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

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Florida AG Sues Aylo, Segpay Over State AV Law

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits against Aylo and Segpay on Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Colombian Court Sides with Performer Esperanza Goméz Over IG Suspensions

Colombia’s Constitutional Court last week ruled in favor of adult performer Esperanza Gómez in her legal battle against Meta over repeated suspensions of her Instagram account.

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Tackle Online Censorship in Virtual Seminar

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

Former Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer Sentenced to 3 Years Probation, $40,000 Fine

Former Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer was sentenced in federal court today to three years' probation and a $40,000 restitution fine for a conspiracy conviction related to money laundering through the defunct website.

Playboy Wins $81 Million Judgment in Chinese Licensing Arbitration

Playboy Inc. was awarded $81 million in damages on Monday by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, in a licensing dispute with former partner New Handong Investment (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Sentenced to 27 Years

Michael Pratt, former owner of the website GirlsDoPorn, has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

Show More