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

Final Defendant Sentenced in GirlsDoPorn Case

Former adult producer Doug Wiederhold, previously a business partner of GirlsDoPorn owner Michael Pratt, was sentenced on Friday in federal court to four years in prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Connie Perignon Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Connie Perignon stars with Abigaiil Morris and Kira Noir in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fast Food Fight & Fuck."

Bella Bare Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Bella Bare stars with her husband The Remedy, Chocolate Rod, and Richard Mann in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

FTC Takes Another Step Toward New 'Click to Cancel' Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is negotiating the latest procedural hurdle in its effort to renew rulemaking concerning negative option plans, after a federal court previously vacated a “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions.

Mandii Rose Makes Her MYLF Debut

Mandii Rose has made her MYLF debut alongside Axel Haze in the studio’s latest release.

Bobbii Rose Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Bobbii Rose has made her TransAngels debut opposite Chad Dorado in the studio’s latest release, titled “Furry Fantasy.”

Greta Foss, Sofia Smith Topline Angelo Godshack's 'Angels of Hardcore 4'

Greta Foss and Sofia Smith headline director Angelo Godshack’s “Angels of Hardcore 4,” from Evil Angel.

Cubbi Thompson Stars in Latest From Digital Playground

Newly crowned XMAs Best New Performer Cubbi Thompson stars with Mike Ox in the latest release from Digital Playground, titled "Yes, Chef!"

Brazzers Signs Elly Clutch to Exclusive Contract

Brazzers has signed Elly Clutch, winner of the 2024 XMA Creator Award for Female Clip Artist of the Year, to an exclusive contract.

Reptyle Launches Cross-Site Special Event 'The In-Laws'

Reptyle is launching a new cross-site special event on its TeamSkeet, MYLF, Swappz, and Family Strokes imprints, titled "The In-Laws."

Show More