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

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Bad Bella Fronts Latest From MYLF

Bad Bella stars with Hayden Wild in the latest release from MYLF.

Abella Danger Opens Up Like Never Before in X3 Magazine

Powerhouse star Abella Danger lights up the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top creators.

Pure Taboo Debuts Bree Mills Thriller 'Let Me In Too'

Reagan Foxx stars with Shay Sights in the latest thriller from Pure Taboo, titled “Let Me In Too.”

UK Lawmaker Calls for Appointment of 'Porn Minister'

Baroness Gabrielle Bertin, the Conservative member of Parliament who recently convened a new anti-pornography task force, is calling for the appointment of a “minister for porn,” according to British news outlet The Guardian.

FSC Toasts Jeffrey Douglas for 30 Years of Service

n the very same evening when the adult industry was hit hard by the Supreme Court ruling supporting Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181, members of the Free Speech Coalition board, staff and supporters gathered to celebrate Jeffrey Douglas’ 30 years as board chair — a fitting reflection of his reputation as an eternal optimist.

Hookup Hotshot Adds TobyDick.com

Hookup Hotshot (HUHS) has added U.K. paysite TobyDick.com to its network.

FSC: Age-Verification Laws Go Into Effect South Dakota, Georgia, Wyoming on July 1

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published a statement regarding new age verification laws set to go into effect tomorrow in South Dakota, Georgia, and Wyoming.

Leana Lovings, Shay Sights Front 'Substance' Parody From Brazzers

Leana Lovings stars with Shay Sights in the latest release from Brazzers, a parody of "The Substance.”

FSC Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Texas AV Law

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has released a statement responding to last week's Supreme Court decision on FSC v. Paxton, the Texas age verification law.

Show More