For Comedy Hype News, I’m Symphony Thompson, and today we’re diving into the headlines surrounding actress Camille Winbush, most famously known for playing Vanessa Thompkins on The Bernie Mac Show, which ran for five seasons.
The 34-year-old actress has recently been in the spotlight for defending her decision to join the adult subscription service OnlyFans, a move that has sparked significant online reactions. While the platform is often associated with adult content, it’s become a space where creators of all kinds share exclusive material with their supporters.
Camille, who grew up in the public eye as a child star, has faced both praise and criticism for her choice to join the platform. Recently, Camille celebrated her birthday by sharing a post filled with joy, humor, and gratitude.
In the caption, she jokingly wrote, “I was going to write a long emotional post, but I’ll save that for my journal that gets turned into a best-selling memoir that gets turned into an award-winning, critically acclaimed film. So anyways, very grateful to still be here with a genuine smile on my face. 30 plus 4 now.”
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While most fans responded with positive comments, a few online users couldn’t resist taking a jab. One critic wrote, “So glad to see you with some clothes on,” referring to her OnlyFans account and the notion that some of her content may involve more revealing photos.
Camille’s response was sharp and pointed: “I hope you found some joy in making that comment, otherwise, it was pointless.” This quick-witted response exemplifies how Camille and her former co-star Dee Dee Davis (who played Baby Girl Brianna on The Bernie Mac Show) have dealt with public criticism surrounding their involvement with the platform.
The backlash from online users has been ongoing ever since both actresses joined OnlyFans. The most common criticism has centered on the idea that Bernie Mac, the late comedian who starred as the titular character on the show, would somehow disapprove of their choices. This type of commentary has angered both Camille and Dee Dee, leading them to publicly respond on social media multiple times. In 2021, Camille addressed the backlash by stating, “I’m human, and of course, the comments that stick out to me are the negative ones. Bernie, God rest his soul, is not turning over in his grave. Stop saying that. Even if meant as a joke, it is far from funny.” This shows that she’s tired of hearing the same critiques and is tired of people attaching Bernie Mac’s name to her personal decisions, particularly when he was a champion of her career and a mentor.
Fast forward to 2023 when Dee Dee Davis joined the platform alongside Camille. The criticism picked back up, and once again Camille felt compelled to speak out. On Twitter and Instagram, she posted a message directly addressing the trolls who had begun to resurface with more negative commentary. She wrote: “The trolls are hungry again, so here’s some food for thought: I’ve never been arrested, never been on drugs, don’t have any baby dads. I pay all my taxes, I drink water, and mind the business that pays me. If the most scandalous thing strangers can say about me is that I took some sexy pics as an adult and made a couple of meals in less than two years, I think I’m doing alright as a human in today’s society.”
Camille’s response highlights a critical point that many forget when judging public figures—she’s a grown adult who is fully in control of her own life, career, and body. The comment about her taking “sexy pics” refers to her content on OnlyFans, where she shares intimate but tasteful photos and videos with her subscribers. For Camille, this platform has provided an opportunity to regain some financial independence after experiencing a decrease in residuals from her past television work, including The Bernie Mac Show. While the show was beloved, the residuals from past work over time often decrease, particularly for younger actors like Camille who were child stars.
In fact, Camille has been candid about the financial struggles that have followed her acting career. In one interview, she explained that while she was making good money as a child star, those residual checks became significantly smaller over the years, and they were no longer enough to sustain a comfortable living. She mentioned how, in addition to acting, she had explored various other job opportunities, from owning an ice cream shop to teaching gymnastics to kids. She even remarked that when she joined OnlyFans, it provided a way to earn money in a flexible manner that allowed her to work from the comfort and safety of her own home.
The financial instability that comes with being in the entertainment industry, especially for those who have worked in it for many years, can be unpredictable. While The Bernie Mac Show was a hit, many actors in similar positions find that their earning potential from residuals doesn’t last as long as they might expect. As time goes on, the money that once flowed from past projects dwindles, and actors must find alternative ways to stay afloat, especially in an industry as fickle as entertainment.
Despite the negativity, Camille has remained unapologetic about her decisions. Her confidence in her ability to make money independently, while staying true to herself, has resonated with many fans. It’s clear that she’s not swayed by the opinions of online critics, and her response to the trolls shows that she has learned to embrace her own narrative, regardless of the judgment she faces. For Camille, this is about more than just making money—it’s about taking control of her life and making decisions that are best for her, no matter how others perceive them.
Camille Winbush’s journey reflects the struggles many former child stars face as they transition into adulthood. The pressure to remain relevant, coupled with the judgments from fans who expect them to act a certain way, can be overwhelming. However, Camille has shown time and time again that she is not only resilient but also willing to fight back against the public’s scrutiny.
At the end of the day, her message is clear: It’s her life, her body, and her choice. Whether people agree with her or not, Camille will continue to thrive, and the rest of us will have to respect that.
What do you think about Camille Winbush’s decision to join OnlyFans? Do you think she’s being unfairly criticized, or do you think it’s a poor decision for a former child star? Let us know in the comments below. Don’t forget to stay up to date with the latest news in comedy by subscribing to our YouTube channel. You can also support us by purchasing some cool and original merchandise from Hype Market. And for our YouTube viewers, if you like this story, show your support by hitting the super thanks button below.
Thanks for watching, I’m Symphony Thompson, and this is Comedy Hype News.
