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

Pornhub to Restrict Access in Australia as AV Rules Take Effect

Pornhub parent company Aylo will restrict access to its free video-sharing platforms in Australia in response to new age verification regulations, the company confirmed Thursday.

House Committee Approves Online Safety Bill With Federal AV Requirement

The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce on Thursday passed the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, which includes provisions to make age verification by adult websites federal law.

Federal Judge Orders Refunds for Companies That Paid Trump Tariffs

A judge for the U.S. Court of International Trade on Wednesday ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund duties paid under the Trump administration’s sweeping program of tariffs.

Aleksa Mink, Abigaiil Morris Star in Latest From Brazzers

Aleksa Mink and Abigaiil Morris star with Scott Nails in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Living the Dream."

Serenity Cox Makes Her Anal Debut for Tushy

Newly crowned XMAs MILF Creator of the Year Serenity Cox has made her anal debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Tushy.

Leah Hayes, Bella Joie Lead Latest From TransAngels

Leah Hayes and Bella Joie star in the latest release from TransAngels, titled "Cosplay Copycats."

Octavia Red Makes Her Bang Bros Debut

XMAs winner Octavia Red makes her Bang Bros debut alongside Chocolate God.

Little Puck Makes Her Deeper Debut

Little Puck has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Deeper, alongside Hollywood Cash, in “Respect.”

Rocco Siffredi Stars in Mainstream Italian Drama 'Blue'

Multi-XMAs winner Rocco Siffredi stars in the new Italian mainstream drama "Blue," directed by Eleonora Puglia.

Penthouse Names Natalie Grace March's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Natalie Grace as Pet of the Month for March.

Show More