U.S. Senator Cites XBIZ Article in Attempt to Steer Questions

WASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee has slated a Thursday vote on the nomination of David Ogden for deputy attorney general.

It was Ogden who faced intense questioning from Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, earlier this month over his stance on adult entertainment industry issues.

Just days prior to his confirmation hearing, XBIZ published a story outlining his legal representation of numerous adult brands, including Playboy Enterprises and PHE Inc., parent company of Adam & Eve.

With that story in hand, Hatch peppered Ogden with statements as well as questions surrounding Ogden’s views on the adult industry and federal laws.

“Yesterday I received an article about your nomination … it appeared on XBIZ, which is the news agency for the pornography industry,” Hatch said. “It states, quote, ‘For the adult entertainment industry, the pick could constitute a strong one, considering Ogden’s record in representing companies over First Amendment rights and obscenity cases.’”

Hatch, who went on to say that Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Diane Duke hailed Ogden’s nomination as “refreshing,” asked whether he would be able to uphold laws that impact the production and distribution of adult entertainment content.

In response, Ogden said he “fully intends” to enforce laws that protect children against exploitation.

“I believe child pornography [convictions] deserve the full sanction of the law,” Ogden replied.

Hatch, R-Utah, also asked Ogden about his argument in one case that federal record-keeping requirements regarding the creation of pornography were unconstitutional in how they were applied. Congress has since passed an amended form of the law.

“How can we believe that the Justice Department will enforce this law and defend its constitutionality when you have argued for 20 years that it’s unconstitutional?” Hatch asked.

Ogden said, “The Congress fixed it, and I think the law is constitutional as it stands today.”

Rather than objecting to Hatch’s and other senators’ questions, Ogden frequently thanked the senators for giving him a chance to express his own views.

“A lawyer in private practice does not sit in judgment on his clients. His job is to present their view as persuasively as possible,” Ogden said.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to back Ogden’s nomination because Democrats have a three-vote margin, though Republicans could try to delay a vote one more week. A vote by the full Senate would follow.

If confirmed, Ogden will serve as the Justice Department’s chief operating officer and will be asked to resolve conflicts between U.S. attorneys over high-profile cases, including obscenity cases.

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

Holiday Products, Sweetums Sign Distro Deal

Holiday Products has signed a distribution deal with wellness brand Sweetums.

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 today with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Colombian Court Sides with Esperanza Goméz in Meta Account Deactivation Battle

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

Elegant Angel Premieres Jennifer White Showcase 'Hollywood Whore'

Jennifer White gets the spotlight in a new six-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Autumn Rain Headlines Latest From TransSensual

Autumn Rain stars with Little Puck in “Playtime with a TS MILF,” from TransSensual.

Orion Expands Cottelli 'Accessoires,' 'Party' Lines

Orion Wholesale has introduced seven new pieces from its Cottelli Accessoires line and one from its Party collection.

Adult Time Releases New 'Out of the Family' Episodes for 'Steptember'

Adult Time has released new episodes of “Out of the Family,” as part of its “Steptember” series programming.

Alina Lopez Stars in Final Installment of Blacked Feature 'The Blueprint'

Alina Lopez stars with Vixen Media Group exclusive Jason Luv in the final installment of Blacked's new feature, "The Blueprint."

Miss Lexa Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Miss Lexa has made her Brazzers debut alongside JMac in the studio's latest release, titled "Miss Lexa Is a Powerhouse."

Show More