Maitland Ward Says She’s Treated with ‘More Respect’ in the Adult Industry Than in Hollywood

Maitland Ward, best known for her role as Rachel McGuire on the beloved ‘90s sitcom Boy Meets World, has once again opened up about her unconventional career shift and the stark differences between Hollywood and the adult film industry.

The 47-year-old actress, who transitioned into adult entertainment in 2019, recently revealed that she feels more respected and valued in her new career than she ever did as a mainstream actress.

Ward’s comments have sparked discussions about the treatment of women in Hollywood, the stigma surrounding adult entertainment, and the shifting dynamics of the entertainment industry as a whole.

For many, Maitland Ward’s transition from sitcom star to adult film performer was unexpected. After rising to fame on Boy Meets World, she struggled to find substantial roles in Hollywood. Typecast as a “sitcom girl,” she found herself facing limited opportunities and industry gatekeeping.

Despite her growing social media presence and demand from fans, Ward noticed that the mainstream entertainment world wasn’t giving her the respect or roles she desired.

She decided to take control of her career on her own terms, entering the adult industry—a move that initially stunned fans but ultimately led to her success.

Since then, she has built an award-winning career in adult films, gaining recognition for her work and even winning accolades at major industry events. However, what surprised her most was the difference in treatment between the two industries.

In a recent interview, Ward candidly discussed how her experience in the adult industry has been more positive compared to her time in Hollywood.

"People respect me more in this business than they ever did when I was just an actress in mainstream projects," she said.

She highlighted how, in Hollywood, she often felt disposable, undervalued, and pressured to fit into a narrow mold. Even when she was on a hit TV show, she struggled with the lack of creative freedom and the industry’s tendency to dictate what roles she could or couldn’t take.

"As an actress in Hollywood, I was constantly judged, typecast, and expected to fit a certain image," Ward explained. "In adult entertainment, I have control over my image, my projects, and I’m actually treated like a professional."

She emphasized that in the adult industry, performers—especially women—have more agency over their careers. She described it as an environment where people are open, supportive, and transparent about business dealings, something she felt was lacking in traditional Hollywood.

Ward also pointed out what she sees as Hollywood’s hypocrisy when it comes to sexuality. While mainstream entertainment often capitalizes on sex appeal—using it to sell movies, TV shows, and music—there is still a stigma against those who work in adult entertainment.

"Hollywood pretends to be progressive and sex-positive, but the moment a woman takes full ownership of her sexuality, she’s shunned," Ward remarked.

She noted that, despite starring in a wholesome sitcom, she often faced inappropriate treatment in the industry, with people assuming they could control her career choices. Now, in adult entertainment, she feels she’s in charge of her own narrative.

Ward’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She faced backlash when she first made the transition, with critics arguing that she was throwing away her mainstream career. However, she has since proven that she is more than capable of thriving outside of Hollywood’s rigid system.

She has been vocal about the need to break down stigmas surrounding adult entertainment, arguing that performers deserve respect just like any other entertainers. Her success in the industry has also proven that adult content can be artistic, empowering, and financially rewarding.

Beyond acting, Ward has also ventured into writing and production, further solidifying her role as a creative force in her new field.

She recently released a memoir, Rated X: How Porn Liberated Me from Hollywood, in which she details her journey, the realities of both industries, and the empowerment she has found in her current career.

Ward has made it clear that she has no regrets about her decision. She continues to be an advocate for sex positivity, female empowerment, and industry reform.

"I’ve built something I’m proud of, and I wouldn’t change a thing," she said. "I finally feel like I have creative freedom, financial independence, and, most importantly, respect."

As she continues to challenge societal norms and reshape her career on her own terms, Maitland Ward’s story serves as a reminder that success can come in many forms—and that true empowerment lies in taking control of one’s own narrative.