‘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

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.

New Creator Networking Platform 'CollabGPS' Launches

CollabGPS, a new creator networking platform designed to facilitate safe collaboration, has officially launched.

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.

Chaturbate Launches Year-Long 15th Anniversary Campaign

Chaturbate has launched "CB15," a year-long campaign to celebrate the company's 15th anniversary.

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.

Show More