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

Kasey Kei, Ameena Green Star in Latest From Evil Angel

Kasey Kei and Ameena Green star in a scene from Evil Angel.

Evil Angel Debuts Proxy Paige's 'All Aboard The Trans Express'

Evil Angel has released director Proxy Paige’s new title, “All Aboard The Trans Express.”

Brazil: New AV Requirements Set to Take Effect March 17

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva this week gave final approval to new regulations requiring adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil starting March 17.

Angela White Leads Latest From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White stars with Victor Ray in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "BuZZed and Boned."

Ariel Demure, Lulu Chu Star in New Transfixed Release

Reigning and two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars with Lulu Chu in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "A Matter of Principal."

Elizabeth Skylar, Isa Bella Topline 'Tempted by the Babysitter' From Sweetheart Video

Elizabeth Skylar and Isa Bella headline “Tempted by the Babysitter” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Kira McKay Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Kira McKay stars with her husband Jerome and Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Calita Fire Toplines 'Swingers Resort' From Private

Calita First headlines the latest release from Private, titled “Swingers Resort.”

Octavia Red, Vince Karter Star in Latest From Elegant Angel

Recent XMA winners Octavia Red and Vince Karter star in the latest release from Elegant Angel, titled "Octavia Red Demure in Paris."

Ricky Johnson on Building His Enterprise One Sleepless Night at a Time

Ricky Johnson is always in motion. Even as he takes time out of his busy shooting schedule to chat with XBIZ, there’s restless energy behind the calm. This makes it easy to envision a younger version of Johnson, back when he arrived on the adult scene with no connections — but a great deal of persistence.

Show More