Australian Church Leader Steps Down Following Controversy Over OnlyFans Documentary Filmed in Cathedral

The dean of St John's Cathedral in Brisbane, Peter Catt, has announced his retirement after 18 years in the role following a backlash over the church's appearance in Stan's OnlyFans reality series 'Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money'.

Catt said on Thursday that he had decided to step down after consulting Brisbane Archbishop Jeremy Greaves and the cathedral team. He is expected to return from scheduled leave on 17 September and conduct his final service as dean on 27 September.

The Very Rev Dr Catt accepted responsibility for allowing the cathedral to participate in the programme, which follows adult-content creators and their careers. He said he had not put sufficient safeguards in place before agreeing to the filming.

'It was my decision for the Cathedral to participate in a television show that was later named Turned On: Dirty Sexy Money,' Catt said.

'I come from a place of faith, love and acceptance and I believe everyone has the right to connect with their faith. But, I understand my decision has caused distress and concern within the faith community.'

Church Says It Was Misled Over Programme

The controversy centres on filming that took place inside the 125-year-old cathedral in April for the eight-part Stan series, which premiered in 2026. The programme follows women described by Stan as being among the global top 1 per cent of adult-content creators.

One episode features British OnlyFans creator Lily Phillips discussing her Christian faith and seeking to reconnect with the church. Catt is shown welcoming Phillips and later conducting a religious reaffirmation ceremony inside St John's Cathedral.

Church officials have since alleged that the production was presented to Catt as a documentary exploring faith and the experience of someone previously excluded from religious communities because of sex work.

Archbishop Greaves said the finished programme was substantially different from what church officials expected.

'Like many of you, I am shocked by the content, nature, and intent of the program, which does not align with the faith and values of this Diocese,' Greaves said in a letter to the congregation.

The production company, Mischief & Wonder, disputed the suggestion that permission had not been properly obtained, saying approval to film was granted directly by Catt.

Cathedral Orders Footage Removed

The controversy intensified after footage showed other worshippers inside the cathedral, including children. Church authorities asked producers to remove footage featuring congregation members other than Catt, with the production company saying some individuals were subsequently removed or blurred.

Catt said he 'deeply regretted' that members of the congregation had been filmed and appeared in the programme.

Greaves has also ordered an immediate review of procedures governing the use of church properties as filming locations. He said there were 'a number of gaps' in existing policies and that new safeguards would be developed.

The Archbishop acknowledged Catt's decision to retire, saying the dean's departure followed 'much discernment and prayer'. He added that the controversy had taken a toll on Catt, cathedral staff and the wider Anglican community.

The dispute has left the historic cathedral facing questions over how third-party productions are vetted and approved, while Catt's retirement brings an 18-year tenure to an end amid the fallout.