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

On the Set: Ricky Greenwood Goes Intergalactic With 'Mega Perv'

Somewhere on the mean streets of Downtown Los Angeles, Scott Nails wears a Speedo while being chased by a giant scrotum that resembles the boulder Indiana Jones narrowly escaped in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Second Bill Proposed to Shield US Sites From 'Foreign Censorship'

For the second time in recent weeks, a Republican congressman has introduced legislation to bar U.S. courts from helping to enforce foreign laws restricting speech that would domestically be protected under the First Amendment, potentially including foreign age verification laws.

Jessi Rae Performs Her 1st Anal in 'Equilibrium' Finale From Deeper

Jessi Rae performs her first anal scene, opposite multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones, in the final installment of “Equilibrium,” from Vixen Media Group’s studio imprint Deeper.

Melissa Stratton Headlines 5th Volume of 'Massage Parlor' From Reality Junkies

Melissa Stratton toplines the fifth volume of "Massage Parlor" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

Private Releases 7th Volume of 'Private Gangbangs'

Private has released the seventh volume of “Private Gangbangs,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

ERIKALUST Releases 'Dancing on My Own'

Tula Vida stars with Julia Roca in the latest release from ERIKALUST, titled “Dancing on My Own.”

Miss Teela Toplines Latest Volume of Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs'

Miss Teela headlines the eighth volume of director Angelo Godshack's "Hardcore Gangbangs," from Evil Angel.

Hazel Moore, Elizabeth Skylar Topline Latest 'Student Teacher Relations' From Sweetheart Video

Hazel Moore and Elizabeth Skylar headline the third volume of “Student Teacher Relations” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Cheerleader Kait Stars in Latest From Elegant Angel

Cheerleader Kait stars with reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter in the latest release from Elegant Angel, titled “You Want It Deeper?”

Rachel Rampage Makes Her Jules Jordan Debut

Rachel Rampage has made her debut for Jules Jordan Video alongside Manuel Ferrara.

Show More