Joe Francis Defies Judge, Appeals Court Order

PANAMA CITY, Calif. — "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis failed to appear in court as ordered by Judge Richard Smoak, and has appealed the judge's order to have Francis jailed for contempt of court.

Smoak had ordered Francis to turn himself in to Panama City officials by noon yesterday to immediately begin a jail sentence Francis had been given the week earlier.

In 2003, Francis was sued by several underage girls who appeared in his "Girls Gone Wild" videos, and Smoak had ordered the two sides to participate in a two-day mediation. However, after a three-minute profanity-laced outburst made by Francis on March 21, Smoak found him to be in contempt of court, stating Francis had made it clear he had not intended to abide by the judge's mediation order.

Francis said Smoak has "lost his mind" and that, after having referred to Francis as "the devil" and "an evildoer," Francis has labeled Smoak "a judge gone wild."

Adult attorney Lawrence Walters told XBIZ that, depending whether the trial court issues a stay, Francis could either remain free or be jailed during the time it takes for the appeal to make it through court.

A representative for Smoak said he is no longer commenting on the story.

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

2026 XBIZ Miami Conference Schedule Announced

XBIZ is pleased to announce the release of the full show schedule for XBIZ Miami, set to take place May 11-14 at the Goodtime Hotel in South Beach.

Court of International Trade Rejects Trump 'Replacement' Tariffs

The U.S. Court of International Trade on Thursday ruled that President Trump’s 10% global tariff under the Trade Act of 1974, imposed after the Supreme Court invalidated the administration’s broad “Liberation Day” tariff regime, is illegal — but stopped short of a nationwide injunction against the tariff.

Bellesa Plus Wraps Shooting on New Reality Series

Bellesa Plus has wrapped production on the first episode of its new reality series, “The Bellesa Challenge.”

Eva Maxim, Emma Rose Lead Latest From TransAngels

Eva Maxim and multi-XMAs winner Emma Rose star in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Stuck on Top."

Andi Avalon Returns to MILFY

Andi Avalon has made her return to Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY alongside Derek Savage and Isiah Maxwell in the studio’s latest scene.

Maddie Wren Leads Latest From MonsterPorn

Maddie Wren stars with Jason Sarcinelli and Marcelo Magnifico in the latest scene from MonsterPorn, titled "Trouble in the Woods."

UPDATED: Utah VPN Rule Enforcement Paused in Aylo Lawsuit

Provisions of a new Utah law making adult websites liable if minors in the state circumvent geolocation efforts to bypass age verification, which were set to come into force on Wednesday, have been put on hold until Sept. 3.

Connie Perignon Returns to Bang Bros

Connie Perignon has made her return to Bang Bros alongside Johnny Love in "Connie Breaks Her Roommate's Celibate Streak."

Octavia Red, Haley Reed Topline 'My Girlfriend's Sister' From Sweet Sinner

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Octavia Red and Haley Reed headline “My Girlfriend’s Sister,” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Penelope Snaps, Tiffani Time Topline Latest 'Bad Lesbian'

Penelope Snaps and Tiffani Time headline the 22nd volume of "Bad Lesbian," the latest release from Girlfriends Films.

Show More