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

Agatha Vega Makes Her Bellesa Plus Debut

2024 Euro XMAs Female Performer of the Year Agatha Vega has made her Bellesa Plus debut alongside Christian Clay in the studio’s latest release, “The Housekeeper.”

Lucy Mochi Makes Her Blacked Raw Debut

Lucy Mochi has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw, alongside Jason Luv.

Jonni Darkko Drops New Evil Angel DP Release With Anissa Kate

Anissa Kate stars with Musa Phoenix and Hollywood Cash in a new Jonni Darkko-helmed Evil Angel scene.

Kasey Kei, Bella Joie & Hazel Grace Star in Latest From Transfixed

Kasey Kei, Bella Joie, and Hazel Grace star in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Ex-Couple’s Massage."

Ivy Ireland, Derek Kage Front Latest From Pure Taboo

Ivy Ireland and Derek Kage star with Parker Ambrose in the latest release from Pure Taboo, titled "Unnatural Arrangement."

Octavia Red Makes Her Blacked Debut

XMA winner Octavia Red has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked, alongside Hollywood Cash.

Hazel Heart Leads Latest From Kink.com

Hazel Heart stars in the latest installment of Kink.com's "KinkVR" series, titled "Tied-Up & Tormented."

Dorcel Drops Franck Vicomte's 'PL4Y #4'

Dorcel has released director Franck Vicomte’s latest feature, “PL4Y #4.”

Paisley West Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Paisley West has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Justin and Dan Damage.

Linda Lan Performs 1st Studio DP in Jonni Darkko's Latest 'Double Penetration Fixation'

Linda Lan performs her first studio DP and toplines the sixth volume of multi-XMAs winner Jonni Darkko's “Double Penetration Fixation,” from Evil Angel.

Show More