Joe Francis Sues U.S. for Freezing 2 Accounts

LOS ANGELES — Mantra Entertainment’s Joe Francis, founder of the "Girls Gone Wild" franchise, has filed a suit to force the IRS to release funds it has levied against two financial accounts.

Francis owes $17,658,358 in 2001, $11,238,582 in 2002 and $4,922,147 in 2003, according to the IRS. Francis denies owing the IRS such amounts.

Court papers reveal that three IRS officials met with Francis on Nov. 6 at Mantra’s Santa Monica, Calif., office and delivered tax due notices.

After they left the Mantra offices, IRS officials served notices to levy on Francis accounts at USB Financial Services and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney.

Francis attorneys told the court that the levies are invalid because the assessments were not given to the Francis before the levies were made, which the government said is incorrect.

The government said Friday that Francis hasn’t been improperly assessed, hasn’t shown irreparable harm and hasn’t shown the inadequacy of legal remedies.

Francis said the frozen accounts have put him on the brink of bankruptcy and preventing him from running his business.

U.S. District Judge Valerie Baker Fairbank has been assigned the case.

View court doc Joe Francis vs. U.S.

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

Taylor Vixxen Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Taylor Vixxen stars with Richard Glaze in the latest release from New Sensations.

TeamSkeet to Premiere New Series 'Under The Table'

TeamSkeet will debut its new limited series, "Under the Table" next month.

Brazzers Debuts New Series 'Bro Code'

Brazzers has released the first installment of its new limited series, "Bro Code."

Emma Rosie Leads Latest Volume of 'Oil Explosion' From Elegant Angel

Emma Rosie stars in the 10th volume of Elegant Angel’s “Oil Explosion.”

Arcom Targets 31 Adult Sites Over Age Verification

French media regulator Arcom on Wednesday announced that it is taking action against 31 adult websites that the agency says have failed to implement age verification as required under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Daniella Renae Headlines 2nd Volume of 'Big Tit MILFs' From Reality Junkies

Daniella Renae toplines the second volume of "Big Tit MILFs" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

Private Releases 2nd Volume of 'Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis'

Private has released the second volume of “Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

Charlie Forde, Mickey Mod & Derek Kage Star in 'A Surprise for Charlie' From Dorcel

Charlie Forde stars with Mickey Mod and multi-XMAs winner Derek Kage in “A Surprise for Charlie,” from Dorcel.

VMG Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 'Vixen' Imprint

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is marking the 10th anniversary of its flagship studio imprint, Vixen.

Gal Ritchie, Rissa May Lead Latest From Bellesa Plus

Gal Ritchie and Rissa May star in the new release from Bellesa Plus, titled “Double-Booked.”

Show More