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The group that's led the charge to make condom use in porn mandatory in Los Angeles claims that a fourth performer in the industry has tested HIV positive, however an advocacy organization for adult film stars says they're lying.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) told the Huffington Post Monday "a male porn performer approached the group saying he had tested positive for HIV." That performer has declined to reveal his identity to the media, and AHF President Michael Weinstein says it is not clear if the man contracted the virus on set.
The Free Speech Coalition, whose PASS (Performer Availability Screening Services) program conducts health screenings within the industry, denies AHF's claim of a fourth HIV positive performer. They refute the assertion, and have posted a notice on their site, calling out AHF:
None of the testing facilities, nor the doctors associated with the facilities, have any results of a fourth performer testing positive. This information came from AHF who is currently trying to push regulation on the industry and has, on many occasions, reported false information to the media to advance their political agenda. Just last month AHF started a media frenzy and industry scare over false information of a positive syphilis result claiming an “outbreak” when in reality no performers were positive for syphilis. It is extremely likely that this situation is more posturing for AHF’s political agenda. Again, we have no evidence of a fourth performer testing positive for HIV.
The adult film biz in Los Angeles has suffered two shut-downs in the past few weeks, both triggered by positive HIV tests. Performer Cameron Bay tested positive, causing a week-long moratorium while her on-screen partners were tested. Her boyfriend and fellow performer Rod Daily (aka Joshua Rodgers) also tested positive for the virus, though news of his positive test did not lead to a production stoppage since he went to a doctor outside the industry. Just a few days ago, a third unidentified performer's positive HIV test was confirmed by PASS, and it triggered a moratorium.
The moratorium remains in place, meanwhile AHF continues to push for statewide legislation that requires adult film participants to use condoms and for an agency to monitor the implementation of the law. The group is currently targeting Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles), who they claim is blocking the legislation, according to L.A. Now.
Related:
Third Porn Performer Tests HIV Positive, Shutting Down Porn Production (Again)
Porn Pause: Actor's Positive HIV Test Halts Production in L.A.
Sydney Leathers Might Have Come In Contact With HIV Virus During Porn Shoot
Gay Porn Star Tests Positive For HIV
