Penn and Teller Defend Adult Industry on 'Bullshit'

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — On the heels of a loss in the courtroom, the adult industry is going to get some help from an unexpected source: the mainstream.

Magicians Penn and Teller's Showtime series "Bullshit" will leap to the defense of the adult industry on tomorrow's premiere episode, subtitled "The War on Porn."

Like all episodes of "Bullshit," this one will feature lighthearted interviews with various sources interspersed with showman Penn Jillette's commentary.

Arguing against the industry will be Donna Rice, whose dalliance with then-Sen. Gary Hart ended his presidential bid in 1984. Since the mid-1990s, Rice has been an anti-pornography advocate. Representatives from anti-porn ministry XXXChurch.com and the conservative Family Research Council will also condemn adult.

One of the main figures called to defend adult is Dr. Marty Klein, a counselor, sex therapist and author.

"There's no peer-reviewed, scientific data that proves that people who look at porn are more likely to commit violent acts than anyone else," Klein says on the program. He also cites one of his books, "America's War On Sex."

Klein told XBIZ that antiporn advocates often rely on flawed methodology when compiling evidence for their arguments.

"No one disputes the fact that a certain percentage of people of people who commit sexually related crimes have porn on their person or in their homes," he said, explaining that antiporn advocates make two mistakes when they argue that watching porn caused these crimes. "One, correlation does not equal causation. Someone who commits a sex crime may have watched porn that morning, but they may have also had coffee that morning. They may have watched 'Seinfeld' that morning. That doesn't mean that those things caused them to commit the crime."

Second, Klein said that while antiporn advocates are quick to point at sex criminals who have watched porn, they fail to consider the large number of people who have watched porn with no subsequent bad behavior.

Adult star Brandi Love will also appear on the show with her husband to refute claims from conservative quarters.

“This was one of the most entertaining and creative media pieces I have ever been involved with,” said Love, whose segment was broadcast on the OneCams.com network.

A preview for the episode of "Bullshit" is available at Showtime's official website.

"Penn & Teller's Bullshit: The War on Porn" will be broadcast Thursday, June 19 at 10 p.m. on the east and west coasts on Showtime. For more information, visit Sho.com.

Related:  

Copyright © 2026 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

Missouri Governor Signs Bill Making AV Regulations State Law

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed a bill into law on Thursday requiring adult websites to age-verify users in the state, finalizing a legislative “stamp of approval” for AV rules after Missouri’s attorney general unilaterally imposed similar regulations last year.

Utherverse Launches 'Adult Game Fest' Virtual Convention

Virtual reality and metaverse technology company Utherverse is launching its inaugural Adult Game Fest convention and trade show, taking place Sept. 24-26.

Ameena Green Fronts Latest From Bellesa Plus

Ameena Green stars with multi-XMAs winner Alex Jones in a release from Bellesa Plus, titled “The Tailor.”

Ofcom Fines Fapello $845,000 for AV Noncompliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom on Thursday imposed a fine of 630,000 pounds (about $845,000) against adult website fapello.com for failing to comply with provisions of the Online Safety Act.

Hazel Heart, Rissa May & Isabella Jules Lead Latest From Girlsway

Hazel Heart stars with Rissa May and Isabella Jules in the latest release from Girlsway, titled “No Boys, No Problem!”

Dallas Rea Makes Her TeamSkeet Debut

Dallas Rea has made her debut for TeamSkeet alongside Chris Sterling.

On the Set: Cherry Kiss Caps a Decade With 'Cherry on Top'

Cherry Kiss is dabbing sweat off Seth Gamble’s forehead as he hovers over Ella Reese, a black makeup bag slung across her chest.

Ariel Demure, Penny Barber Star in Latest From Transfixed

Reigning and two-time XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure stars with Penny Barber in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "An Easy Prospect."

Lucy Mochi Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Lucy Mochi stars with reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter in the latest release from New Sensations.

Wicked Wraps Production on Crime Thriller 'Reputation'

Wicked Pictures has wrapped production on its new psychological crime thriller, "Reputation," co-directed by Michael Vegas and Siouxsie Q.

Show More