2 Lawsuits Against Joe Francis Dropped

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Two lawsuits filed against "Girls Gone Wild" (GGW) founder Joe Francis have been withdrawn from federal court in Florida.

Heather Marie Kotis, Rachel Christine Mill, Julie Tilton, Nicole Breitfeller and Tabitha Gautreaux had alleged that Francis’ Mantra Films, producers of GGW, had taped them during a wet T-shirt contest in 2001 and then distributed the tape for sale.

The women filed suit also against the Daytona Beach, Fla., hotel where the event was held, a corporate sponsor, the promoter of the event, a video company that filmed the event and Mantra Films.

However, the cases were ordered closed allegedly because the plaintiffs were never able to identify a GGW title that contained the alleged footage.

“It's apparent that a certain segment of our society has adopted a get rich quick scheme through frivolous litigation,” Francis's attorney David R. Houston said. “We are pleased the court in this matter refused to issue the plaintiffs a golden ticket based upon plaintiffs' actions and misrepresentations.”

In a related case, the plaintiffs filed suit against Playboy magazine, which allegedly photographed and distributed images of the event. However, in that case, the judge ruled in favor of Playboy, which then resulted in the women asking for a stay in the suit against Mantra Films. Eventually, a judge motioned to close the lawsuits.

The court’s action follows closely on the heels of two other lawsuits against Francis being dropped.

Christina Brose and Brooke Patsolic dropped their cases against the GGW owner two weeks ago after alleging that their images had been used without permission, when footage of them appeared in a GGW tape.

Francis responded to the charges by posting video of the plaintiffs on his website, MeetJoeFrancis.com. In the footage, the women appear to give their consent to being filmed while dancing at a nightclub and also in the GGW recreational vehicle, where they kiss and strip down to their underwear.

A veritable magnet for legal action, Francis is currently incarcerated in the Reno, Nev., jail, charged with tax evasion.

On his website, on the “You Be the Judge” page, where he featured the video of Brose and Pastolic, he currently has posted documentation Tranae Hammond vs. Mantra Films, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Hammond filed suit against Francis on charges of sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, battery, sexual battery and emotional distress.

Copyright © 2025 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

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

Hookup Hotshot Adds TobyDick.com

Hookup Hotshot (HUHS) has added U.K. paysite TobyDick.com to its network.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

Leana Lovings, Shay Sights Front 'Substance' Parody From Brazzers

Leana Lovings stars with Shay Sights in the latest release from Brazzers, a parody of "The Substance.”

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Little Puck Stars in Latest Episode of 'The Bottom Floor' From Adult Time

Little Puck stars in the second episode of Adult Time series “The Bottom Floor,” titled “The Second Coming.”

Haley Spades Stars in Latest From Immoral

Haley Spades stars with Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and Dean Van Damme in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions, directed by "Porno Dan" Leal.

Octavia Red Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octavia Red has made her Vampired debut alongside Talia Mint and 2023 XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum in the new feature “Hunters.”

Lily Starfire Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Lily Starfire stars with Kyle Mason in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Eating Ass Is the Game."

Show More