Just weeks after voting against a bipartisan bill that would have required age verification on pornographic websites to protect minors, four Democratic lawmakers in Wisconsin used state resources to honor an OnlyFans model for her achievements in the adult entertainment industry.
The citation, issued April 21, celebrated Renee Olstead for being named the 2024 Penthouse Pet of the Year — a title awarded based on her nude modeling and explicit online content.
It was authored by Rep. Ryan Clancy (D–Milwaukee) and co-signed by Reps. Francesca Hong (D–Madison), Christian Phelps (D–Eau Claire), and Darrin Madison (D–Milwaukee), all members of Wisconsin’s self-described “Legislative Socialist Caucus.”
The citation would have drawn criticism under any circumstances, but its timing — just before Easter Sunday, according to Title Town Times.
But it was the legislators’ recent vote against child safety measures that most disturbed parents and child advocates. The age-verification bill they opposed aimed to reduce the chances of minors accessing online pornography, a growing concern in the digital age. The measure had bipartisan support and reflected a national trend of states enacting laws to keep explicit content away from children.
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Instead of supporting that effort, these lawmakers sided with the adult industry — and then turned around to celebrate one of its most visible figures. In a social media post, Olstead thanked the lawmakers and said she was proud to work with them to advance “SWer [sex worker] rights and decriminalization].”
The citation and Olstead’s remarks confirmed a direct political alliance between far-left state lawmakers and the porn industry — a connection that many families find troubling.
Adding to the controversy, Olstead and Rep. Clancy appeared together the following week to protest the arrest of Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan. The judge faces federal charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant avoid arrest by ICE agents in a Milwaukee courthouse — another flashpoint issue that has divided lawmakers and voters.
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Wisconsin state citations are meant to recognize teachers, veterans, community leaders — people who’ve made meaningful contributions to the public good. Instead, these lawmakers used the honor to celebrate a pornographic performer, all while opposing basic measures to keep explicit material out of children’s hands.
The message many voters received? Protecting kids from online porn isn’t a priority — but celebrating the porn industry is.