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

Erotica Divine, Derek Kage Lead Latest From TransAngels

Erotica Divine and Derek Kage star in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Steamy Soak."

AV Bulletin: Midyear Roundup

Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, more state age verification laws have been enacted around the United States, as well as proposed at the federal level and in other countries. Meanwhile, lawsuits resulting from AV laws have begun to play out in the courts. This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Savvy Suxx Performs 1st Gangbang for WIFEY

Savvy Suxx performs her first gangbang in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Princess Emily Makes Her Evil Angel Debut

Princess Emily has made her debut for Evil Angel alongside director Richard Mann.

Alina Lopez Performs 1st Anal in Her Tushy Debut

Alina Lopez has performed her first anal scene in her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Tushy, alongside Milan Ponjevic.

Lilith Grace Makes Her Blacked Raw Debut

Lilith Grace has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw, alongside Ashley Lane and Jason Luv.

Jennifer White, Octavia Red & Jewelz Blu Star in 'Red, White & Blu' Sequel From Elegant Angel

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White stars with Octavia Red and Jewelz Blu in the sequel to Elegant Angel’s Fourth of July-themed featurette "Red, White & Blu."

Desiree Dulce Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for July

Desiree Dulce is the Cover Honey for the July issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by ThisYearsModel.com.

Bobbii Rose, Jake Switch Front New Release from Grooby

Bobbii Rose and Jake Switch star in the latest release from Grooby Girls, titled “The Aphrodisiac Plan.”

Krystal Sparks Makes Her MILFY Debut

Krystal Sparks makes her MILFY debut alongside Lexi Luna and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint.

Show More