Marriott to Institute Pop-Up Warnings for Adult Fare in Rooms

WASHINGTON — After a contentious year in which a coalition of right wing Christian groups has consistently ratcheted up pressure on the Marriott hotel chain to remove adult entertainment offerings from its rooms, the lodging giant has offered a compromise in the form of pop-up warnings on TV screens.

The offer was contained in an Aug. 14 letter sent to the Arlington Group, a coalition of prominent right-wing Christian groups founded in 2002 with the goal of exerting influence in the political arena as well as with corporate entities such as Marriott.

According to news reports, Donald Wildmon, president of American Family Association, had given the hotel chain until Aug. 15 to respond to the groups demand to either cease offering all adult fare in rooms or institute an "opt in" procedure whereby guests would be required to present a photo ID at the front desk showing they are of age before getting access to sexually explicit movies.

Instead of acceding to either demand, Marriott said in a letter dated Aug. 14 that it would institute the new pop-up policy in more than 750 U.S. hotels over the next 30 to 60 days.

Kathleen Matthews, executive vice president of Global Communications & Public Affairs, which is part of Marriott International, said that two pop-up warnings will appear on TV screens that state that the following material is adult-oriented and only those who are at least 18 years old can view it. Viewers must then affirmatively agree in order to continue. The chain specifically rejected any plans to make hotel guests prove their age in person at the front desk or anywhere else.

"Our feeling is that you have to respect your guest in the room," Matthews said. "We can't have people coming to rooms checking IDs. That would be invasive."

The response to the compromise from Focus on the Family was decidedly tepid.

"It is a step in the right direction," said Tom Minnery, senior vice president of government and public policy at Focus on the Family Action, the political wing of Focus on the Family. "We would have hoped for more."

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

Eye of Love Expands 'Bloom' Collection

Eye of Love has introduced two new perfume oils from its Bloom collection.

Nobü Expands 'Essentials' Collection

Nobü is expanding its Essentials collection with three new pleasure products.

Valerica Steele Headlines Jonni Darkko's 'DVP Sluts'

Valerica Steele toplines director Jonni Darkko’s “DVP Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

Like a Kitten to Launch 'Adventure Collection'

Pleasure brand Like a Kitten has announced that it will launch its new Adventure Collection on July 15.

Full Circle Debuts New Bullet Vibes

Pleasure brand Full Circle has introduced a new range of bullet vibrators.

Magic Silk Debuts 'Butterfly Fantasies' Collection

Magic Silk has introduced its new Butterfly Fantasies line of intimate wear.

Orion Debuts 'Vipepad' Ride-On Vibrator

Orion Wholesale has introduced the latest edition of its Vibepad ride-on vibrator.

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

Xgen's Dr. Mindy DeSeta Spotlighted on CBS News

CBS News has spotlighted Xgen Products resident sex therapist Dr. Mindy DeSeta on its Miami and West Palm Beach affiliate stations.

Show More