Court Upholds $19 Million Judgment Against Joe Francis

LOS ANGELES — An appellate court today upheld a $19 million judgment against deposed Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis in a slander case filed over his claims that casino mogul Steve Wynn had threatened to kill him.

The California 2nd District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles found no basis to overturn the judgment or order a new trial, and the justices also left in place an injunction barring Francis from repeating the claims, the Associated Press reported.

After a 2012 trial, a jury found that Francis' statements about threats were defamatory and a judge ordered him not to repeat the statements. Both Francis and Wynn testified during the trial.

Francis said he was told Wynn had threatened to hit him in the head with a shovel and have him buried in the desert. Wynn denied making the threats and claimed the statements by Francis were damaging to his reputation and put his casino license at risk.

A jury originally ordered Francis to pay Wynn $40 million, but a judge later cut the amount by more than half. Francis appealed the verdict, arguing that he made the comments in a court proceeding over a gambling debt owed to Wynn and should not be held liable..

"We will continue to assist Mr. Wynn and Wynn Las Vegas as they vigorously pursue Francis to collect all of his debts to them, including this $19 million judgment," said Mitchell Langberg, an attorney representing Wynn.

Francis rejected the ruling, saying "We fully expect this to be overturned by the California Supreme Court expeditiously."

The ongoing legal strife with Wynn is only one of the legal fights being helmed by the beleaguered ex-Girls Gone Wild honcho.

Francis faces new contempt charges for allegedly assaulted and battered individuals at his old headquarters and because he hasn't returned two company vehicles to a bankruptcy trustee. He has been ordered to appear in court to answer the charges on July 10.

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

Vince Karter Discusses Directing for Evil Angel

After 13 years on screen, Vince Karter has taken his talents to the other side of the camera. He recently made his studio directing debut for Evil Angel, where five scenes helmed by the two-time Euro XMAs Male Performer of the Year are already streaming on the site.

WIFEY Names Serenity Cox Brand Ambassador

Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY has named Serenity Cox as its brand ambassador.

Emma Rosie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Emma Rosie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Zariah Aura in "Trick or Treating Ourselves."

Transfixed Debuts Bree Miller Drama 'MILF Oasis'

Transfixed has released the Bree Mills-helmed drama “MILF Oasis.”

Sweet Sinner Releases 6th Volume of 'MILF Pact'

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Bunny Madison, Katrina Colt, and Little Puck in the sixth volume of "MILLF Pact," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Hime Marie Leads Latest From Hookup Hotshot

Hime Marie returns to Hookup Hotshot for a new scene featuring Nade Nasty.

Angelica Heaven Leads Latest From Immoral Productions

Angelica Heaven stars in a new Immoral Productions trilogy alongside Terry Banks, Matt Bird, Rob Hudson, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Payton Preslee Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Payton Preslee and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Jade Venus, Aubrey Kate Star in Latest From Evil Angel

Jade Venus and Aubrey Kate star in a scene from Evil Angel titled “TS Aubrey & TS Jade Do 3 Uniformed Men.”

Jonni Darkko Drops New Evil Angel Blowbang With Connie Perignon

Connie Perignon stars in the latest Evil Angel blowbang release from director Jonni Darkko.

Show More