‘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

Alexis Fawx Fronts Latest From Bellesa Plus

Multi-XMAs winner Alexis Fawx stars with Josh Rivers in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled "Show Me Yours, I’ll Show You Mine."

Amirah Adara Talks Roots, Ambition and the American Dream

Amirah Adara may be new to college football, but she's no stranger to scoring big. Fresh from attending her first Trojans game, the Budapest native shows off her newfound team spirit in a black USC tank top as she settles in at Sana’a Cafe in Los Angeles. It’s a taste of American life she’ll have more opportunities to enjoy with her work visa secured and a bevy of stateside projects ahead.

Vixen Media Group Extends Exclusive Contract, Brand Ambassadorship With Serenity Cox

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has renewed its exclusive contract with Serenity Cox and inked an extension of her brand ambassadorship of studio imprint WIFEY.

Hazel Heart Stars in Latest From Deeper

Hazel Heart stars with Dan Damage in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled "Midterm."

Pre-Nominations Now Open for 2027 TEAs

The pre-nomination period for the 2027 Trans Erotica Awards (TEAs) is now open.

Digital Playground Premieres Ricky Greenwood's Action Feature 'Crash and Burn'

Digital Playground has dropped the first installment of "Crash and Burn," an action crime feature from multi-XMAs winner Ricky Greenwood.

Valentina Nappi Featured in Season 2 Cast of 'The Traitors: Italy'

Multi-XMAs winner Valentina Nappi will be among the Faithful, as the veteran adult performer is part of the second season cast of "The Traitors: Italy" on Prime Video.

Dragon Fruit, Lexi Star Headline Latest Volume of Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs'

Dragon Fruit and Lexi Star topline the ninth volume of director Angelo Godshack's "Hardcore Gangbangs," from Evil Angel.

Roald Riepen Steps Down as CEO of IMC

Roald Riepen, CEO of International Media Company (IMC), is stepping down.

Chloe Amour Stars in Latest From Blacked Raw

Chloe Amour stars with Chocolate Rod and Goldey in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Show More