‘Primetime’ Probes Adult Industry Tonight

NEW YORK – Diane Sawyer reports tonight on ABC’s “Primetime Thursday” that the adult business is now very much mainstream and one of the most profitable sectors of the American economy.

Sawyer’s investigation of the estimated $12 billion porn industry includes a look at the recent HIV breakout, and the revelation that the porn business stops for no one.

"You've got to understand, this is pornography," Sharon Mitchell of the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation told ABC-TV. "It doesn't shut down for Christmas, and I'm afraid it won't shut down for HIV."

XBiz was told tonight’s segment specifically looks at the companies which are fueling porn – not just the small companies which produce porn but Fortune 500 corporations such as hotel chains and cable operators that are raking in big profits.

And the show will focus on Laura Roxx, the first female porn star to test HIV-positive during this latest scare.

The Montreal native discusses her life-changing diagnosis and her uncertain future after only three months in the business.

Sawyer also interviews Belladonna, who came to Los Angeles as an 18-year-old Mormon from Utah looking for stardom as a model.

Sawyer followed her over a period of three years as she became part of the adult film world and eventually emerged as a star.

Belladonna, whose real name is Michelle, earned $4,000 in one of her first shoots that included sex with 12 men.

"It was really hard because I really felt like a piece of meat ... in a lion's cage, 12 lions," she told Sawyer. "I wasn't ready for anal sex."

“Primetime Thursday” airs on ABC-TV tonight at 10 p.m., EST and PST; 9 p.m. CST.

Copyright © 2025 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

Cherry Kiss Talks Perfectionism, Pressure and Loving the Grind

Cherry Kiss was en route to Exxxotica New Jersey when she learned she had received her green card. Fittingly, she had just landed at an airport in New York — home to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. After successfully navigating the naturalization process, which she describes as “hard work,” she felt grateful for the friends who helped her with all the paperwork, and has since been trying to pay it forward by helping other friends with their U.S. visa applications.

Elizabeth Skylar Stars in Christmas-Themed Elegant Angel Release

Elizabeth Skylar stars with Parker Ambrose in a scene from Elegant Angel titled “A Hotwife for Christmas.”

RM11 Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

RM11 has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

PASS Names 3 New Board Members

Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) has named RubyLynne, Beth McKenna, and Kira Noir as new members of its board of directors.

Avery Lust, Ariel Demure Headlines 'TS Chronicles 2' From TransSensual

Avery Lust and reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure topline “TS Chronicles 2” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Adriana Chechik Returns to Blacked Raw With Blake Blossom

Adriana Chechik and Blake Blossom star with Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Rocco Siffredi Makes On-Camera Return, Launches New Creator Platform

and he’s doing it in a way that reflects both his legacy and the creator-driven landscape shaping today’s market. His latest endeavor is built entirely around collaborations, an approach he says immediately energized him and clarified what this new chapter should look like.

Reagan Foxx Leads 'The Substance' Parody From MYLF

2023 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Reagan Foxx stars in MYLF's ‘The Substance’ parody, titled “A Sluttier Version of Yourself.”

Jessi Rae Makes Her Deeper Debut

Vixen Media Group (VMG) exclusive Jessi Rae has made her debut for the studio's imprint Deeper, alongside multi-XMAs winner Isiah Maxwell in “Key Mistress.”

Mark Spiegler Named XBIZ Talk Guest for 2026 LA Conference

XBIZ is pleased to announce that famed talent agent Mark Spiegler, impresario of the Spiegler Girls agency, will join an exclusive talk session at XBIZ 2026, the latest edition of North America’s largest adult industry conference, set to take place Jan. 12-15 at the Kimpton Everly Hotel in Hollywood.

Show More