xbiz world
xbiz premiere

L.A. Direct Models Claims 2257 Doesn’t Apply, Then Reverses

LOS ANGELES — L.A. Direct Models today briefly posted a notice on its website that the agency is exempt from the effect of 2257 statute because it’s in voluntary compliance with the record-keeping requirements.

The agency, which represents 125 female and 29 male performers, took down the notice shortly after being contacted by XBIZ on Christmas Eve.

Although the agency listed a physical address where it keeps records, the notice explicitly said that the company is exempt from 2257 and also stated it doesn’t recognize 2257 as a valid law. The notice states that all content is displayed on the website was created before July 3, 1995.

“By virtue of such voluntary compliance, the producers of the adult entertainment contained in this website do not acknowledge or recognize U.S. jurisdiction,” the notice read.

When reached by XBIZ, L.A. Direct Models owner Derek Hay said he had no comment. Two adult industry attorneys, however, weighed in briefly.

“If they have an argument as to why they’re not in California, I don’t see it here and I don’t understand what they mean,” Chicago-based adult industry attorney Joel D. Obenberger told XBIZ.

Ultimately, adult industry Greg Piccionelli of Piccionelli & Sarno noted that legal advice should be solicited in order to prevent similar snafus in the future.

“I would be very careful about making an announcement that you’re exempt from 2257 before seeking counsel,” Greg Piccionelli said.

Related:  

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 News

House of Lords Approves UK Plan to Outlaw 'Choking' Content

The House of Lords, the U.K.’s upper house of Parliament, has agreed to amendments to the pending Crime and Policing Bill that would make depicting “choking” in pornography illegal and designate it a “priority offense” under the Online Safety Act.

Indiana Sues Aylo Over AV, Calls IP Address Blocking 'Insufficient'

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed a lawsuit against Aylo, alleging that the company and its affiliates have violated both Indiana’s age verification law and the state’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act.

House Committee Amends, Advances Federal AV Bill

A U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee voted Thursday to amend the SCREEN Act, which would make site-based age verification of users seeking to access adult content federal law, and to advance the bill for review by the full Committee on Energy and Commerce.

FSC Reveals Results of 2026/2027 Board of Directors Election

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has announced the results of its 2026/2027 Board of Directors election.

Report: AVS Group Beefs Up AV After $1.3 Million Fine

Adult content provider AVS Group has begun to institute robust age checks on some of its websites after U.K. media regulator Ofcom last week imposed a penalty of approximately $1.3 million for noncompliance with Online Safety Act regulations, the BBC is reporting.

FSC: Federal Report Confirms Unfair Banking Discrimination Against Adult Industry

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) today announced that a federal report on debanking has concluded that several U.S. banks engaged in discriminatory banking practices against members of the adult industry.

FSC Summit Event Schedule Announced

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has revealed its slate of networking events and symposiums for its annual summit, set for January 15 during XBIZ 2026.

Washington AV Bill Jumps on 'Health Warning' Bandwagon

A new age verification bill in the Washington state legislature would require adult sites to post notices warning users of alleged health risks, despite a previous federal court ruling against such requirements.

Irish Regulator: EU States to Ramp Up AV Enforcement for Smaller Sites

A representative of Irish media regulator Coimisiún na Meán told legislators that Ireland and other EU states are preparing to expand enforcement of age verification regulations to include smaller adult sites, British newspaper The Times is reporting.

Ofcom Fines AVS Group $1.3 Million for AV Noncompliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Wednesday imposed a penalty of one million pounds, or approximately $1.3 million, on AVS Group Ltd. after an investigation concluded that the company had failed to implement robust age checks on 18 adult websites.

Show More