Penn and Teller Defend Adult Industry on 'Bullshit'

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — On the heels of a loss in the courtroom, the adult industry is going to get some help from an unexpected source: the mainstream.

Magicians Penn and Teller's Showtime series "Bullshit" will leap to the defense of the adult industry on tomorrow's premiere episode, subtitled "The War on Porn."

Like all episodes of "Bullshit," this one will feature lighthearted interviews with various sources interspersed with showman Penn Jillette's commentary.

Arguing against the industry will be Donna Rice, whose dalliance with then-Sen. Gary Hart ended his presidential bid in 1984. Since the mid-1990s, Rice has been an anti-pornography advocate. Representatives from anti-porn ministry XXXChurch.com and the conservative Family Research Council will also condemn adult.

One of the main figures called to defend adult is Dr. Marty Klein, a counselor, sex therapist and author.

"There's no peer-reviewed, scientific data that proves that people who look at porn are more likely to commit violent acts than anyone else," Klein says on the program. He also cites one of his books, "America's War On Sex."

Klein told XBIZ that antiporn advocates often rely on flawed methodology when compiling evidence for their arguments.

"No one disputes the fact that a certain percentage of people of people who commit sexually related crimes have porn on their person or in their homes," he said, explaining that antiporn advocates make two mistakes when they argue that watching porn caused these crimes. "One, correlation does not equal causation. Someone who commits a sex crime may have watched porn that morning, but they may have also had coffee that morning. They may have watched 'Seinfeld' that morning. That doesn't mean that those things caused them to commit the crime."

Second, Klein said that while antiporn advocates are quick to point at sex criminals who have watched porn, they fail to consider the large number of people who have watched porn with no subsequent bad behavior.

Adult star Brandi Love will also appear on the show with her husband to refute claims from conservative quarters.

“This was one of the most entertaining and creative media pieces I have ever been involved with,” said Love, whose segment was broadcast on the OneCams.com network.

A preview for the episode of "Bullshit" is available at Showtime's official website.

"Penn & Teller's Bullshit: The War on Porn" will be broadcast Thursday, June 19 at 10 p.m. on the east and west coasts on Showtime. For more information, visit Sho.com.

Related:  

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

Connie Perignon, Cyber Doll & Nicole Doshi Front Latest From Brazzers

Connie Perignon stars with Cyber Doll and Nicole Doshi in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Bigshot Sluts Work Hard, Play Harder.”

Seth Gamble Wraps Production on Pure Taboo Drama 'The Doctrine'

Adult Time has announced that production has wrapped on the post-apocalyptic drama, "The Doctrine," directed by multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble.

Jackie Diary Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Jackie Diary stars with her husband Chris the Captain and Damion Dayski in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Pornhub Awards Fiesta: A Night of Music, Dancing and Camaraderie

The eighth annual Pornhub Awards transformed Los Candiles Night Club in Glassell Park into a celebration of glamour, glitter, fashion and fame Wednesday night, as performers, creators and industry insiders toasted the year’s winners and danced late into the night while Diplo and Midnight Mary kept the party pulsing from behind the decks.

Carmen Valentina Stars in Latest From Elegant Angel

Carmen Valentina stars with reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter in the latest release from Elegant Angel, titled "The Cure for Priapism."

Ukrainian Parliament Rejects Porn Decriminalization Bill

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, on Thursday voted against passage of a bill that would have decriminalized the creation and distribution of pornography in that country — an activity that currently carries a prison sentence of three to five years.

Cherie DeVille Leads New Gangbang From Brazzers

Cherie DeVille stars in a new gangbang from Brazzers, titled “Cherie’s Pool Party Parfait.”

Ivy Ireland Fronts Latest From Bellesa Plus

Ivy Ireland stars with Small Hands in the latest release from Bellesa Plus, titled “The Breakup.”

FSC Launches Pride Fundraising Drive

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has launched its Pride Fundraising Drive to support its efforts on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.

Cultpix Debuts AI-Generated Vintage Adult Films at Cannes

At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, B-movie streaming service Cultpix debuted a collection of AI-generated short films drawn from erotic magazine photo spreads published 50 years ago.

Show More