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

XBIZ LA Conference Website Goes Live, Registration Now Open

The event website for the XBIZ LA conference is now live, offering comprehensive information about the upcoming event, taking place Jan. 7-10 at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE.

ERIKALUST Releases 'Close Up'

Spookie Shelbie and Delfine Dahlia star in the latest release from ERIKALUST, titled “Close Up.”

Lexi Lore Makes Her Vixen Debut

Lexi Lore has made her debut for Vixen Media Group's flagship imprint alongside Parker Ambrose in the studio's latest release.

Penthouse Names Madiiitay as October's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Seattle content creator and professional modeling newcomer Madiiitay as Pet of the Month for October.

Wendy Marvell, Shadow Dimitri Make Their Immoral Debuts

Wendy Marvell and newly crowned XMA Europe Male Performer of the Year Shadow Dimitri have made their debuts for Immoral Productions alongside Marvell's husband Matt Bird, Irish Bull, John Price, and studio honcho "Porno Dan" Leal.

Ofcom Cites Web Prime, Porntrex for Alleged AV Violations

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Tuesday notified two operators of adult websites of the agency’s provisional determination that the companies have failed to comply with provisions of the Online Safety Act.

Mick Blue Tops TT5 Podium at NASA Championships

Mick Blue took first place this past weekend in the national Time Trial 5 (TT5) race at the 2026 NASA Championships at Sebring International Raceway.

FSC: Utah Excise Tax on Adult Content Goes Into Effect October 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has issued an advisory that the Utah Excise Tax goes into effect tomorrow.

Alison Rey Makes Her Studio Anal Debut

Alison Rey has performed her first anal alongside Small Hands in the latest release from Adult Time, directed by Casey Calvert.

Show More