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

Vixen Celebrates a Decade of Decadence With a View From the Top

The adult community took multiple shuttles through the winding roads and driveways of Benedict Canyon on Friday night to celebrate Vixen Media Group’s 10th anniversary.

Richard Mann Drops New Evil Angel Scene With Ravyn Alexa

Ravyn Alexa stars in an Evil Angel scene alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Rocco Siffredi Drops New Evil Angel Scene With Amber Kawaii

Amber Kawaii stars with Little Maly in a new Rocco Siffredi-helmed Evil Angel scene.

Lilly Bell Leads Latest From Girlsway

2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars in the latest Girlsway release, titled “You Won’t Last a Day!”

Octavia Red, Cherry Kiss & Seth Gamble Star in 'Devil in Her' From Elegant Angel

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Octavia Red stars with Cherry Kiss and Seth Gamble in Elegant Angel’s crime thriller "Devil in Her."

Scott Nails on Building a Lasting Career With Blue-Collar Grit

When you hear the name Scott Nails, certain images probably come to mind. On this sweltering summer afternoon, however, the only nailing in sight is happening beneath the swing of a hammer.

Utah VPN Enforcement Pause Extended in Aylo Lawsuit

Provisions of a 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 in May, have again been put on hold temporarily.

Anti-Censorship Bill Could Shield US Sites From Foreign AV Laws

A Republican congressman has introduced legislation to bar U.S. courts from helping to enforce any foreign law restricting speech that would domestically be protected under the First Amendment, potentially including foreign age verification laws.

X3 Expo 2027 All-Stars Unveiled, Dates Set for Jan. 8-9

X3 Expo will make its L.A. LIVE debut at the JW Marriott on Jan. 8-9, bringing together fans and industry insiders for North America’s largest assembly of stars, alongside a dazzling lineup of attractions spotlighting the cutting edge of modern media and pleasure tech.

Courtney Tillia, Girthmasterr Star in Latest From Brazzers

Courtney Tillia stars with Brazzers exclusive Girthmasterr and Kaiia Eve in the studio's latest release, "Yoga, Massage, Sex...In That Order!"

Show More