Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
4th Porn Actor Tests HIV Positive, Claims Pro-Condom Group
Photo by jwblinn via Shutterstock
()
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.
Support for LAist comes from
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
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The critical findings are part of long-awaited after-action report was released Thursday. It contains recommendations for increasing emergency staffing and updating old systems. -
Diving has changed, mountain biking has been added. Here's where to watch the Olympics in person in 2028. -
'A Great Day in the Stoke' is a free, daylong event in Orange County billed as 'the largest gathering of Black surfers in history.' The fourth annual festival is set for Saturday in Huntington Beach. -
Kimmel returned less than a week after ABC suspended his show over comments he made about the assassination of right wing activist Charlie Kirk. -
Southern California might see some light rain tonight into Wednesday morning. After that, cooler weather is on the way, but expect the humidity to remain. -
A gate tax at Disney? It's a possibility.
Best of LAist