Sex Workers Applaud Judge's Decision to Block Undercover Videos of Robert Kraft

Sex Workers Applaud Judge's Decision to Block Undercover Videos of Robert Kraft

SAN FRANCISCO — The Erotic Service Providers Legal Education and Research Project (ESPLERP) has called out national media organizations, including The Associated Press, ESPN, ABC and The New York Times, for their efforts to make public the video recordings of private massages obtained during the massage parlor sting that ensnared Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.

“These media organizations claim a public interest in releasing these videos. In truth all they care about is their ratings — because ‘sex sells.’ Shame on them,” said Maxine Doogan of ESPLERP. “They know that shaming a prominent businessman like Robert Kraft will sell papers and draw in viewers. When ratings are at stake, they simply do not care about anyone's constitutional right to privacy. I wonder how they’d feel if Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Jr. (the owner of The New York Times) was caught up in something like this?”

“We applaud Judge Kathleen Roberts for seeing through the police misrepresentations and ruling that the videos are inadmissible,” said Claire Alwyne of ESPLERP. “The police obtained the 'sneak and peek' warrant (questionably authorized under the PATRIOT Act under the guise of stopping terrorism) to film surveillance videos, by claiming ‘trafficking’ was occurring when there was no such thing taking place. Detectives then spent more than six months getting massages from the alleged sex slaves before arresting them on prostitution charges — not trafficking. And now they are trying to cover their tracks by shaming Robert Kraft.”

“The public would probably be more interested in seeing videos of detectives getting taxpayer-funded massages (and who knows what else) filmed during the six-month sting [before] arresting the massage parlor workers,” said Domina Elle of ESPLERP. “The public deserves to see how these stings are conducted, such as how often law enforcement engages in sexual contact as a means to investigate and arrest.”

Media organizations should not be arguing in court for improperly obtained private videos to be made public. They should instead put more effort into avoiding repeating false and misleading statistics, which fuel these stings in the first place. And law enforcement should not be wasting time arresting adults engaged in consensual activity. ESPLERP calls on legislators in all 50 states to decriminalize sex work immediately.

The Erotic Service Providers Legal, Education and Research Project (ESPLERP) is a diverse community-based coalition advancing sexual privacy rights through litigation, education and research.

Contributions to the group’s legal efforts can be made 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

Romi Rain Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Romi Rain and Codey Steele star in the latest release from New Sensations.

JD Directs New Grazyeli Silva Showcase

Evil Angel has released JD’s Grazyeli Silva showcase, titled "Grazyeli Silva Sexcapades."

Heidi Jo Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Heidi Jo stars with her husband Jerri, Isiah Maxwell, and Hollywood Cash in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

Anna Claire Clouds Leads Elegant Angel's 'Shared: A Hotwife Origin Story'

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Anna Claire Clouds stars in Elegant Angel's new feature thriller "Shared: A Hotwife Origin Story," part of the site's annual "Superstar September" initiative.

Gender X Drops 'Vampirella' Parody

Gender X Films has released its latest feature, "Transpirella," a parody of the 1970s sci-fi horror comic book "Vampirella," directed by Jim Powers.

Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint

The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.

Jonni Darkko Directs New Chloe Amour Showcase

Evil Angel has released Jonni Darrko’s Chloe Amour showcase, titled "Mon Amour."

Bella Reid Named Penthouse's 'Pet of the Month' for September

Penthouse Magazine has named Bella Reid as Pet of the Month for September.

Andi Avalon Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Andi Avalon and Ken Feels star in the latest release from New Sensations.

Ricky's Room Drops Final Installment of Baby Gemini Showcase

Ricky’s Room has released the final installment of its Baby Gemini showcase, titled "Six Bodies In Motion."

Show More