Former Gay Porn Star Ryan Idol Sentenced to 12 Years for Attempted Murder

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Failing to have his conviction for attempted murder overturned, former gay porn star Ryan Idol has been sentenced to 12 years in California state prison.

The sentencing came more than a year after the performer was convicted of beating his ex-girlfriend over the head with a toilet tank.

Idol, 46, whose real name is Marc Anthony Donais had the sentence imposed on him by Sacramento Superior Court Judge Troy L. Nunley on Wednesday.

Earlier this month he sought to have the court grant his motion for a retrial due to "ineffective assistance of counsel."

According to the Sacramento Bee, the victim's testimony at the trial said Idol entered the woman's apartment the night of Sept. 5, 2009, and told her, "I came over here to kill you."

The unidentified woman reportedly broke off the romantic relationship between the two after she caught Idol having sex with his male lover. She said Idol broke into her bathroom while she was taking a bath and beat her with the porcelain lid until "I felt blood gushing down my shoulders."

Although he appeared in less than 20 films, Idol was one of the most popular gay performers during the ‘90’s. 

Idol retired from adult in 1996, His filmography includes titles such as"Idol Eyes," "Idol Worship," "Idle Thoughts," "Idol Country" and "Idol in the Sky."

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

AV Bulletin: Health Warnings, VPNs and Exemptions

Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, more state age verification laws have been introduced around the United States, as well as at the federal level and in other countries. This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Leo Levine, Samm Fitness Star in New Scene From Men.com

Leo Levine and Samm Fitness star in a scene from Men.com, titled “Cum Rivals.”

Pornhub to Block UK Users Without Accounts Starting Feb. 2

Pornhub parent company Aylo will block access to its free video-sharing platforms in the United Kingdom starting Feb. 2 unless users have already set up accounts prior to that date, the company announced Tuesday.

Aylo Wins Another Major Piracy Lawsuit

For the second time in recent weeks, Pornhub parent company Aylo has prevailed in a copyright infringement case against sites pirating its content.

Arizona State Legislator Proposes Porn Ban

A member of Arizona’s House of Representatives on Wednesday introduced a bill that would make it illegal to produce or distribute adult content in that state.

Dio Ferrero Makes His Sean Cody Debut

Dio Ferrero will make his Sean Cody debut alongside River North next week.

Lights, Glamour, Glory: 2026 XMAs Crown the Biggest Stars in Adult Entertainment

The world-famous Hollywood Palladium, site of historic performances from legends ranging from Keith Richards to Richard Pryor, was transformed on Sunday night into the epicenter of adult entertainment, as a throng of A-list performers filled the venue for the Adult Industry’s Biggest Night® — the 2026 XMAs.

SCOTUS Won't Hear Appeal in NYC Adult Businesses Zoning Case

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal by a group of adult businesses of a lower court’s decision allowing enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

Ravana Revamps Helix Studios Site

Ravana LLC has revamped the Helix Studios membership site.

2026 XMA Winners Announced

Winners of the 2026 XMAs were revealed Sunday night during a ceremony hosted by Violet Myers and Kazumi at the world-famous Hollywood Palladium.

Show More