opinion

Laws Gone Wild!

Joe Francis, owner of Girls Gone Wild franchise, made news back in September of entering into a settlement with DOJ for violating 2257 with underage models. The settlement included paying a fine of $1.6M.

In recent news, Francis and his attorney had to do community time in addition to paying the fine as reported in this xbiz article.

The closing paragraph of the xbiz article:

When Francis entered his plea in front of Morrow in September, the judge explained to him that he could have received up to 10 years in prison. Francis told the court at the time that no minors would ever appear in a Mantra film again.

So with all the hoopla and chatter from DOJ about 2257, they allow for a settlement, rather than a solid conviction over 2257?

Could it be that maybe the 2257 case wouldn't be strong enough to get a conviction?

It would seem the push for a conviction that carried 5 years in jail and a chilling message to all pornographers about having 2257 records in order would have been the stronger message.

I am sure there are more details to the story, but oh look.. boobies.....

It would appear that paying some money and sweeping up dirt from public streets is good enough to keep kids from being used in video (the next time it happens).

Too bad for pedophiles that they don't have alot of money to be offered a similar deal.

Crime doesn't pay, but porn does.

Copyright © 2026 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

How Educator Partnerships Help Retailers Serve Diverse Customer Needs

Walk into almost any adult store today, and you can feel the industry in the middle of an upgrade. On one side, you still see the familiar wall of vibrators, strokers, bondage gear and lingerie. On the other, quietly expanding, is a growing sexual wellness category.

Susan Bratton ·
opinion

What Mastercard's Specialty Fee Overhaul Means for Merchants

For business owners in the adult and specialty spaces, the rules have always been written in someone else’s office. The latest Mastercard changes are no exception, though there are practical ways merchants can begin preparing now.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

Why AI Success in Adult Retail Starts With Understanding Daily Operations

We manage payroll across more than a dozen entities that operate on different schedules. Every pay period, someone had to log in to one portal, download reports, rename files, upload them to another system, and make sure everything matched correctly in QuickBooks.

Zondre Watson ·
opinion

What to Know About Content Restrictions Across Global Markets

Throughout 2025, age verification remained a major focus as merchants worked to meet the requirements of 26 U.S. states, country-specific regulations in France, the UK, and Italy, and evolving guidance from the European Commission.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Retailer Tips for Creating a More Size-Inclusive Lingerie Department

I enjoy witnessing the confidence of someone leaving a fitting room, standing a bit taller. Their shoulders are squared, a spark shines in their eyes, and they view themselves in a new light. That moment presents one of the simplest sales opportunities on the sales floor.

Alexandra Bouchard ·
opinion

Key Strategies for Building an Effective Website Compliance Program

For adult website operators, compliance can no longer live in a folder that only opens when a bank, regulator, attorney, or payment processor starts asking questions.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
trends

Meet the Women Shaping the Business of Pleasure

Over the past two decades, the pleasure products industry has undergone a transformation that extends beyond product innovation. Once defined largely by novelty, stigma and male-driven narratives, the industry has steadily evolved into a sophisticated, wellness-oriented sector shaped by education, inclusivity and consumer empowerment.

Ariana Rodriguez ·
opinion

How to Create Clips Fans Come Back To

Let’s be real for a second: the independent porn industry is getting tougher to succeed in, largely because of what many people call “brain rot.” Fans have shorter attention spans thanks to endless scrolling on short-form media apps, and if your clips don’t stand out amid the flood of free content online, it can be difficult to convey their value to viewers.

Aerie Saunders ·
opinion

A Practical Guide to Refreshing Your Creator Brand

The word “rebrand” can spark instant dread. Why mess with my favorite burrito? What’s with the new logo? Or in the world of online sex work: Wait, she changed her name? Dyed her hair? OMG did she really swap out the good-girl-next-door vibe for full leather baddie?

Jenna Gargles ·
profile

Kylie Baker Details Rise From Store Support to Regional Manager

When Kylie Baker first stepped into adult retail, it wasn’t part of a long-term career plan. It was a favor, a simple act of support for a friend who needed help covering shifts. Nearly 12 years later, that moment has evolved into a leadership career defined by adaptability, resilience and a people-first approach.

Women In Adult ·
Show More