Max Hardcore Jury Returns Guilty Verdict

TAMPA, Fla. — Jurors in the Max Hardcore obscenity trial have returned a verdict of guilty on 10 federal counts of distributing obscene materials over the Internet and through the mail.

His company, MaxWorld Enterprises, was also found guilty on 10 related counts.

"This is a sad day for America," Hardcore attorney Jeffrey Douglas told XBIZ. The lawyer was noticeably upset. "Like I said in my closing remarks, this was a shameful prosecution. I don't have anything else to say."

Hardcore told XBIZ that he was "OK."

Earlier today, the jury appeared to be undecided and conferred with the judge on several points before going back into deliberation.

"If we make a decision on 10 of the 20 counts, but are unable to reach a decision on the other 10, will the 10 counts that we decide on stand?'' the jury foreman asked Judge Susan C. Bucklew this afternoon, just after 3 p.m. EST.

The judge answered that the decisions they returned would stand, even if other counts were undecided.

The foremen indicated also that there were jurors “on both sides” of the issues, and that there was doubt that they could come to a unanimous decision.

He also asked the court how long the jury was expected to deliberate, to which the judge reportedly told the jury she would not tell them how long to deliberate, only that they should deliberate again.

Sources close to the case told XBIZ this morning that a decision might be imminent, but this afternoon, foreman asked the judge for a break, citing that emotions were running high in the deliberations. Lawyers for both sides were asked to stay in the courtroom, in case the jury should return with a verdict.

However, the jury returned just a short time ago with their verdict.

Other defense attorneys were unavailable for comment at post time.

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

FSC: Federal Report Confirms Unfair Banking Discrimination Against Adult Industry

The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) today announced that a federal report on debanking has concluded that several U.S. banks engaged in discriminatory banking practices against members of the adult industry.

Blake Blossom Toplines 'Permission' From Sweet Sinner

Blake Blossom headlines “Permission,” from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweet Sinner.

Pineapple Support Names Natalie Pereira Executive Assistant

Pineapple Support has appointed Natalie Pereira as its new executive assistant.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for October, November

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters by country in October and November.

Aubry Babcock, Lana Smalls Topline Latest 'Secret Lesbian Diaries'

Aubry Babcock and Lana Smalls headline the 16th volume of "Secret Lesbian Diaries" from Girlfriends Films.

FSC Summit Event Schedule Announced

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has revealed its slate of networking events and symposiums for its annual summit, set for January 15 during XBIZ 2026.

Pornhub Releases 2025 'Year in Review' Report

Pornhub has released its “Year in Review Insights” report for 2025, the 12th edition of the site’s annual statistics, data analysis, and infographic initiative.

Washington AV Bill Jumps on 'Health Warning' Bandwagon

A new age verification bill in the Washington state legislature would require adult sites to post notices warning users of alleged health risks, despite a previous federal court ruling against such requirements.

Leilani Li Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Leilani Li stars with Jayden Marcos in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Soap Her Up & Spread That Ass."

BranditScan Launches '25 Days of Christmas' Promo

BranditScan has launched its 25 Days of Christmas promotion.

Show More