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

Final Defendant Sentenced in GirlsDoPorn Case

Former adult producer Doug Wiederhold, previously a business partner of GirlsDoPorn owner Michael Pratt, was sentenced on Friday in federal court to four years in prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Connie Perignon Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Connie Perignon stars with Abigaiil Morris and Kira Noir in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fast Food Fight & Fuck."

Bella Bare Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Bella Bare stars with her husband The Remedy, Chocolate Rod, and Richard Mann in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

FTC Takes Another Step Toward New 'Click to Cancel' Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is negotiating the latest procedural hurdle in its effort to renew rulemaking concerning negative option plans, after a federal court previously vacated a “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions.

Mandii Rose Makes Her MYLF Debut

Mandii Rose has made her MYLF debut alongside Axel Haze in the studio’s latest release.

Bobbii Rose Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Bobbii Rose has made her TransAngels debut opposite Chad Dorado in the studio’s latest release, titled “Furry Fantasy.”

Greta Foss, Sofia Smith Topline Angelo Godshack's 'Angels of Hardcore 4'

Greta Foss and Sofia Smith headline director Angelo Godshack’s “Angels of Hardcore 4,” from Evil Angel.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Digital Playground

Newly crowned XMAs Best New Performer Cubbi Thompson stars with Mike Ox in the latest release from Digital Playground, titled "Yes, Chef!"

Brazzers Signs Elly Clutch to Exclusive Contract

Brazzers has signed Elly Clutch, winner of the 2024 XMA Creator Award for Female Clip Artist of the Year, to an exclusive contract.

Reptyle Launches Cross-Site Special Event 'The In-Laws'

Reptyle is launching a new cross-site special event on its TeamSkeet, MYLF, Swappz, and Family Strokes imprints, titled "The In-Laws."

Show More