Ashley Fires Calls for Safer Work Environment in Adult

Ashley Fires Calls for Safer Work Environment in Adult

LOS ANGELES — Following Stoya's sexual assault allegations against ex-boyfriend James Deen on Nov. 28, adult star Ashley Fires was one of the first women to publicly share similar experiences with him, and now she has penned an open letter published by BuzzFeed News calling for a safer work environment in porn.

"What happened to me in the bathroom as I was getting out of the shower happened without cameras and without corroboration," she wrote. "We were the only two people in the bathroom. James Deen forcefully assaulted me."

Due to the lack of physical evidence, the absence of corroborating witnesses and the stigma of working in adult entertainment, Fires was reluctant to inform the police. “I didn’t think the police would believe me," Fires added. "The treatment of sex workers by law enforcement is well known."

Her hesitation was compounded by the potential social and legal backlash that the adult industry faces, whenever incidents of sexual assault arise. "I was also reluctant to come forward because I am protective of the adult industry," explained Fires. "I did not want to feed into the misconceptions and negative stereotypes of sex workers and porn performers. I did not want to shed an unflattering light on my beloved industry.

"It is time for space to be made in the industry for a safer work environment; an environment that gives performers a voice to be heard," she said. 

"Are there other options besides smiling and nodding as your check is dangling in front of you?" wrote Fires. "While knowing that if you speak out you will be labeled as difficult or not hired again? Many performers have reached out to me during this time and wanted to come forward with their own personal experiences but did not due to fear of being blacklisted or losing work."

Issues of performer consent and the power of directors has become a subject of intense discussion in the wake of the sexual assault allegations against Deen.

"No matter what the producer says, or the director wants or what you think the culture on set will permit, assault is unacceptable," she concluded. "Assault, sexual assault and rape are always crimes. Even in porn, this line is clear."

To read her letter in its entirety, 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

Zariah Aura Leads Latest From Transfixed

Zariah Aura stars with Summer Col and Robby Apples in the latest release from Transfixed, titled “Catching His Cheating Girlfriend.”

Yhivi Stars in 'Pornstar Matchmaker: Episode 2' From Brazzers

Yhivi stars with Ryan Reid and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the second episode of the new Brazzers series, “Pornstar Matchmaker.”

Penny Barber Featured in Latest From Kink.com

Reigning XMAs MILF Performer of the Year Penny Barber stars with Max Mabry in the new scene from Kink.com, titled “Mommy’s Cock-Hungry Hole.”

River Lynn Leads 'The Fucket List: Pizza With A Side Of Nuru' From Adult Time

River Lynn stars with Axel Haze in the latest Jim Powers-helmed scene "The Fucket List: Pizza With A Side Of Nuru," from studio brand Nuru Massage.

Avery Lust, Cliff Jensen Star in Latest From TransSensual

Avery Lust and Cliff Jensen star in the latest release from Mile High Media studio imprint TransSensual.

Brittany Andrews Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Brittany Andrews stars with Ricky Johnson in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Leather and Bubble Butts.”

Nicole Nixon Stars in Latest From Immoral

Nicole Nixon stars with Matt Bird, Dean Van Damme, and "Porno Dan" Leal in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions.

Kiki Cali Toplines 'Pleasure Vixens 4' From BAM Visions

Kiki Cali headlines the fourth volume of "Pleasure Vixens," co-directed by multi-XMAs winner Mick Blue and Maestro Claudio, aka BAM Visions, from Evil Angel.

Brianna Coppage Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Creator Brianna Coppage stars with her husband Phillip and Jax Slayher in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Show More