‘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

Aylo Moves to Settle Two 'Children of Pornhub' Class-Action Lawsuits

Aylo has agreed to terms for a settlement with the plaintiffs in two long-running class actions over allegations that former Pornhub parent company MindGeek knowingly allowed and profited from CSAM on its sites.

Ophelia Fae, Ameena Green Take a Bow at Screening of Casey Calvert's 'Straight Girls'

Casey Calvert returned to Elysian Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday night for an intimate screening of her new Adult Time/Girlsway feature "Straight Girls," which just so happens to have been filmed on that very stage.

Busty Anabel Makes Studio Debut, Performs Her 1st DVP for Immoral Productions

Busty Anabel has made her studio debut and performed her first DVP alongside Matt Bird, Jacob Coldwater, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal in the latest trilogy from Immoral Productions.

Kira Noir Leads Latest From Brazzers

Kira Noir stars with Eddie Jaye in the studio's latest release, titled “Couples Massage Getaway.”

Tigerlilly Launches 'SugarCoatedSweethearts' Through PAYSITE

Tigerlilly has launched SugarCoatedSweethearts.com through PAYSITE.

Gender X Debuts Jim Powers' Limited Series 'Trans Deliveries'

Gender X Films has debuted the first installment of director Jim Powers’ limited series "Trans Deliveries."

Lo Lacey Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Lo Lacey has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Nathan, Dan Damage, and Goldey.

Gigi Dior Toplines Latest 'MILF Anal' From Doghouse Digital

Gigi Dior headlines the second volume of “MILF Anal” from Mile High Media studio imprint Doghouse Digital.

ASACP Marks 30-Year Anniversary

ASACP is celebrating 30 years of operation, during which it has received over 1.3 million reports from web admins and the public about suspected child pornography.

Tiffani Time Fronts Latest From Kink.com

Tiffani Time stars with Arin Jones in the latest release from Kink.com’s “Edged and Bound” series, titled “Dom Surrenders and Submits.”

Show More