'We're rattled' Porn stars lift lid on spate of deaths shaking industry

THE PORN industry has been rocked by the death of five actresses in just three months – and people working in the business have lifted the lid on possible reasons why.

Olivia Nova death TWITTER/OLIVIANOVA

TRAGIC: Olivia Nova was just 20 when she died

Olivia Lua, 23, became the latest star to tragically die on January 19 following a "relapse" that came after months of rehab.

It is believed her death is linked to consuming a mixture of drugs and alcohol.

Porn actresses August Ames, Shyla Stylez, Olivia Nova and Yuri Luv have also died since November last year.

Suicides or overdoses have been linked with the tragedies.

Now a series of industry insiders have opened up about the impact on the mental health of performers.

Veteran porn star, Ela Darling, told the New York Post: "Porn is a fine job. What’s tough is that it’s freelance. What’s tough is the down periods when you’re alone with yourself, thinking, 'Will I ever work again?'

"It’s not like you can stop being a porn star and be a teacher. And not being busy can lead to bad things."

She said she believes the "feast or famine" culture is part of the reason one of her best friends from the industry killed herself.

Another veteran performer, Mia Lia, said: "One death is a lot to deal with, but five? That’s just unheard of. We are collectively rattled."

And fellow performer, Carmen Valentina, said: "When you first get in, everybody loves you, but there are always new girls coming in, and it’s easy to feel discarded.

"You really have to have your head on straight to get through it."