APAC’s Lydia Dupra Steps Down Amidst Harassment Allegations
The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee’s (APAC) recently appointed Director of Outreach, Lydia Dupra, has stepped down from the position according to a tweet from the organization’s official account.
APAC issued the tweet announcing the news, apologizing to members, and promising that additional details about the unexpected development would be forthcoming. The tweet mentioned “member concern” for the cause of Dupra’s departure.
Due to member concern, APAC's Director of Outreach is stepping down. We regret any hardship this process has caused for performer members. In the coming week, we will provide further updates, and information on the election of a new Director.
— APAC (@apacsocial) August 16, 2018
This move appears to be in response to harassment and sex worker shaming allegations levied against Dupra and APAC Secretary Siouxsie Q. James by sex worker and educator Maxine Holloway.
Holloway wrote: “When I publicly announced that I was pregnant, I knew that there would be people on the internet that would troll me, and try to police my body and work choices. (thread continued….)
I did not expect those people to be supposed sex worker right’s advocates. Please read the following statement regarding my body and livelihood. (thread continued…)”
I did not expect those people to be supposed sex worker right’s advocates. Please read the following statement regarding my body and livelihood. (thread continued…) pic.twitter.com/0owDI7oYa8
— Maxine Holloway (@MaxineHolloway) August 14, 2018
Holloway continued to outline her grievances:
….(cont). pic.twitter.com/gY6ZY5QjcS
— Maxine Holloway (@MaxineHolloway) August 14, 2018
The main video has now been removed. BUT THERE ARE STILL 2 MORE VIDEOS on Lydia's website & social media.
•Talking about my pregnant body & baby here: https://t.co/7ZDUBOeR2w (the very end)
•Accusing my partner of "suitcase pimping" me here: https://t.co/xJTBqVUyGD (1:05)…— Maxine Holloway (@MaxineHolloway) August 15, 2018
Holloway completed her thread with: “Any accountability from them has been wildly underwhelming. I do NOT want this woman profiting off lies & gossip about my family or me. PLEASE help me demand that Lydia & SQ remove ALL videos & social media that mention me, my pregnancy, my work, or family in anyway. Thank you <3”
Any accountability from them has been wildly underwhelming. I do NOT want this woman profiting off lies & gossip about my family or me. PLEASE help me demand that Lydia & SQ remove ALL videos & social media that mention me, my pregnancy, my work, or family in anyway. Thank you <3
— Maxine Holloway (@MaxineHolloway) August 15, 2018
Dupra is a retired sex worker turned adult industry entrepreneur. In addition to her former APAC position, Dupra recently announced the launch of Swizzness.com, a directory for sex-worker-friendly businesses, and is known for her web series, The Doll House, which can be watched at TheHeauxNetwork.com.
At press time, James’ Twitter feed included no response to these allegations.