GGW's Joe Francis Held in Contempt, Fined

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Girls Gone Wild CEO Joe Francis is no longer representing himself after the judge in his civil case held him in contempt of court.

The case was brought by four women who accuse him of sexually exploiting them when they were underage for his “Girls Gone Wild” series.

Judge Richard Smoak ruled Francis was in contempt for violating an evidentiary rule during cross examination of a witness and ended Francis' cross examination of that witness immediately, a news station reported.

The judge had to instruct Francis on how to cross examine the plaintiff. "Everything you say needs to have a question mark after it," the judge said.

“I’m going to make it like Jeopardy, your honor,” Francis said.

Francis, who was acting as his own attorney in the trial because he had trouble finding and retaining representation, has found a team of attorneys to represent him.

He was also fined $2,500 for contempt of court.

Related:  

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 News

Ariel Demure, Lulu Chu Star in New Transfixed Release

Reigning and two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars with Lulu Chu in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "A Matter of Principal."

Elizabeth Skylar, Isa Bella Topline 'Tempted by the Babysitter' From Sweetheart Video

Elizabeth Skylar and Isa Bella headline “Tempted by the Babysitter” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Kira McKay Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Kira McKay stars with her husband Jerome and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Calita Fire Toplines 'Swingers Resort' From Private

Calita First headlines the latest release from Private, titled “Swingers Resort.”

Octavia Red, Vince Karter Star in Latest From Elegant Angel

Recent XMA winners Octavia Red and Vince Karter star in the latest release from Elegant Angel, titled "Octavia Red Demure in Paris."

Ricky Johnson on Building His Enterprise One Sleepless Night at a Time

Ricky Johnson is always in motion. Even as he takes time out of his busy shooting schedule to chat with XBIZ, there’s restless energy behind the calm. This makes it easy to envision a younger version of Johnson, back when he arrived on the adult scene with no connections — but a great deal of persistence.

Ameena Green on Delayed Gratification and Finding her 'Synthesis' Moment

In an industry that sometimes moves at breakneck speed, Ameena Green is taking it slow.

Utah 'Porn Tax' Bill With VPN Provisions Passes State Senate

The Utah state Senate has passed a bill that would impose a 2% tax on the revenues of adult websites doing business in that state, and make sites liable if Utah minors use VPNs to circumvent geolocation.

FreeUse to Drop New Limited Series 'The Seed Act'

FreeUse will premiere a three-part limited series on Thursday, titled “The Seed Act.”

Sadie Summers, Yhivi Star in Latest From Spankbang Gold

Sadie Summers and Yhivi star in the latest release from Spankbang Gold, titled "Inside: The Coopers — A Free Use Story."

Show More