Kink's Peter Acworth Pens Open Letter to AHF's Michael Weinstein

SAN FRANCISCO — Voicing concern over the real effects that California's AB 1576 and the proposed Cal/OSHA regulations will have on performers and adult in general, and seeking common ground for a beneficial solution to the HIV controversy, Kink.com chief Peter Acworth has penned an open letter to AIDS Healthcare Foundation President Michael Weinstein.

In his personal blog, Acworth sternly chronicled Weinstein’s legal battles against adult including crusades against the now defunct AIM testing facility, adult production studios, and his lobbying initiatives including Weinstein’s crown jewel — Measure B.

“If the current direction continues, I believe it to be inevitable that what remains of the adult video industry will leave the state, and threaten the performer protections we’ve worked so hard to create. AB 1576 will force 14-day testing and mandatory condoms, plus record keeping that invades performer privacy; new Cal/OSHA regulations propose to require condoms for oral and protection of other mucus membranes such as eyes.

I’m afraid it is just a brutal reality that the industry will leave California under these regulations. Abroad, standards are lower than what the industry already self-imposes here in the U.S. Worse, I fear smaller production companies will shoot underground and that we will see a reduction in the safety on-set that the industry has worked very hard to build over the last decade," Acworth wrote.

The Kink founder pointed out that he is also concerned about performer safety above all else, recounting his CNN appearance advocating condom use. But market and talent pressure forced the older condom-optional plan. Acworth noted that 10 years later testing has improved and there’s not been a single on-set transmission.

Acworth said, “I could not, in good conscience, write this letter did I not believe in the track record of the industry.”

Although he said Weinstein believed he was “doing the right thing,” Acworth openly disagreed with the AHF boss's tactics and hoped both sides could reach common ground.

Acworth laid out measures he feels would be mutually agreeable and would allow the industry to remain in California that includes performer safety that does not include a “one-size fits all” approach — pointing out that a number of gay studios resist testing but use condoms in order to protect talent privacy rights; the need for education; the availability of condoms on all sets; and the evaluation of the PrEP medical regimen Acworth said could help prevent HIV transmission.

“The fact is, none of the performers you bring to your press conferences would have been protected had AB 1576 been passed 10 years ago, because no California condom law is going to protect performers during their personal lives, or shooting on unregulated sets overseas. PrEP, if it works as advertised, could do just that. In fact, we’ve recently begun working with HIV and sex worker health organizations to develop an educational program about PrEP specifically targeting adult performers — it would be great if you could be a part of it,” Acworth wrote.

A Kink spokesperson commenting on what he labeled Weinstein’s “moral crusade,” told XBIZ that if the AHF leader really does want to protect performers, he should be listening to them, not attacking them.

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

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Florida AG Sues Aylo, Segpay Over State AV Law

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed lawsuits against Aylo and Segpay on Monday with the 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida for noncompliance with HB3, the state's age verification law.

Colombian Court Sides with Performer Esperanza Goméz Over IG Suspensions

Colombia’s Constitutional Court last week ruled in favor of adult performer Esperanza Gómez in her legal battle against Meta over repeated suspensions of her Instagram account.

Elegant Angel Premieres Jennifer White Showcase 'Hollywood Whore'

Jennifer White gets the spotlight in a new six-part showcase release from Elegant Angel.

Autumn Rain Headlines Latest From TransSensual

Autumn Rain stars with Little Puck in “Playtime with a TS MILF,” from TransSensual.

Adult Time Releases New 'Out of the Family' Episodes for 'Steptember'

Adult Time has released new episodes of “Out of the Family,” as part of its “Steptember” series programming.

Alina Lopez Stars in Final Installment of Blacked Feature 'The Blueprint'

Alina Lopez stars with Vixen Media Group exclusive Jason Luv in the final installment of Blacked's new feature, "The Blueprint."

Miss Lexa Makes Her Brazzers Debut

Miss Lexa has made her Brazzers debut alongside JMac in the studio's latest release, titled "Miss Lexa Is a Powerhouse."

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Mag Numb Leads Latest From PlantsVsCunts

Mag Numb stars in the latest scene from Hentaied studio brand Plants Vs. Cunts, titled “The Book of Curses.”

Show More