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

VMG Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 'Vixen' Imprint

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is marking the 10th anniversary of its flagship studio imprint, Vixen.

Gal Ritchie, Rissa May Lead Latest From Bellesa Plus

Gal Ritchie and Rissa May star in the new release from Bellesa Plus, titled “Double-Booked.”

Ivy Ireland Toplines Vince Karter's 'Back to Dark'

Ivy Ireland headlines reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter’s latest Evil Angel directorial, “Back to Dark.”

Jazmin Black Performs 1st All-Girl Scene in Her Girlsway Debut

Jazmin Black performs her first all-girl scene in her Girlsway debut, alongside Ella Reese and Jewelz Blu, in the studio’s latest release, “Throuple’s Counseling.”

Richard Mann Drops New Evil Angel Scene With Daisy Stone, Alexis James

Daisy Stone and Alexis James star in an Evil Angel scene alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Abella Danger Serves Glamour and Gab at Live 'Danger She Spoke' Premiere

Multi-XMA-winning performer Abella Danger slipped into a sexy new role Thursday night, making her talk show host debut with "The Abella Show: Danger She Spoke," a new show and podcast featuring revealing conversations with fellow performers and industry personalities.

New 'PROTECT Act' Would Make North Carolina Rules for Adult Sites Federal Law

Senator Mike Lee of Utah on Thursday introduced legislation that would impose strict new federal rules on adult sites and platforms, strongly echoing similar regulations imposed last year in North Carolina.

Meddle Blooms Fronts Latest From Grooby VR

Meddle Blooms stars in the latest release from Grooby VR, titled "How Do I Look?"

New Creator Platform 'UpTopModels.com' Launches

Producer Trey UTM has launched the new creator platform UpTopModels.com through MyMember.site.

Claudia Ross Wraps Production on Elegant Angel Feature 'Octavia Loves Girls'

Elegant Angel has announced that production has wrapped on the all-girl feature, "Octavia Loves Girls," directed by Claudia Ross.

Show More