Contestant known for spider incident confirms OnlyFans account

Marisa Simonetti has been making controversial headlines since her arrest in June on charges of fifth-degree assault (a misdemeanor) after allegedly throwing a large spider (possibly a tarantula) and other items down a staircase at her Edina home.

Since then, numerous revelations about her past have come to light, including claims that she had an OnlyFans account. Simonetti, 30, who is running as a conservative candidate for Hennepin County Commissioner in the 6th District, never directly commented on whether or not she had such an account, referring only to it as “alleged.”

That changed on Thursday evening.

On the podcast “Other Words for Whore,” Simonetti dropped a bombshell: “Hi, I’m Marisa Simonetti. I’m running for Hennepin County Commissioner and I’m a professional whore.”

She confirmed that she runs an OnlyFans account under the name “Jennie Kennedy XO.” OnlyFans is a platform that allows creators to share content with subscribers who pay for access. This is often explicit or adult material. Simonetti acknowledged that her content on the site is intended for adult audiences.

During the podcast, Simonetti spoke openly about her OnlyFans account, explaining, “This is actually the first time I’ve really come out here today and fully connected. This is our story, and we can take back our power. I’m going to say what I want to say when I want to say it.”

The podcast episode, “Jennie Kennedy, the Tarantula Tosser,” was posted on Friday, July 26, but filmed live on YouTube the night before. The show from the Twin Cities features explicit discussions surrounding the experiences of sex workers.

“I feel like it doesn’t matter what someone’s past is,” Simonetti added. “If it’s important to them to be somebody, to create a life for their families and the community and to make a positive difference, then their past doesn’t matter. Go do it. And accept no shame.”

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When asked if she would continue her OnlyFans page if elected, she joked: “From the boardroom to the bedroom.”

On Sunday, Simonetti explained her reasons for verifying her OnlyFans account on the podcast.

“My intention is that no one should be surprised anymore, because this is really boring and petty talk,” she told Eden Prairie Local News (EPLN). “It’s time to address the real issues.”

If elected, Simonetti plans to cut property taxes and fight crime. She will also participate in a League of Women Voters panel on Sept. 11 and speak at a business event on Tuesday.

Electoral context

Earlier this month, Heather Edelson, the incumbent and Simonetti’s opponent in the upcoming November 5 election, criticized Simonetti’s actions.

“Some of my opponent’s actions are designed to undermine the serious, meaningful work that women leaders are doing here in our state and nationally, and that is disappointing,” Edelson wrote in a statement. “Her behavior does not reflect the balanced leadership our district needs.”

Simonetti, in turn, accused Edelson of focusing on Simonetti’s personal challenges instead of dealing with the core issues. Edelson contrasted herself as a proactive problem solver who wanted to “do more with less.”

Edelson, 43, is a former DFL state representative who won a May 14 special election to finish the term of Chris LaTondresse, who resigned last fall. Simonetti, a political newcomer, finished second among six candidates in the April primary, with the two front-runners advancing to May 14.

The winner of the November 5 general election will serve a full four-year term beginning in January 2025. District 6 includes 66 polling places, including six in northern Eden Prairie (Polling Places 1, 2, 3, 4, 7 and 8).