Former porn actor Riley Reid has spoken about feeling shamed by an ex-boyfriend over her work.

Reid said the relationship left her feeling like a “disgusting person.”

The 34-year-old has previously discussed difficulties finding partners who accepted her career. She shared the experience during an appearance on the Impaulsive podcast.

Reid, whose real name is Ashley Mathews, said the former partner refused to kiss her after she returned home from work.

She explained the behaviour made her question her career choices. Speaking in an episode recorded in 2018, she described the emotional impact of the relationship.

“He made me feel like maybe I should quit and stuff,” Reid said. She added: “So, like, [it] made me feel like a disgusting person. And I’m not disgusting. It’s harsh. It was so horrible when he told me that.”

She said the experience stayed with her long after the relationship ended.

Reid has spoken openly about the pressure she felt from partners. She said some relationships forced her to choose between her career and her personal life.

According to UNILAD, one ex-partner was so unhappy with her job that she seriously considered quitting the industry.

From criticism to family life

In a separate interview in 2022, Reid reflected further on that period. “My ex was so anti-porn, I almost quit porn because I thought I hated porn,” she said.

“But then I realised I just hated him.” She said the real issue was a lack of support rather than her career itself.

UNILAD also reported that Reid shared a candid Instagram post in 2021. In the post, she described her struggles with past relationships.

“Never have I ever had a boyfriend who was proud of my job,” she wrote. She said both of her previous non-porn partners ended relationships with ultimatums.

“Porn or them,” she wrote. “I always chose porn. I’ve struggled with the choice though, wondering if I’ve made the right decision.”

The post highlighted the emotional toll of repeatedly defending her work.

Reid’s circumstances have since changed. She married freerunner Pasha Petkuns in 2021. The couple now share a young daughter named Emma.

Reid has said she feels supported and fulfilled in her current relationship.

In November, Reid shared a family photo on Instagram. She praised her husband and reflected on her new life. “Forever thankful for my newly founded family,” she wrote.

She described Petkuns as an “amazing husband” and “even better father.”

She also shared a message to her daughter.

“Thank you Emma for being the greatest thing to ever happen to me,” Reid wrote.

She said she feels grateful for the support and stability she once struggled to find.