Canceled ‘Pirates II’ Screening Gets CNN’s Attention

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Digital Playground's Adella appeared on CNN Thursday to discuss the recent cancellation of the University of Maryland's screening of the studio's blockbuster, “Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge.”

CNN's “Prime News” featured the Digital Playground director of marketing in a debate with Maryland state Sen. Andrew Harris.

They discussed the merits of showing adult entertainment in an academic setting. Conservative host Mike Galanos moderated the discussion, which aired at 6:24 p.m. EDT on Thursday.

The screening of “Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge,” originally scheduled for April 4, was canceled by the university president because the Maryland state Legislature threatened to cancel university funding.

“I had a great time on CNN and relished the opportunity to engage in a discussion with those responsible for censoring consenting adults,” Adella said. “It was empowering to educate the senator on the modern era of adult entertainment, including female owned and operated studios, female viewers and the need to embrace sex.”

Digital Playground said the story about the canceled screening of “Pirates II: Stagnetti's Revenge” made headlines worldwide, including: CNN, Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, Washington Times, Washington Post, Baltimore Sun and Sacramento Bee.

It also was on DrudgeReport.com, the “Laura Ingraham Show,” Australia's NineMSM.com.au, McClatchyDC.com and countless additional publications and blogs.

Samantha Lewis, Digital Playground's CEO, said the idea for the university screenings came from the company’s desire to provide a forum for students to “openly discuss the topic of modern sexuality, gender roles and adult entertainment.”

“The screenings also allows for those unfamiliar but curious about adult entertainment to see a movie that is story and effect driven and appeals to numerous people,” Lewis said. “In fact, removing all the sex left us with our MPAA R-rated version which is doing extremely well in stores like Blockbuster and Best Buy.”

Related:  

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

Abella Danger Serves Glamour and Gab at Live 'Danger She Spoke' Premiere

Multi-XMA-winning performer Abella Danger slipped into a sexy new role Thursday night, making her talk show host debut with "The Abella Show: Danger She Spoke," a new show and podcast featuring revealing conversations with fellow performers and industry personalities.

Meddle Blooms Fronts Latest From Grooby VR

Meddle Blooms stars in the latest release from Grooby VR, titled "How Do I Look?"

Claudia Ross Wraps Production on Elegant Angel Feature 'Octavia Loves Girls'

Elegant Angel has announced that production has wrapped on the all-girl feature, "Octavia Loves Girls," directed by Claudia Ross.

Leah Layz Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Leah Layz has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband Logan and Anton Harden.

Raissa Bellini Makes Her Blacked Raw Debut

Raissa Bellini has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw, alongside Hollywood Cash and Isiah Maxwell.

Ravyn Alexa Makes Her Digital Playground Debut

Ravyn Alexa has made her Digital Playground debut alongside Millie Morgan and multi-XMAs winner Zac Wild in “They Put the HO in Neighborhood.”

Skylar Snow Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Skylar Snow stars with Mighty Dee in the latest release from New Sensations.

Summer Kline Stars in Latest From Bellesa House

Summer Kline stars with Damion Dayski in the latest scene from Bellesa House.

Rachael Cavalli Leads Latest From Devil's Film

Rachael Cavalli stars with Axel Haze in the latest installment of Devil's Film series "Sugar and Creampies."

Cubbi Thompson on Turning the Page From Creator to Performer

Cubbi Thompson's signature two-tone coiffure is nearly as recognizable as the performer herself. What some might not know, however, is that the look traces back to an unlikely inspiration: eccentric Harry Potter villain Bellatrix Lestrange.

Show More