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

Evil Angel Releases Latest Volume of JD's 'Transgressive'

Evil Angel has debuted the 30th volume of director JD’s “Transgressive.”

FSC Publishes Guidance on New UK Pornography Laws

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published information for its members on the United Kingdom's recently passed pornography laws, which take effect next week.

Octavia Red Leads Latest From Bellesa Plus

Octavia Red stars alongside Codey Steele in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled “The Unmasking.”

Chloe Amour Leads Latest From Tushy Raw

Chloe Amour stars with Milan Ponjevic and Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Tushy Raw, directed by KGB.

Brazil Issues Guide to Digital Safety Compliance

Brazil’s National Data Protection Agency (ANPD) published on Wednesday a new guide outlining online providers’ child-protection responsibilities under the Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Leigh Raven, Gal Ritchie Star in Latest From Kink.com

Gal Ritchie stars with Leigh Raven in the latest installment of Kink.com’s "Whipped Ass" series, titled "Oil-Soaked Slut."

Penny Barber, Lexi Lore Star in Latest From TeamSkeet

Penny Barber and Lexi Lore star with Clarke Kent and Vince Vicious in the latest release from TeamSkeet.

Jennifer White Fronts Dorcel's 'Vampire Night'

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White stars with Milan Ponjevic in the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Vampire Night," directed by Ricky Greenwood.

Armani Black Leads Latest From Elegant Angel

Armani Black stars with Jax Slayer in the latest release from Elegant Angel, titled "Candy for the Boogeyman."

Octavia Red, Abigaiil Morris Star in Latest From Brazzers

Octavia Red and Abigaiil Morris star with Van Wylde in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Never Have I Ever."

Show More