Lana Rhoades, born Amara Maple, entered the adult‑film industry in 2016 at the age of 20. Within a remarkably short period about eight months of active filming across 2016 and 2017 she became one of the most searchable performers on major adult platforms.
However, despite the rapid success, she has candidly described the experience as deeply troubling for her mental health and sense of self.
A Decision to Exit & Its Aftermath
After leaving the industry, Rhoades shifted her focus toward social‑media influence, building a following outside adult content. But the legacy of her prior videos continues to haunt her. In multiple interviews, she has revealed that there are certain scenes she regards as “traumatic” and believes contributed to her decision to quit the industry.
Why She Wants Her Videos Deleted
The heart of Rhoades’ request lies in her desire to reclaim dignity and control. She has said that if she held the rights, she would delete all her old content — but she publicly acknowledges that she doesn’t own many of those rights. “A lot of the videos I have no rights under, otherwise I probably would have deleted them all by now,” she explained.
Rhoades says her regret is not about nudity alone, but about the stigma, judgment and lack of agency she feels her prior content has triggered:
“I would give up everything to have my dignity and respect back… so people wouldn’t be able to see me in that way.”
The Broader Emotional & Societal Impacts
Rhoades has highlighted how enduring the past content can be: neighbors, partners or strangers may reference it, and the stigma lingers. She argues that the past work has constrained how others see or treat her. In her view, this isn’t just about regretting past decisions—it’s about wanting the option of moving forward without a permanent digital imprint that she no longer consents to.
Legal and Practical Hurdles
Despite her wish, deleting all past videos presents complex challenges. Because she signed contracts during her adult‐film career, many of the rights belong to producers or distributors, meaning she cannot simply order removal of content. As she’s stated, “a lot of the videos I have no rights under.” For her, the desire to erase the past collides with the business structures of the industry, permanent digital footprints, and contractual limitations.
Where She Stands Now
Today, Lana Rhoades works as an influencer, podcaster and content creator outside the adult‑film world. She has openly advised others to steer clear of certain adult‑industry choices, citing her own difficult experiences.
Her current focus is on building a brand under her own terms, one where she can control how she is represented and remembered.
What It All Means
Lana Rhoades’ story raises important questions about consent, rights and personal transformation. Her wish to delete her old videos is as much about erasing painful memories as it is about forging a new identity. While she may no longer own all the rights to those videos, the choice to speak out and try to reclaim her narrative holds significance. For anyone navigating past decisions and hoping to move forward, her journey speaks to the challenges of letting go—digitally, reputationally and emotionally.
