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

Elegant Angel Debuts 'Hailey Rose Is Titwoman' Showcase

Multi-XMAs winner Hailey Rose takes on the role of "Titwoman" in the latest iteration of Elegant Angel's signature showcase series.

Jazmin Black Stars in Latest From Bellesa Plus

Jazmin Black stars with Nathan Bronson in the latest episode of the Bellesa Plus series “Blind Date.”

Ayla Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Ayla has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her partner Eden and Jonathan Jordan.

Sophia Locke, Demi Hawks Lead 'Mommy's Girl' Crossover Finale

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Sophia Locke stars with Demi Hawks in the final installment of Adult Time’s “Mommy’s Boy” and “Mommy’s Girl” two-part crossover event, titled “Her Pro-Domme Stepmom.”

Octavia Red Returns to Jules Jordan

XMAs winner Octavia Red stars with Manuel Ferrara in the latest scene from Jules Jordan Video.

Jadynn Stone, Karla Lane & Savannah Rae Star in Latest From Brazzers

Jadynn Stone, Karla Lane, and Savannah Rae star with Lil D in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Lesbian Polycule Cheats With Cock."

Jessi Rae Named Vixen's 1st Brand Ambassador

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has named Jessi Rae its first-ever brand ambassador.

Kenna James Leads 4th Installment of 'Equilibrium'

Kenna James stars in the fourth installment of Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper’s fantasy feature “Equilibrium.”

Kate Dalia Headlines Latest Volume of 'Catfished' From Sweet Sinner

Kate Dalia toplines the sixth volume of “Catfished,” the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Sophia Locke Stars in 1st Episode of 'Mommy's Boy' Crossover

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Sophia Lock stars with Elias Cash and Demi Hawks in the first installment of Adult Time “Mommy’s Boy” and “Mommy’s Girl” crossover event, titled “His Pro-Domme Stepmom.”

Show More