Flemish escort banned for discussing sex on TikTok
Flemish escort and TikTok user 'Meliciousss', better known as Mel, has gone viral for her honest, educational and non-judgemental videos about that in which she is an expert: sex. But she has been banned from the platform after her account was reported, meaning she will be shifting her activity to other social media platforms.
Video and social media platform TikTok has gained tremendous popularity in recent years, especially among adolescents. Sensitive topics are openly discussed on the platform. But not every source is useful or trustworthy and disinformation abounds, especially surrounding a topic that is often still considered taboo.
That is where Flemish escort Mel comes in, answering teenagers' sex questions without beating around the bush. "I do everything I can to ensure that this remains a respectful environment where young people feel safe", Mel told De Morgen. With her online audience of over 50.000 followers, she discusses everything from 'queefing' to 'pulling out' as well as tough topics such as insecurity and body image issues. "They clearly need a place where they can ask that question and get an answer from someone who talks to them about sex in a normal way", she said. "I also used to find sex education at school an embarrassing event where people dance around the hot mess and mainly warn you about the dangers of sex; I certainly understand that young people have to go elsewhere."
"They clearly need a place where they can ask that question and get an answer from someone who talks to them about sex in a normal way"
"I suppose they have the idea that I 'know a lot about sex' and they don't feel judged by the way I answer. I do everything I can to ensure that this remains a respectful environment where young people feel safe to ask their questions. Because if I have to be honest: I don't think they are well-informed." In certain cases, Mel recommends followers seek professional medical advice: "Most young people know that they should go to a doctor with certain problems, but I try to reassure them, as a kind of intermediary."
Does she not get criticised for speaking so openly about something that some still consider taboo? "Naturally, a small number of people think what I do is not acceptable. But that does not outweigh the almost fifty thousand followers who are very respectful and grateful."
Despite there being no rule against providing sexual information for educational purposes on TikTok, Mel's account was reported. "I really want to remain available for questions, because I notice that there is a need for it", she said, referring followers to her Instagram page.
For now, Mel's TikTok account remains closed, preventing her from posting videos or commenting on her backup account until at least next Thursday.
Logo of the networking application TikToK displayed on a tablet © DENIS CHARLET / AFP