‘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

Venus Berlin Joins ASACP as Media Sponsor

Venus Berlin has signed on as an in-kind media sponsor for the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP).

Ava Holt Stars in Latest From TGirls.xxx

Ava Holt stars with Chris Epic in the latest release from Grooby paysite TGirls.xxx, titled "Happy Wife, Happy Life."

XBIZ Miami's Host Hotel Sold Out; Additional Hotel Added

Guest rooms at XBIZ Miami’s exclusive conference venue, Goodtime Hotel in South Beach, are now completely sold out.

Brooke Tilli, Mick Blue Star in Latest From Brazzers

Brooke Tilli stars with multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "En Pointe Pounding."

Reptyle to Debut Cross-Site Release 'Polar Opposites'

Reptyle will premiere its latest cross-site release, "Polar Opposites," across all six of its imprints starting Saturday.

Penthouse Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has ruled in favor of Penthouse World Media in a case against a website using an infringing domain.

Kyaa Chimera, Renee Rose Front Latest From Family Strokes

Kyaa Chimera and Renee Rose star with multi-XMAs winner Tommy Gunn in the latest release from Family Stroke.

Lilly Bell Headlines 'Maison Close' From Dorcel

2025 XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Lilly Bell stars in "Maison Close," the latest feature from Dorcel.

'Collective Corruption' Relaunches Through PAYSITE

Fetish and BDSM membership site Collective Corruption has relaunched through PAYSITE.

Milena Ray Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for May

Milena Ray is the Cover Honey for the May issue of Hustler Magazine and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by Davide Esposito.

Show More