Former Screw Publisher’s Plea Motion Denied

NEW YORK — Former Screw magazine publisher Al Goldstein suffered a legal setback recently when a motion to vacate his guilty plea in a harassment case was denied.

Goldstein, 68, pled guilty to three counts of aggravated harassment and one count of stalking last year while on more than a dozen medications that made him effectively incoherent, according to the motion.

The former publisher admitted earlier this year to asking Screw readers and viewers of Goldstein’s “Midnight Blue” cable show to call ex-wife Gena Goldstein after he wasn’t invited to their son’s Harvard Law School graduation.

“They’re really trying to break this guy," said Charles C. DeStefano, Goldstein’s attorney. “It’s obscene.”

Manhattan Supreme Justice Renee White’s decision comes just weeks after a destitute Goldstein, listed as homeless on his probation papers, found a job working as a sales manager at New York’s Second Avenue Deli.

“I’m only getting $10 an hour but I eat like a pig,” Goldstein told the New York Post after getting hired in late August. “I look at the counter with all the cold cuts and I walk around with a semi-erection.”

The recent legal setback is yet another in a long list of problems that have plagued Goldstein, who has been vacillating between New York homeless shelters and sleeping on a couch at the apartment of his new wife's relatives for the last three months.

Two years ago, SWAT members swarmed Goldstein’s estate after a heavily armed prostitute barricaded herself in his guesthouse and, just days later, Goldstein was taken off an American Airlines flight after he made sexual comments to a security worker. Goldstein was also sentenced to 60 days in jail for harassing a former secretary.

The now-defunct Screw magazine and Goldstein’s Milky Way Productions filed for bankruptcy in 2003 after 34 years in business, leaving roughly $1 million in debt and forcing Goldstein to sell off his 10,000-square-foot Florida mansion and the huge middle finger statue he placed on his deck for passing boaters.

Goldstein received support in his motion from magician Penn Gillette of “Penn & Teller.”

“He’s a dirty, filthy, annoying, national treasure,” Gillette wrote Justice White. “The United States of American will be a little less free and beautiful when he’s gone.”

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

CalExotics Expands 'Cheap Thrills' Line of Male Masturbators

CalExotics has added four new pleasure products to its Cheap Thrills line of male masturbators.

Rachel Rampage Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Rachel Rampage has made her Brazzers debut alongside multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the studio's latest release, titled "Right Down To Cock Sucking Business."

California Governor Signs Bill Limiting CIPA Claims

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill to narrow the scope of the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA), to prevent abusive lawsuits targeting online businesses, including adult websites.

XBIZ Retreat Canada to Debut in Toronto Aug. 16-20

XBIZ Retreat is heading north for the debut of its Canadian edition, bringing its signature hosted-buyer experience to Toronto Aug. 16-20.

Jennifer White, Jessi Rae Lead Latest From Blacked

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White stars alongside Jessi Rae and Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked.

SWPA to Host Webinar on Landing Media Coverage for Sexual Wellness Brands

The Sexual Wellness Professional Alliance (SWPA), a division of the Free Speech Coalition, will host a webinar on Wednesday, Oct. 7, offering strategies for sexual wellness brands to attract media coverage.

Evil Angel Drops 'My Fantasy With Rocco'

Evil Angel has released the latest title from director Rocco Siffredi, titled "My Fantasy With Rocco."

California Enacts Stricter UGC Rules for Adult Sites

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill to impose tighter compliance standards for user-generated content (UGC) on adult websites accessible in California.

UK Aims to Begin Enforcing 'Choking' Ban Before Year's End

The U.K. will soon begin enforcement of a new law criminalizing depictions of “non-fatal strangulation” in adult content, according to a Ministry of Justice official.

XBIZ LA Conference Website Now Live, Registration Open

The event website for the XBIZ LA conference is now live, offering comprehensive information about the upcoming event, taking place Jan. 7-10 at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE.

Show More