opinion

Laws Gone Wild!

Joe Francis, owner of Girls Gone Wild franchise, made news back in September of entering into a settlement with DOJ for violating 2257 with underage models. The settlement included paying a fine of $1.6M.

In recent news, Francis and his attorney had to do community time in addition to paying the fine as reported in this xbiz article.

The closing paragraph of the xbiz article:

When Francis entered his plea in front of Morrow in September, the judge explained to him that he could have received up to 10 years in prison. Francis told the court at the time that no minors would ever appear in a Mantra film again.

So with all the hoopla and chatter from DOJ about 2257, they allow for a settlement, rather than a solid conviction over 2257?

Could it be that maybe the 2257 case wouldn't be strong enough to get a conviction?

It would seem the push for a conviction that carried 5 years in jail and a chilling message to all pornographers about having 2257 records in order would have been the stronger message.

I am sure there are more details to the story, but oh look.. boobies.....

It would appear that paying some money and sweeping up dirt from public streets is good enough to keep kids from being used in video (the next time it happens).

Too bad for pedophiles that they don't have alot of money to be offered a similar deal.

Crime doesn't pay, but porn does.

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 Articles

opinion

WIA Profile: Lainie Speiser

With her fiery red hair, thick-framed glasses and a laugh that practically hugs you, Lainie Speiser is impossible to miss. Having repped some of adult’s biggest stars during her 30-plus years in the business, the veteran publicist is also a treasure trove of tales dating back to the days when print was king and social media not even a glimmer in the industry’s eye.

Women in Adult ·
opinion

Kraig McGee Blends Family Biz Experience, Creative Background at TAF Distributing

Walk into any Adam & Eve store in the Mountain West region of the U.S. and you’ve likely stumbled into a TAF Distributing outfit. Owned by industry veteran Kraig McGee Jr. and staffed by his closest family members, McGee’s 35 TAF-operated stores span 13 states, from woodsy Idaho to scenic Utah and well beyond.

Colleen Godwin ·
opinion

Fighting Back Against AI-Fueled Fake Takedown Notices

The digital landscape is increasingly being shaped by artificial intelligence, and while AI offers immense potential, it’s also being weaponized. One disturbing trend that directly impacts adult businesses is AI-powered “DMCA takedown services” generating a flood of fraudulent Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Pleasure Brands Can Ethically Market to LGBTQ+ Communities

Every June, the rainbow floodgates open. Suddenly, pleasure products are “Pride-themed,” companies change their logos and brands rush to show just how inclusive they are — at least for 30 days. But as a queer, nonbinary marketing strategist who works with adult brands year-round, I’m here to say: Rainbow dildos alone are not progress. They’re often just noise.

Hail Groo ·
opinion

Building Seamless Checkout Flows for High-Risk Merchants

For high-risk merchants such as adult businesses, crypto payments are no longer just a backup plan — they’re fast becoming a first choice. More and more businesses are embracing Bitcoin and other digital currencies for consumer transactions.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

A Retailer's Road Map for First-Timers' Anal August

Anal August offers a prime opportunity for brands and stores to capture new customers and drive growth in a category that’s gaining mainstream momentum. As consumer interest in anal play continues to rise, now is the time to meet first-time buyers where they are, with approachable products, trusted education and a clear path to pleasure.

Matthew Spindler ·
opinion

What the New SCOTUS Ruling Means for AV Laws and Free Speech

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, upholding Texas’ age verification law in the face of a constitutional challenge and setting a new precedent that bolsters similar laws around the country.

Lawrence G. Walters ·
opinion

Optimizing Your Leadership Through Wellness Practices

For many of us, 2025 has proved intensely stressful — and we’re still only halfway through the year. In times like these, it may seem counterintuitive or even irresponsible to talk about seeking pleasure. Yet pleasure, presence, joy and connection can help you return to a mental and physical state that allows you to face and handle stressors.

Sarah Tomchesson ·
opinion

What You Need to Know Before Relocating Your Adult Business Abroad

Over the last several months, a noticeable trend has emerged: several of our U.S.-based merchants have decided to “pick up shop” and relocate to European countries. On the surface, this sounds idyllic. I imagine some of my favorite clients sipping coffee or wine at sidewalk cafés, embracing a slower pace of life.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Falcon/NakedSword Suit Up for Sin in 'To the Nines'

Collabs aren’t just for content creators. Established studios are joining forces and blending brands for large-scale, expectation-defying productions aiming to take porn to the next level. The latest such project is “To the Nines,” the first-ever collaboration between Falcon Studios and MenAtPlay.

Christian Cintron ·
Show More