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

Ariel Demure, Maisey Monroe Star in 4th Installment of 'Ripped for Their Pleasure' From Gender X

Reigning and two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars with Maisey Monroe in the fourth installment of "Ripped for Their Pleasure," the latest title from Gender X Films.

Delilah Raige Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Delilah Raige has made her debut for Brazzers alongside Ricky Johnson in "Raige Hits The Stage."

Ofcom Escalates Sun Social, Superb Convert Investigations

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has ramped up its ongoing Online Safety Act (OSA) compliance investigations into PlayVids/PeekVids operator Sun Social Media and PimpBunny operator Superb Convert.

Bellesa to Drop New Installments of 'Euro House'

Bellesa will release new episodes of its series "Euro House" after a three-year hiatus.

Judge Preliminarily Approves Pornhub Class Action Settlement

A U.S. District Court judge on Monday granted preliminary approval to a settlement between Aylo and the plaintiffs in two class-action lawsuits over allegations that former Pornhub parent company MindGeek knowingly allowed and profited from CSAM on its sites.

Anissa Kate, Koda Monroe Front Latest From Brazzers

Anissa Kate and Koda Monroe star with Jimmy Bud in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Messy Massage, Amazing Anal."

Lucy Mochi Stars in 2nd Installment of 'Thoughtless Wishes/ From Digital Playground

Lucy Mochi stars with Peter Fox in the second installment of "Thoughtless Wishes," the latest release from Digital Playground.

Private Drops Latest Volume of 'Four-Hand Massage'

Private has released the fourth volume of "Four-Hand Massage," directed by Raul Lora.

Yasmina Khan Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Yasmina Khan has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Brady Bud and reigning XMA Europe Male Performer of the Year Dimitri Shadow in the latest installment of the series "WIFEY Vacay."

Alexis Fawx Fronts Latest From Bellesa Plus

Multi-XMAs winner Alexis Fawx stars with Josh Rivers in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled "Show Me Yours, I’ll Show You Mine."

Show More