Joe Francis Pleads Guilty on Contempt Charge, Gets 35 Days

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis pleaded guilty to contempt of court and was sentenced to 35 days in jail in a U.S. District Court hearing today.

The 35-day sentence includes 14 days Francis has already served waiting for the hearing.

The contempt charge is based on Francis' failure to settle a federal civil suit brought by seven women who were minors when he videotaped them in 2003. U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak had ordered Francis to settle the suit or face contempt charges, and was arrested April 10 after negotiations had fallen through and Francis attacked the judge in the media, calling him a "judge gone wild."

The civil case has been reportedly settled for an undisclosed amount.

Francis is still facing legal problems in Florida, Nevada and California.

In Florida he is accused of trying to bribe a jail guard, and a federal court in Reno, Nev., indicted Francis on charges that his companies claimed more than $20 million in false business expenses, and that Francis improperly concealed income. In California, his probation on a federal case involving 2257 violations could be endangered because of his recent problems in Florida.

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

JustFor.fans Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ruled in favor of fan site JustFor.fans in a case against a website using an infringing domain.

Elegant Angel Debuts 'Charlotte Sins Is Slutwoman' Showcase

Charlotte Sins takes on the role of "Slutwoman" in the latest iteration of Elegant Angel's signature showcase series.

Jade Venus, Zariah Aura Topline Latest Volume of Aiden Starr's 'PansexualX Porn Crush'

Jade Venus and Zariah Aura headline director Aiden Starr's "PansexualX Porn Crush 14," from Evil Angel.

Aylo Moves to Settle Two 'Children of Pornhub' Class-Action Lawsuits

Aylo has agreed to terms for a settlement with the plaintiffs in two long-running class actions over allegations that former Pornhub parent company MindGeek knowingly allowed and profited from CSAM on its sites.

Ophelia Fae, Ameena Green Take a Bow at Screening of Casey Calvert's 'Straight Girls'

Casey Calvert returned to Elysian Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday night for an intimate screening of her new Adult Time/Girlsway feature "Straight Girls," which just so happens to have been filmed on that very stage.

Busty Anabel Makes Studio Debut, Performs Her 1st DVP for Immoral Productions

Busty Anabel has made her studio debut and performed her first DVP alongside Matt Bird, Jacob Coldwater, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal in the latest trilogy from Immoral Productions.

Kira Noir Leads Latest From Brazzers

Kira Noir stars with Eddie Jaye in the studio's latest release, titled “Couples Massage Getaway.”

Gender X Debuts Jim Powers' Limited Series 'Trans Deliveries'

Gender X Films has debuted the first installment of director Jim Powers’ limited series "Trans Deliveries."

Lo Lacey Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Lo Lacey has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Nathan, Dan Damage, and Goldey.

Gigi Dior Toplines 2nd 'MILF Anal' From Doghouse Digital

Gigi Dior headlines the second volume of “MILF Anal” from Mile High Media studio imprint Doghouse Digital.

Show More