OnlyFans Founder Makes Surprise Bid to Buy TikTok's US Operations Amid Looming Ban:

In a surprising twist, Tim Stokely, the founder of OnlyFans, has emerged as a potential buyer for TikTok’s U.S. operations, which may face a nationwide ban if not sold by April 5. Stokely is now running a new, family-friendly digital platform called Zoop, and has teamed up with a group linked to a cryptocurrency project to submit a formal proposal to the White House, according to a Reuters report.

Why TikTok May Be Sold

The move comes amid growing concerns from the U.S. government that TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, could pose national security risks. Officials worry the app could be used for data collection or foreign influence, prompting calls for TikTok’s U.S. arm to be sold to a domestic company—or risk being banned entirely.

Zoop: Not an Adult Platform

Stokely’s bid is being made through Zoop, which he claims is very different from OnlyFans. Zoop markets itself as a “family-friendly” creator economy platform, where users earn money based on audience engagement. RJ Phillips, a senior executive at Zoop, told Reuters:

“This isn’t just about buying TikTok. We want to create something where both creators and users benefit.”

Amazon and Others Also Interested

Zoop is not the only party interested in acquiring TikTok. Reports suggest Amazon has submitted a last-minute offer as well. With Donald Trump back in office, the White House is expected to review all bids, and there’s speculation that the administration might extend the April 5 deadline for a sale decision.

Other investor groups have also shown interest, although their identities have not been disclosed.

What’s Next for TikTok?

As the deadline looms, TikTok’s future in the United States remains uncertain. If any deal goes through—especially one involving the creator of a platform known for adult content—it would mark one of the most unconventional tech takeovers in recent memory.