Renowned adult star Riley Reid has candidly shared the deeply personal reasons behind her decision to no longer film heterosexual scenes.
Riley, a household name in the adult entertainment industry and a social media influencer, has been an open book when it comes to discussing her career and the unique challenges it has brought into her personal life. Through various podcast interviews and social media posts, she has shed light on the less glamorous side of her profession, including its toll on relationships and family dynamics.
Balancing Stardom and Personal Happiness
Riley is now married to free-runner Pasha Petkuns, with whom she shares a young daughter. In heartfelt Instagram posts, she has often expressed her gratitude for her family, describing her husband as an “amazing” partner and father.
“Forever thankful for my newly founded family,” she once wrote. “Pasha, you’re so present in every moment with both of us, and I’m so happy to spend every day with you.”
But before finding this happiness, Riley experienced significant struggles in her romantic life due to the stigma surrounding her career.
Past Relationships: Painful Ultimatums and Hurtful Judgments
On the Impaulsive podcast, Riley revealed the painful experiences she faced with previous partners. One ex-boyfriend refused to kiss her after work, making her feel “disgusting” because of her profession.
“He made me feel like maybe I should quit,” she shared. “It was so horrible when he told me that.”
These experiences left her questioning whether she could ever find love while remaining in the industry. Ultimately, she realized that true love wouldn’t come with ultimatums. “I’ve dated guys who said, ‘Me or p***?’ And I chose p*** because it never gave me ultimatums,” Riley said.
The Emotional Cost of Fame
Riley has also been transparent about the broader challenges of her career. In a resurfaced clip from a past interview, she admitted: “I tell people not to do p*** because it makes life so much harder. It complicates dating, family relationships, and intimacy. You have to be OK with being judged every single day of your life.”
Her work caused strain with her parents, leading to estrangement. Riley shared the heartbreak of losing her relationship with her mother and her father’s refusal to be seen with her in public, saying, “It sucks. It hurts so bad, and it’s something you can’t rewind or fix.”
Why She Chose to Stop Filming Boy-Girl Scenes
Riley clarified that while she hasn’t retired from the industry altogether, she made a conscious decision to stop filming boy-girl scenes—the type of work that catapulted her to stardom.
Speaking on Jordyn Jones’ What They Don’t Tell You podcast, Riley revealed that dating had become nearly impossible as her fame grew.
“It was hard to meet someone who didn’t know who I was,” she said. “People would approach me as ‘Riley,’ not Ashley [her real name]. It became tough to reverse that dynamic and show them the real me.”
Her choice to stop filming heterosexual scenes stemmed from a desire to prioritize love and emotional connection over her professional persona. “I didn’t retire, but I stopped boy-girl scenes because I was lonely and wanted love and affection,” she explained.
A Journey Toward Balance
Today, Riley is focused on nurturing her family life while maintaining a presence in the adult industry on her own terms. Her story highlights the complex interplay between fame, personal happiness, and societal judgment, offering an honest glimpse into the sacrifices and decisions many in her line of work face.
By sharing her experiences, Riley continues to challenge stereotypes and advocate for greater understanding of those who work in the adult entertainment world.