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

Orion Debuts 3 New Styles From Cottelli Lingerie

Orion Wholesale has introduced three new styles from its Cottelli Lingerie line.

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.

CalExotics Expands 'Pleasure Kits' Collection With 3 New Additions

CalExotics has introduced three additions to its Pleasure Kits line, each combining a range of pleasure products and accessories centered on varying levels of intensity.

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.

Beisar Introduces New Anal Lubricant

Beisar has introduced its new anal lubricant, expanding its product line beyond pleasure products.

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.

Adam & Eve, Lovehoney Group Partner for Custom Products

Adam & Eve and Lovehoney Group have partnered to introduce two custom editions of We-Vibe vibrators and an advent calendar sex kit.

Lovely Planet, Dorcel Expand Partnership

Lovely Planet, longtime manufacturer and distributor of the Dorcel Toys line, has expanded its partnership with the company to include all Dorcel physical pleasure products.

Show More