Joe Francis Defies Judge, Appeals Court Order

PANAMA CITY, Calif. — "Girls Gone Wild" founder Joe Francis failed to appear in court as ordered by Judge Richard Smoak, and has appealed the judge's order to have Francis jailed for contempt of court.

Smoak had ordered Francis to turn himself in to Panama City officials by noon yesterday to immediately begin a jail sentence Francis had been given the week earlier.

In 2003, Francis was sued by several underage girls who appeared in his "Girls Gone Wild" videos, and Smoak had ordered the two sides to participate in a two-day mediation. However, after a three-minute profanity-laced outburst made by Francis on March 21, Smoak found him to be in contempt of court, stating Francis had made it clear he had not intended to abide by the judge's mediation order.

Francis said Smoak has "lost his mind" and that, after having referred to Francis as "the devil" and "an evildoer," Francis has labeled Smoak "a judge gone wild."

Adult attorney Lawrence Walters told XBIZ that, depending whether the trial court issues a stay, Francis could either remain free or be jailed during the time it takes for the appeal to make it through court.

A representative for Smoak said he is no longer commenting on the story.

Copyright © 2024 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

Hazel Grace Debuts New Membership Site InMelanin

Hazel Grace has debuted her new membership site, InMelanin.

Vixen Media Group Debuts 2nd Season of 'Hotel Vixen'

Vixen Media Group (VMG) has launched the second season of its Greece-set series "Hotel Vixen."

Ada Lapiedra Toplines Private's 'Hot Girls in Hot Cars'

Ada Lapiedra headlines "Hot Girls in Hot Cars," the latest release from Private.

Anna de Ville Headlines Proxy Paige's 'Gape Expectations'

Anna de Ville headlines director Proxy Paige's "Gape Expectations," from Evil Angel.

Washington Post Profiles ECP VP Solomon Friedman's Appearance at XBIZ LA

The Washington Post published this weekend a lengthy feature about Pornhub and Aylo, focusing on Ethical Capital Partners’ VP of Compliance Solomon Friedman’s keynote address and other appearances at XBIZ Los Angeles in January.

Adult Time's 'Up Close' Series Spotlights Dharma Jones

Dharma Jones is spotlighted in the latest installment of Adult Time's "Up Close," with Mike Mancini.

Tavia Is Hustler's 'Cover Honey' for May

Tavia is the Cover Honey for the April issue of Hustler magazine, and appears in a 14-page centerfold spread shot by This Year's Model.

Blake Blossom, Octavia Red Help Elegant Angel Reboot Classic Series 'Titwoman vs Titwoman'

Elegant Angel continues its “Superstar Spring” series with a four-part reboot of classic series “Titwoman vs Titwoman,” starring Blake Blossom and Octavia Red.

Anna Claire Clouds Stars in Latest From Ricky's Room

Anna Claire Clouds stars in a new anal scene from Ricky's Room.

'Sex Workers Deserve Protections': Congressional Candidate Joe Cohn Reaches Out to Adult Community

Veteran civil rights attorney Joe Cohn, who is currently running in a New Jersey Democratic primary for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, says he is reaching out to the adult community to champion an inclusive approach to civil liberties that encompasses all sex workers and adult businesses.

Show More