MSNBC Looks at Female Porn Executives

NEW YORK — Cable news channel MSNBC has posted an article highlighting the women involved behind the cameras in the adult industry.

The movers and shakers interviewed or mentioned include Wicked Pictures vice president of special projects Joy King, Digital Playground cofounder Samantha Lewis, adult director Kelly Holland, California Exotic Novelties owner Susan Colvin and retired performer and Adult Industry Medical Health Care Foundation cofounder Sharon Mitchell.

“There is still this perception that [the porn industry] is all run by men, and not very nice men,” King told MSNBC. “It is not widely known how many women executives there are in this industry.”

The opposition to adult material by some women who are identified as "anti-porn feminists" also is noted.

“I think the nicest word they have ever used to describe me is ‘brainwashed,’” veteran performer Nina Hartley said. “Usually it’s more like ‘traitor.’” But University of California Santa Barbara film studies professor Constance Penley, who studies the adult industry, said, “You have to ask: Does [the adult industry] have more drug abuse or more suicides, more incidents of girls being sexually abused as children, more cosmetic surgery than Hollywood, TV, the recording industry?”

The whole article can be read on the MSNBC website

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

Jim Powers Debuts New Gender X Feature 'Transed'

Director Jim Powers has released the first two scenes from his new Gender X Films feature "Transed."

Amy Nosferatu Stars in 'Pin-Up Pinned Down' From TransAngels

Amy Nosferatu stars with Everlyy666 in the latest scene from TransAngels, titled “Pin-Up Pinned Down.”

On the Set: Ricky Greenwood Goes Intergalactic With 'Mega Perv'

Somewhere on the mean streets of Downtown Los Angeles, Scott Nails wears a Speedo while being chased by a giant scrotum that resembles the boulder Indiana Jones narrowly escaped in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."

Jessi Rae Performs Her 1st Anal in 'Equilibrium' Finale From Deeper

Jessi Rae performs her first anal scene, opposite multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones, in the final installment of “Equilibrium,” from Vixen Media Group’s studio imprint Deeper.

Melissa Stratton Headlines 5th Volume of 'Massage Parlor' From Reality Junkies

Melissa Stratton toplines the fifth volume of "Massage Parlor" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

Private Releases 7th Volume of 'Private Gangbangs'

Private has released the seventh volume of “Private Gangbangs,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

ERIKALUST Releases 'Dancing on My Own'

Tula Vida stars with Julia Roca in the latest release from ERIKALUST, titled “Dancing on My Own.”

Miss Teela Toplines Latest Volume of Angelo Godshack's 'Hardcore Gangbangs'

Miss Teela headlines the eighth volume of director Angelo Godshack's "Hardcore Gangbangs," from Evil Angel.

Hazel Moore, Elizabeth Skylar Topline Latest 'Student Teacher Relations' From Sweetheart Video

Hazel Moore and Elizabeth Skylar headline the third volume of “Student Teacher Relations” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Cheerleader Kait Stars in Latest From Elegant Angel

Cheerleader Kait stars with reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter in the latest release from Elegant Angel, titled “You Want It Deeper?”

Show More