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

Polish Government Proposes AV Mandate for Adult Sites

Poland’s Council of Ministers on Tuesday endorsed a proposed national law that would require sites and platforms to age-verify users to prevent minors from accessing adult content online.

Charlotte Sins, Aiden Ashley Front Latest Installment of 'The Yes List'

Charlotte Sins and Aiden Ashley star with Oliver Flynn in the latest installment of Adult Time series "The Yes List," titled "The Origin of the Throuple."

Brazil Launches Complaints Page for AV Violations, Other Issues

Brazil’s National Data Protection Authority (ANPD) on Monday debuted a portal where citizens can report possible violations of the country’s Digital Statute for Children and Adolescents (Digital ECA), which requires adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Texas Patti Leads Latest From Evil Angel

Texas Patti stars with multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the latest release from Evil Angel, directed by Blue and Maestro Claudio.

Lilly Bell, Lily Labeau Front Latest Release From TeamSkeet

XMAs winner Lilly Bell stars with Lily Labeau and Donnie Rock in the latest scene from TeamSkeet’s “Brat Tamer” series, titled “Band Brat Gets a Spanking.”

Raissa Bellini Makes Her MILFY Debut

Raissa Bellini has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY, alongside 2025 XMAs Male Performer of the Year Alex Jones.

Octavia Red Stars in Hentaied Pro's Latest Interactive Release

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Octavia Red stars in Hentaied Pro’s latest all-girl interactive release, titled "Lady Seraphine."

Penthouse Names Coco Star June's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named creator Coco Star as Pet of the Month for June.

Thea Summers Fronts Latest Release From FreeUse

Thea Summers stars with Chloe Rose and Jayden Marcos in the latest scene from Freeuse.

Brazzers Premieres Limited Series 'Slackers Hit The Jackpot'

Brazzers has released the first installment of its new limited series, "Slackers Hit the Jackpot."

Show More