fees, taxes, production costs and team expenses. Read the New York Post report and IBTimes UK’s coverage.
Photo gallery: Sophie Rain and Pete Davidson
These five editorial and public social images show the two people at the centre of the story. Sophie Rain’s bikini photos are public-facing fashion and lifestyle imagery, not explicit subscription content. The original publishers or photographers may retain copyright; public availability does not establish commercial reuse permission.
Original social media posts
Variety’s Instagram reel contains the original interview clip that sparked the discussion. The X embed below is a post reporting on Rain’s response; it is not a claim that the post was written by Rain. Instagram and X may limit embedded content on third-party storefronts, so the links remain available if an embed does not render.
View Variety’s original Instagram reel
View the X post reporting on Sophie Rain’s response
Rain’s own post was reported with the text “who tf are you” hi Pete i am Sophie Rain. Open the original X post link. For her other public updates, visit Sophie Rain on X or Instagram.
What readers should know
- Davidson did not name Rain in the original remarks.
- Reported creator earnings should be treated as attributed claims unless independently audited.
- One creator’s results are not representative of all subscription-platform creators.
Sources
- Complex — Davidson’s Variety interview remarks
- New York Post — Rain’s response
- IBTimes UK — creator-economy context
- Variety’s Instagram reel
Editorial note: This article summarizes publicly reported statements and distinguishes reported earnings from audited financial records. Image credits do not automatically grant commercial reuse rights.
