‘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

Private Drops 'Pornstars Summer Getaway'

Private has released its latest title, "Pornstars Summer Getaway," directed by Xavi Rocka.

The End Is Coming: Pure Taboo Explores Post-apocalyptic Sex, Survival and Submission in 'The Doctrin

It's the end of the world as we know it, and Seth Gamble feels fine. On a scorching hot day in the remote mountains of Santa Clarita, Gamble is directing "The Doctrine," an ambitious post-apocalyptic drama for Adult Time's Pure Taboo label.

Aylo Wins Preliminary Injunction Against Utah AV Law's VPN Rule

A federal court on Thursday issued a preliminary injunction preventing the state of Utah from enforcing a legal provision that would make adult websites liable if minors in the state circumvent geolocation efforts in order to bypass age verification.

Avery Lust Leads Latest From TransAngels

Avery Lust stars with Jack Des Feux in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Hung Waitress."

Emma Rose Toplines 'TS Girls Do It Best 4' From TransSensual

Two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Emma Rose headlines "TS Girls Do It Best 4," from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Ofcom Investigates Pornhub's Device-Based UK Age Checks

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has opened an investigation to determine whether Pornhub parent company Aylo’s use of device-based age verification complies with the U.K.’s Online Safety Act.

Serenity Cox, Eva Angelina Star in Latest From MILFY

Serenity Cox and Eva Angelina star with Sheem in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint MILFY, titled "Yes Captain."

Lumi Ray, Blake Blossom & Isa Bella Star in Latest From Bellesa Plus

Lumi Ray, Blake Blossom, and Isa Bella star in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled "The Girl They Both Wanted."Directed by Jacky St. James, the scene opens with Ray, on her birthday weekend, being reunited with sorority sisters Blossom and Bella.

Maddie Wren, Chanel Camryn Star in 'My Lesbian Masseuse 2'

Maddie Wren and Chanel Camryn star in the second volume of "My Lesbian Masseuse," from Girlfriends Films.

'Studio Vanniall' Launches Through PAYSITE

Vanniall's official website StudioVanniall.com has launched through PAYSITE.

Show More