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

Elly Clutch Makes Her Debut as Brazzers Exclusive

Multi-XMAs winner Elly Clutch makes her debut as a Brazzers exclusive alongside Jordi El Niño Polla in the studio's latest release, titled "As If You Can Handle Elly."

Aleksa Mink Fronts Latest From Pure Taboo

Aleksa Mink stars with Jason Sarcinelli in the latest release from Pure Taboo, titled "What She Would Have Wanted."

Lana Smalls Headlines 4th 'My Horny Step-Sister' From Reality Junkies

Lana Smalls toplines the fourth volume of "My Horny Step-Sister" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

UK Outlaws Content Featuring Choking, Adults Portraying Children

The U.K.’s Crime and Policing Bill received final passage in Parliament on Monday, including provisions criminalizing depictions of “non-fatal strangulation” as well as sexual content in which adults portray children.

Grooby Launches 30th Anniversary Campaign

Grooby is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a showcase campaign featuring 30 of the studio's newest models.

Jade Greene Fronts Latest From MYLF

Jade Greene stars with Axel Haze in the latest release from MYLF series Mom Drips.

Andi Avalon, Selina Bentz Star in Latest Installment of 'Mommy's Girl'

Andi Avalon and Selina Bentz star in the latest installment of the Girlsway series “Mommy’s Girl,” titled “Mistaken Mouthful.”

West Coast Productions Launches New Series 'Black by Popular Demand'

West Coast Productions has debuted its new gonzo series, "Black by Popular Demand," with a scene starring Scarlett Alexis and Chocolate God.

Elizabeth Skylar, Sky Wonderland Star in Mother's Day Release From Elegant Angel

Elizabeth Skylar and Sky Wonderland star with Parker Ambrose in a Mother's Day-themed release from Elegant Angel series "Holiday Hotwife."

Ricky's Room Signs Angel Youngs, Destiny Mira to 1-Year Deals

Angel Youngs and Destiny Mira have each signed non-exclusive, multi-scene contracts for one year with Ricky's Room.

Show More