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

Jazmine Cruz Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Jazmine Cruz has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY alongside her husband JR and Derek Savage.

Hentaied Pro Debuts Limited Series 'Ectoplasmed'

Hentaied Pro has dropped the first installment of the new limited series “Ectoplasmed,” titled “Lingering Spirit.”

Charlotte Sins Fronts Latest From Kink.com

Charlotte Sins stars with Victor Ray in the latest release from Kink.com’s “Dungeon Sex” series, titled “Roped Up and Spread Out.”

Octavia Red Leads Latest From Kink.com

XMAs winner Octavia Red stars with director John Paul “The Pope” in the latest installment of Kink.com’s "Device Bondage" series, titled “Fiery Slut in Strict Bondage.”

Lilly Bell, Lana Smalls Star in Latest From Lust Cinema

Multi-XMAs winner Lilly Bell stars with Lana Smalls in the latest release from Lust Cinema, titled “Made to Taste.”

Carmela Clutch, Audrey Madison Front Latest Release From TeamSkeet

Carmela Clutch stars with Audrey Madison in the latest scene from TeamSkeet’s “Milfty” series.

Violet Myers Makes Her Directorial Debut for Blacked Raw

Violet Myers has made her directorial debut with the latest scene for Vixen Media Group studio imprint Blacked Raw.

Grazyeli Silva Toplines Latest Volume of Joey Silvera's 'Trans-Active'

Grazyeli Silva headlines the 36th volume of director Joey Silvera’s “Trans-Active,” from Evil Angel.

Cali Sweets Fronts Latest From MYLF

Cali Sweets stars with Pierce Paris and multi-XMAs winner Derek Kage in the latest release from MYLF series “MYLF Singles.”

Andi Avalon Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Andi Avalon stars with reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter in the latest release from New Sensations.

Show More