HIV-Positive Porn Performer Sparks Battle Between Industry & Condom Campaign
The news of a male adult film performer testing HIV-positive has not only suspended porn production but has also prompted the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) to file a sanitary nuisance health complaint with the Florida Department of Health. Additionally, AHF has issed a similar complaint with federal OSHA officials against Brazzers, the film production company that reportedly employed the infected performer.
“When will it end? This is yet another suspected case of HIV infection in the adult film industry. Given the wide reports, and given that Brazzers affirmatively states they do not use condoms—a violation of both state and federal health statutes—it makes sense to investigate them in the hopes of putting an end to further infections,” said Michael Weinstein, president of AIDS Healthcare Foundation. “Even though the initial exposure took place in Florida, the shutdown in LA constitutes a major public health event under the law. We are also reaffirming our call on the City of Los Angeles to stop issuing new permits.”
The case marks the 23rd industry-related occurrence since 2004, and sources claim that the man worked with approximately twelve female performers without proper protection.
Free Speech Coalition, a Canoga Park-based trade group for the adult industry, issued a defensive statement on Wednesday claiming that the coalition has been falsely accused by AHF of obstructing L.A. County Public Health's (LACPH) medical investigation of the HIV case.
The group also criticized AHF's condom campaign.
"AHF’s campaign for mandatory condoms has done nothing but create controversy and, with the closure of AIM [clinic], has deprived the adult industry of an important health and safety resource,” Duke said, according to L.A. Now.
The current health crisis in the $10-$15 billion-dollar porn industry has incited huge concern over the lack of condom use in pornography, which is an issue that AHF is addressing with its 2012 ballot measure. The bill would connect the issuance of adult film permits by the City of Los Angeles to condom use in adult films shot and produced in L.A. It would also require fee collection from adult film permit recipients to allow periodic inspections of sets to monitor compliance.
"Of the major adult entertainment producers, only one studio requires condom use for all their contract stars - Wicked Pictures," reports ABC Nightline. Condom use is commonly frowned upon in the industry due to aesthetic preferences of porn fans who want "to see something raw and to see something really sexual," says Nikki Jayne, a current porn actress.
