‘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 © 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

MyMember.site Integrates FSC's 'PrivateAV' Age Verification Solution

MyMember.site has integrated Free Speech Coalition's PrivateAV age verification tool into its website-building platform.

Pearl Industry Network Launches Creator Networking App Beta

Industry trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has launched beta testing for the PiN Member App, a networking and collaboration tool for content creators.

Aleksa Mink Makes Elegant Angel Debut, Toplines 'Natural 9'

Aleksa Mink makes her Elegant Angel debut and headlines the ninth volume of "Natural."

Hotwife Hannah Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Hotwife Hannah stars with her husband Shaine and Anton Harden in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Wicked Premieres 1st Installment of Seth Gamble's Feature Comedy 'Sweet Juggs of Justice'

Wicked Pictures has released the debut installment of multi-XMAs award winner Seth Gamble's latest feature, "Sweet Juggs of Justice."

Ginger Lynn, Nina Hartley to Appear in Mainstream Erotic Thriller Next Month

Adult industry icons Ginger Lynn and Nina Hartley appear in the new mainstream movie "Anything That Moves," which will debut on Fandor on July 14.

Anissa Kate, Paris Lincoln Star in Latest From MILFY

Anissa Kate stars with Paris Lincoln and Filou Fitt in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY.

FSC: W.V. Age Verification Law Takes Effect June 12

The Free Speech Coalition has issued a reminder notice that West Virginia's age verification law takes effect on June 12, 2026.

Lola Morena Leads Latest From TransAngels

Lola Morena stars with JT in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Shaping Desire."

Pineapple Support Taps Brad Mitchell, Jean-Micheal Veen for Senior Leadership Positions

Pineapple Support has named Brad Mitchell as its new board president and Jean-Micheal Veen as technology and development chair.

Show More