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 © 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

Octavia Red Headlines 'My Best Friend's Girl 3' From Sweet Sinner

Octavia Red toplines the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner, “My Best Friend's Girl 3.”

Miss Raquel Fronts Latest From Reality Kings

Miss Raquel stars with multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue in the latest release from Reality Kings, titled “You Cheat on Me I Fuck Your Coworker.”

Private Releases 'Venice Love Stories'

Private has released “Venice Love Stories,” directed by Franck Lentini.

Brittany Andrews Leads Latest Scene From DFXtra

Brittany Andrews stars with Will Tile and Pierce Paris in the latest scene from DFXtra.

Jasmine Sherni Fronts Latest Release From TeamSkeet

Jasmine Sherni stars with Isabella Jules and Donnie Rock in the latest scene from TeamSkeet’s “Freeuse” series, titled “Freeuse Is a Gooner’s Best Friend.”

Yhivi Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Yhivi stars with Scott Nails in the latest Brazzers scene, “On Yhivi’s Table.”

Jade Greene Fronts Latest From Swappz

Jade Greene stars in the new scene from Swappz, titled “‘You've Been Fucking My Daughter?!’ I Swapped Boyfriends With Mom.”

Maestro Claudio, Ashley Lane Featured in HBO Series 'The Chair Company'

Maestro Claudio and Ashley Lane star in a new episode of the HBO series “The Chair Company,” titled “I Won. Zoom In.”

Richard Mann Drops New Evil Angel Scene With Alexis James

Alexis James stars in a new Evil Angel scene alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Cubbi Thompson Fronts Latest From Dark X

Cubbi Thompson stars with Jax Slayher in the latest release from XEmpire studio brand Dark X, titled “Busty Cubbi Thompson Gets Slayed.”

Show More