A Sydney-based author has been charged with producing child abuse material after public outrage over her erotic novel Daddy’s Little Toy, which has been accused of containing themes related to paedophilia.
Lauren Tesolin-Mastrosa, who writes under the pen name “Tori Woods,” was arrested at her home in Quakers Hill, western Sydney, on Friday. New South Wales police launched an investigation earlier this month following reports that the book included references to child sexual abuse.
The novel, which centers on a “barely legal” 18-year-old woman and her father’s friend, has sparked controversy due to disturbing content. The book features a storyline where the older male character is portrayed as having desired the teen since she was three years old. Additionally, the cover design, featuring the title spelled out in children’s toy blocks, has drawn widespread criticism for its provocative imagery.
Tesolin-Mastrosa, 33, was charged with possessing, disseminating, and producing child abuse material. Authorities confirmed that several physical copies of the book were seized for forensic analysis. She has been granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Blacktown Local Court on March 31.
In a now-deleted social media post, Tesolin-Mastrosa defended her work, calling the situation a “big misunderstanding.” She claimed that the novel was fictional and not intended to promote or glorify child abuse, though she acknowledged that some readers may find certain content inappropriate. She expressed regret over the backlash and distanced herself from the negative interpretations of her work.
Tesolin-Mastrosa also defended her collaborators, including the book’s editor and cover designers, asserting that they were unaware of the novel’s controversial themes. Georgia Stove, the designer behind the book’s cover, has since severed ties with the author, revealing that she had only reviewed the book’s blurb and is now facing harassment as a result of her involvement.
In addition to the legal charges, Tesolin-Mastrosa has been suspended from her position as a marketing executive at the Christian organisation BaptistCare. A spokesperson confirmed the suspension and stated that the organisation is conducting an internal investigation, emphasising that it takes ethical concerns seriously.
