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

New Federal Report Slams Debanking but Ignores Adult Industry

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) on Wednesday released a report on debanking activities at nine large national banks, but omitted any mention of the adult industry, despite previously identifying it as a sector facing banking discrimination.

Ravyn Alexa Makes Her Reality Kings Debut

Ravyn Alexa has made her debut for Reality Kings alongside Lucas Frost in the studio's latest release, titled "Inked and Oiled."

Yhivi Stars in Latest From Kink.com

Yhivi stars with director John Paul "The Pope" in the latest release from Kink.com, titled "Bound and Squirting."

TTS Expands Testing Coverage to 300 New Labs

Talent Testing Service (TTS) has expanded its coverage to 300 ARCPoint and Any Lab Test Now locations across the U.S.

EU Court Rejects Stripchat Challenge of Past VLOP Designation

The EU’s General Court on Wednesday ruled against Stripchat in a lawsuit seeking to annul a 2023 European Commission decision designating the site as a “very large online platform” (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

Penny Barber Leads Latest From MYLF

Penny Barber stars with newcomer Vince Vicious in the latest release from MYLF.

Emma Rose, Kasey Kei Star in Latest From Transfixed

Multi-XMAs winner Emma Rose and Kasey Kei star with Ameena Green in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "A Nuru Solution."

Aylo Case Against Utah VPN Rule on Hold Pending Legislative Changes

A federal court has paused Aylo’s suit over a Utah law making adult websites liable if minors bypass age verification by circumventing geolocation efforts, until the state legislature can meets to potentially amend the statute.

Dorcel Drops Franck Vicomte's 'Our First Orgy'

Dorcel has released director Franck Vicomte's latest feature, "Our First Orgy."

Khloe Kapri Headlines 'After Hours' From Sweet Sinner

Khloe Kapri toplines "After Hours," the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Show More