‘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

Rachael Cavalli, Manuel Ferrara Lead Latest From Jules Jordan

Rachael Cavalli stars with multi-XMAs winner Manuel Ferrara in the latest release from Jules Jordan.

Penny Barber Stars in Latest From Kink.com

2025 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Scarlette Moon in the latest installment of Kink.com's "Whipped Ass" series, titled "Deep Inside the Splash Zone."

Lauren Phillips Fronts Latest From MYLF

2024 XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Lauren Phillips stars with Nick Strokes in the latest release from MYLF, titled “Sweat, Cum, and Glory: Lauren’s Sexy Aerobics Routine.”

Nikita Bellucci Stars in Dorcel's 'M.I.L.F.S. Vol. 4'

Nikita Bellucci headlines the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “M.I.L.F.S. Vol. 4.”

Ashley Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Ashley stars with her husband Kyle and Lil D in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Jennifer White, Vanna Bardot Headline Jonni Darkko's 3rd 'POV Anal Sluts'

Vanna Bardot and newly crowned XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White topline director Jonni Darkko’s third volume of “POV Anal Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Leana Lovings Stars in Latest From Elegant Angel

Leana Lovings stars with Alex Legend in the debut episode of Elegant Angel’s new series “Demure Girls,” titled “Pillow Talk with Leana Lovings.”

'SheHerGirls' Launches Through Paysite.com

The braintrust behind PoleVixens has officially launched a new membership site, SheHerGirls, also through Paysite.com.

Angela White, Madison Ivy Lead New Threesome From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White and Madison Ivy star with Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Couple or Throuple?”

FTC Invites Public Comment on 'Click to Cancel' Rulemaking

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced this week that it is seeking public comment on whether it should amend its Negative Option Rule to better address deceptive or unfair practices.

Show More