LOS ANGELES — The Exxxotica Expo this week sparked controversy in the Dallas area after an advocacy group expressed their concerns about the August event, prompting several local news stories.
According to Fox 4 News, the Dallas Women's Foundation sent a letter to Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, suggesting the event is linked with human sex trafficking and sponsored by online escort businesses.
The Exxxotica Expo has responded with an official statement, noting its sex-positive mission that encourages adults to have an open dialogue and citing its track record of events in other cities since 2006.
“In the last decade we’ve produced 25 events in six cities, all without incident,” said J. Handy, director of Exxxotica. “In every new location we face various misconceptions about what Exxxotica truly is.”
Handy continued, “Sex trafficking is a major concern in society and we are firmly on the side of those fighting it. We’ve worked diligently to make sure there are no unlawful activities at our events."
Exxxotica reported that close to half a million consenting adults have experienced Exxxotica in cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New Jersey/New York and South Florida.
“The fact is, we are upstanding corporate citizens who do not engage or allow unlawful behavior at our events,” Handy said.
Those with concerns about Exxxotica Dallas would be surprised to learn that over half of the show’s total attendance historically is made up of women and couples, according to Handy. During the Expo’s opening day, billed as “Ladies Free Friday,” females have outnumbered males 2 to 1, he said.
In the expo's 10-year history, attendees have exercised their freedoms of expression, often with their spouses and significant others, Handy added.
“As Americans we're honored that this country protects our right to produce an event that's enjoyed by so many,” Handy said.
Exxxotica Dallas is set for Aug. 7-9 at the Dallas Convention Center. For more info, visit: Exxxoticaexpo.com.
