Walters: Woodhull Takes Stand Against Account Closures

WASHINGTON — Adult industry attorney Lawrence Walters, who serves as general counsel for the Woodhull Sexual Freedom Alliance, said that J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.'s ultimate decision over "ill-conceived" policies involving customers who are also in the adult entertainment business may be a difficult one.

The controversy over Chase bank accounts and adult entertainers began last month after Teagan Presley told media outlets, including XBIZ, that Chase closed her account because the bank considered her "high risk."

Taking a stance on the matter, Woodhull said on Thursday that it is demanding Chase to stop "what is clearly discrimination against the adult entertainment industry."

The Washington-based group said that it communicated to the bank that it rejects its discriminatory acts directed at adult performers and has threatened to cancel its accounts and withdraw the organization’s funds if the practice is not terminated.

"Woodhull also has notified the bank’s loyalty partner organizations, Southwest Airlines and Amtrak, of its objection to the abhorrent discrimination against adult performers, in the hopes that these companies will put additional pressure on Chase to reverse course," Walters told XBIZ.

"Snuffing out the adult business thorough denial of banking access is an insidious form of censorship."

Walters, however, said that Chase’s ultimate decision will be a difficult, particularly since it appears that the Justice Department is applying its own pressure on the banking system to snuff out certain disfavored businesses through a recently uncovered initiative called “Operation Choke Point.”

"Under this program, the DOJ has tried to encourage federally regulated banks to avoid doing businesses with certain ‘high risk’ businesses such as get-rich-quick schemes, payday loan services, and pyramid schemes," Walters said. "But included in this blacklist is ‘pornography’ which happens to involve constitutionally protected speech. 

"Given Woodhull’s unique mission which focuses on protecting sexual freedom, it is well-positioned to call attention to this issue, and encourage a reversal of this ill-conceived policy of discrimination against customers based on their involvement with erotic expression. 

"Private businesses may be able to legally reject certain customers they disfavor, but when such decisions are made at the urging of the federal government, and based on retaliation for the exercise of speech protected by the First Amendment, a constitutional line has been crossed. 

Walters said that he applauds Woodhull’s "principled stance" on this matter and hopes that Chase will see "the error of turning its back on a billion-dollar business comprised of hard-working adults and small businesses."

"Organizations like Woodhull demonstrate the courage necessary to push back against the powerful banking and governmental interests at play, here and will hopefully encourage others to do the same."

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

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

Nadia Jay Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Nadia Jay stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fucking the Bath Voyeur."

Tommy Gunn Reflects on His Legendary Past as He Looks to the Future

Tommy Gunn is wearing an eyepatch. It’s not an homage to the classic "Pirates" porn parody franchise, in which Gunn takes on the Johnny Depp role. The eyepatch is a temporary measure to help him deal with a nerve palsy that came out of nowhere several years ago and affects his vision from time to time. Gunn needs his vision. As one of the adult industry’s longest-serving male stars, he still has plenty to look forward to.

Rocco Siffredi Directs New Rebel Rhyder Showcase

Evil Angel has released Rocco Siffredi’s Rebel Rhyder showcase title, "Rebel Meets Rebel."

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Shalina Devine Toplines 'Thr3e #7' From Dorcel

Shalina Devine headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Thr3e #7."

Chloe Amour Headlines 'Unfaithful Betrayal 3' From Bellesa Films

Chloe Amour toplines the third volume of “Unfaithful Betrayal” from Bellesa Films.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

Misty Addams Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Misty Addams stars with husband Island Boy Brandon and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

AEBN Reveals Eva Maxim as Top Trans Star for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top trans stars list for the second quarter of 2025, with Eva Maxim landing atop the leaderboard.

Show More