Ron Jeremy, XXXChurch Pastor Debate Porn Ethics at NYU

NEW YORK — Last night NYU hosted the campus event “Free Porn? Porn Stars vs. Pastors,” where iconic porn star Ron Jeremy sat down with Craig Gross, pastor for the XXXChurch.com, which seeks to help followers stop watching porn, to discuss the adult industry.

The event was organized by a “city-wide, campus-based, faith-inspired campaign” called The Price of Life: NYC and was intended to address the issue of human trafficking. Based on firsthand accounts, the conversation ultimately focused on the pornography in general, after both Gross and Jeremy conceded that the mainstream adult industry has little connection with human trafficking.

“People don’t want to just put you in jail. They want to kill you for something like that. They’re not going to video it because they’re going to be tracked down that way,” said Jeremy, explaining why legit adult filmmakers wouldn’t involve themselves with underage performers. “Trafficking is more of a prostitution thing, it’s not a porn thing.”

Gross agreed that the “companies in L.A.” wouldn’t produce content with trafficked girls, but offered counterpoints to Jeremy’s pro-porn talking points, including the fact that manufactured erotic adult content creates unrealistic expectations about sex for its viewers.

“These fantasies are not ever going to be reality. What you’re looking at on a screen is never going to happen, or should happen, in your sex life,” he told the audience. Jeremy argued that porn is just another form of escapism, like Star Trek conventions, and should be considered as just another form of entertainment.

Other themes arose, including female empowerment, most searched-for videos, the adult industry’s pay scale and the “barely legal” niche. They even discussed their own sex lives.

“We’re actually very similar,” Jeremy opined. “I do it with a few thousand women, he’s done it with his wife a few thousand times. It’s the same thing.

“Also, you don’t have to have sex when it’s emotional, that was more for my era, the old generations. Like that Meat Loaf song, ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light.’ With the more recent generation, there’s recreational sex as well. I find cuddling more romantic than sex sometimes.”

The NYU campus paper reported that the event was attended by more than 100 people, some of whom were primarily attracted by an opportunity to see Jeremy, a well known persona, in the flesh.     

Price of Life is holding a follow-up discussion tomorrow.  

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

Elegant Angel Premieres Nicole Kitt Showcase 'Cats Eye'

Nicole Kitt gets the spotlight in a new four-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Private Releases 'The Love Hotel 2'

Private has released “The Love Hotel 2,” directed by Dave Menich.

Ember Fiera, Jesse Pony Headline 'TS Girls Do It Best' Sequel From TransSensual

Ember Fiera and Jesse Pony topline the sequel to “TS Girls Do It Best” from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Khloe Kapri, Melissa Stratton Topline 'Lesbian Trainer 3' From Sweetheart Video

Khloe Kapri and Melissa Stratton headline the third volume of “Lesbian Trainer” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Gal Ritchie Toplines Dorcel's 'Pigalle'

2025 XMAs winner Gal Ritchie stars with Clara Mia in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “Pigalle.”

Penthouse Names Sharna Beckman July's 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named Australian model Sharna Beckman as Pet of the Month for July.

Adult Time Names Alison Rey as Newest Brand Ambassador

Adult Time has named Alison Rey as the studio's newest brand ambassador.

Violet Myers Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Reigning XMAs Premium Social Media Creator of the Year Violet Myers stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Anal Exam."

Digital Playground Premieres Marvin Love's 'The Last Resort'

Digital Playground has debuted Marvin Love's new feature, "The Last Resort."

Juliana Marie Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Juliana Marie stars with Danny Mountain in the latest release from New Sensations.

Show More