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

2026 TEAs Shine Bright in Celebration and Solidarity

The industry’s trans adult performers, creators and creatives came together Sunday night at the historic Avalon nightclub in Hollywood for an evening of well-deserved celebration: the 2026 Trans Erotica Awards.

Kansas Plaintiff Drops Chaturbate AV Suit, Revamps SuperPorn Complaint

The plaintiff in a lawsuit alleging that cam platform Chaturbate violated Kansas’ age verification law has voluntarily dismissed that action, while retooling a similar complaint against adult site SuperPorn.

Cherie DeVille Launches New Coffee Brand

Multi-XMAs winner Cherie DeVille has launched her new product line, Coffee MILF.

Nicole Kitt Leads Return of TeamSkeet Series 'Black Valley Girls'

Nicole Kitt stars in the relaunch of TeamSkeet’s series “Black Valley Girls.”

Kyaa Chimera Makes Her Girlsway Debut

Recently crowned XMAs Fetish Creator of the Year Kyaa Chimera makes her Girlsway debut alongside Roxie Sinner in "Free-Use Homework Hang."

Lilly Bell Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Multi-XMAs winner Lilly Bell stars with Anton Harden in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Sabien DeMonia Performs Her 1st Evil Angel DAP

Reigning Euro XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Sabien DeMonia performs her first Evil Angel DAP alongside Jesus Reyes and Little Maly.

At Last: Jennifer White Reflects on a Breakthrough Year and XMAs Gold

Jennifer White has reached the top of the mountain. Not only did the veteran performer’s recent showcase, “Hollywood Whore,” win Best Performer Showcase at the 2026 XMAs, but White herself scored the ultimate honor by being crowned Female Performer of the Year.

Christy Love Stars in Latest From MYLF

Christy Love stars with Nade Nasty in the latest installment of MYLF series "MomDrips," titled “Finish Inside of Me, You Dirty Boy.”

Madelynn May, Selina Imai Headline 'Lesbian Neighbor Affairs 4'

Madelynn May and Selina Imai topline the fourth volue of "Lesbian Neighbor Affairs," from Girlfriends Films.

Show More