‘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

Jazmine Cruz, McKenzie Mae Make Their Girlsway Debuts

Jazmine Cruz and McKenzie Mae make their Girlsway debuts in the latest installment of "Mommy's Girl," titled "The Bare Minimum."

Alanna Pow Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Alanna Pow stars with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers.

Kimmy Kimm, Khloe Kapri & Alex Jones Lead Latest From Bellesa Plus

Kimmy Kimm and Khloe Kapri star with multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones in the latest scene from Bellesa Plus, titled “Her Last Day.”

BranditScan Rolls Out 2 New Platform Features

BranditScan has introduced its new Traffic Optimization and Doxing Protection features for creators.

FreeUse to Drop New Limited Series 'Time Stop'

FreeUse will premiere a three-part limited series next week, titled “Time Stop.”

NMG Management Partners With Cosplayground to Scale Distribution

NMG Management has partnered with Cosplayground to expand the studio’s digital distribution and licensing operations.

Dreamcam Rolls Out 'Voice Translator AI'

Dreamcam has introduced a Voice Translator AI to its livestreaming platform.

UK Government May Limit 'Step' Porn Ban With New Amendments

The U.K. Ministry of Justice on Friday revealed new government amendments to the pending Crime and Policing Bill, potentially limiting a pending ban on “step” content to apply only if adult performers role-play as minors.

Lola Riley Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Lola Riley has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband, Devon, and Hollywood Cash.

Andi Avalon Is April's 'MYLF of the Month'

Andi Avalon has been named "MYLF of the Month" for April and stars in a new release with Nade Nasty.

Show More