Former Disney Star Says Porn Career Led to “More Respect”

Maitland Ward Discusses Career Transition and Empowerment

Former “Boy Meets World” actress Maitland Ward, who transitioned to adult film work six years ago, claims she has experienced increased respect and empowerment since her career change. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Ward discussed her journey and the positive reception she says she has received.

Ward states that she feels more respected, particularly in Hollywood, and that people are receptive to her story, especially younger individuals. She attributes this to her positive attitude and the ability to create her own content. “I really think people treat me with more respect now, honestly,” Ward said. “They’re so respectful, and they’re so positive about my story.”

She expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive response to her career change, noting that she had anticipated criticism. “I didn’t get anybody coming out hating me for it or anything,” she said. “I really got a lot of positivity overall.”

Ward, who also appeared on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” recalled her time on “Boy Meets World” fondly, saying she was welcomed by the cast. However, she has found a different kind of success in the adult film industry. She emphasizes her creative control and collaboration with female directors, stating, “I’m creating full-length movies. I’m doing things like making projects that I really feel passionate about.”

Ward says her work in adult films has boosted her confidence and body image. “Just to be naked by myself and be confident in my body and myself, I would never have been able to do that [before],” she admitted. “Porn has really given that to me, that empowerment.”

She also highlighted the comfortable and open atmosphere on adult film sets. “On the set of porn sets, I have felt the most comfortable I have ever felt on a set, especially in an intimate situation,” she said.

Ward, who published her memoir “Rated X: How Porn Liberated Me from Hollywood” in 2022, believes her story is empowering and about “living your truth.” She states that she felt constrained by Hollywood’s expectations and that her current career allows her to be her “authentic self.” ¹  

Reflecting on her past insecurities, Ward said, “I was very uncomfortable when I was younger. Did I look sexy enough? Was I thin enough? Was I good enough, and was I pretty enough?” She hopes her experiences can serve as a lesson for others. “Honestly, you have to live the path all the way through in order for that to really mean something,” she concluded.