‘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

Florida Attorney General Dismisses AV Suit Against Segpay

The Florida attorney general’s office on Monday agreed to dismiss claims against payment processor Segpay in a lawsuit over alleged noncompliance with the state’s age verification law.

Charlotte Sins Fronts Latest From Pure Taboo

Charlotte Sins stars with Tyler Cruise in the latest release from Pure Taboo, titled "Camgirl’s Dilemma."

Taylor Vixxen Stars in Latest From MYLF

Taylor Vixxen stars with Dorian Del Isla in the latest release from MYLF, titled "Lifeguard on Booty."

Sid Knox Reflects on 3 Decades of Craft and Keeping It Fun

Sid Knox is marking his 30th year in the industry. Asked what he enjoys most about his work, the prolific producer/director says it’s the process of creating something with like-minded people.

Fleshlight, Ricky's Room Team Up to Launch New Product Line

Fleshlight and Ricky's Room have partnered to launch the new Fleshlight x Ricky's Room collection.

Hazel Grace, Amari Anne Lead Christmas-Themed Release From West Coast Productions

Hazel Grace and Amari Anne, and Dick Dealer Don star in a Christmas-themed release from West Coast Productions, titled “Big Dick For Christmas.”

Jonni Darkko Drops New Evil Angel Release With Alexis James

Alexis James stars with Rob Piper in a new Jonni Darkko-helmed Evil Angel scene.

FTC Weighs Reboot of 'Click to Cancel' Rulemaking Process

The Federal Trade Commission has invited public comments on a petition to renew trade regulation rulemaking concerning negative option plans, after a federal court previously vacated a “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions.

Adult Time Drops Latest Installment of Jim Powers' 'MILF Overload'

Adult Time has released the latest installment of director Jim Powers' series "MILF Overload."

Show More