FSC Makes Statement About RentBoy.com Raid, Arrests

FSC Makes Statement About RentBoy.com Raid, Arrests

CANOGA PARK, Calif. — The Free Speech Coalition, in reaction to last week’s raid and subsequent arrests at RentBoy.com’s New York’s headquarters, said that the adult entertainment trade group stands in solidarity with those who are targeted over government censorship.

And that includes Jeffrey Hurant, CEO of RentBoy, who was not a member of the Free Speech Coalition.

Today, Diane Duke, the FSC’s CEO, called for industry support for Hurant and his staff and asked for those in the biz to donate to the RentBoyFund.org legal defense fund.

Duke said the following today in regards to the RentBoy.com raid:

Last week, the offices of RentBoy.com, the online escort advertising directory, were raided in New York by the Department of Homeland Security. Its staff of seven, from the CEO to the social media manager were arrested, some in their own homes. Their bank accounts were frozen. Their website was seized. A business that provided an advertising platform for thousands of escorts’ livelihoods was eliminated overnight. This was not only a violation of the free speech rights for site owner Jeffrey Hurant, but also for those men who advertised on the site.

Unfortunately, we in the adult industry have plenty of experience with these raids. From our inception as a legal business in the late 1960s, adult film makers and workers have been surveilled, censored, raided and harassed by law enforcement units from vice squads to the FBI. In the past few years, adult performers, producers and service providers have protested as their bank accounts were shut down, their health records subpoenaed and their right-to-work violated by misguided moralists. No matter what the tactic, the goal is the same — push us into the shadows and silence our voices.

Our industry is diverse; many of us have different needs and concerns. Time after time, this has been used to divide us; performers against providers, producers against performers, straight against gay.

However, it is clear that if we do not unify in the face of these assaults, the industry we have all worked so hard to build will crumble. Instead, our differences should be our strength — our unity in the face of censorship, our secret to survival. At times like these, it is more important than ever that we amplify each others’ voices and come to each others’ defenses, even when it means a risks to ourselves.

Jeffrey Hurant was not a member of the Free Speech Coalition. However, we stand in solidarity with anyone who find themselves targets of government censorship. With his assets seized, Jeffrey is incapable of mounting even a basic a legal defense.

We ask that our industry support Jeffrey and his staff by donating to this fund. And should pleas to justice and empathy not be enough, remember this: Every time the government successfully silences one of us, it is easier for them to silence the next.

You can read more about Jeffrey’s case and donate at RentBoyFund.org.

To read more about the raid and legal defense fund, click here.

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

UK Parliament Weighs Proposals Targeting Adult Content

The U.K. Parliament this week debated proposed amendments to the pending Crime and Policing Bill, including clauses criminalizing “choking” content — and potentially outlawing paying for sex acts in cam performances and custom clips.

Rights Groups File Amicus Brief Supporting Backpage Defendants

Woodhull Freedom Foundation has joined Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, Reason Foundation, and Electronic Frontier Foundation in filing an amicus brief in support of an appeal by the former operators of Backpage.com.

Ava Marina Toplines Latest 'Super Cute' From Hard X

Ava Marina headlines the 20th volume of "Super Cute," from XEmpire studio brand Hard X.

Director Ivan on Living Alt 24/7 and Saying No to Boring Smut

Not only does the AltErotic director — who was recently inducted into the XRCO Hall of Fame — have a healthy respect for the history of the adult industry, but he’s also a student of Hollywood.

Claire Castel Returns to Dorcel for 'Couture No. 2'

Claire Castel headlines the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “Couture No. 2.”

Private Releases 'MILFs at Home'

Private has released “MILFs at Home,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

UK Lawmaker Calls for Ban on Choking in Online Adult Content

British lawmaker Jessica Asato stated in an interview aired on Sunday that she plans to ask Parliament to outlaw online adult content featuring the act of choking.

Feet4Cash Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Feet4Cash has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Melissa Stratton, Vanna Bardot Featured on Adult Time's 'After Sex Special' Podcast Series

Melissa Stratton and multi-XMAs winner Vanna Bardot guest on the second episode of the “Adult Time Podcast” series “After Sex Special,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills.

Cousin Stevie Passes Away at 82

Producer, director and reality TV personality Cousin Stevie has passed away at the age of 82.

Show More