This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
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.
'Girls Gone Wild' Creator Joe Francis Facing Charges of Assault, False Imprisonment
Photo by Joe Seer via Shutterstock.com
Everyone's favorite pornographer, Joe Francis, has been released on bail after turning himself in following charges of false imprisonment, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime, and assault, reports L.A. Now. The charges relate to an incident that took place in Hollywood back in January. Francis allegedly met a group of three girls at the Supper Club, then tried to get one to go back to his house with him. When all three got in his limo, allegedly thinking they were headed to their car, they say he took them to his house, where he then got in a fight with one girl, pushing her to the ground and repeatedly hitting her head against the tile.
According to TMZ, Francis gave them a statement back in February maintaining his innocence:
Joe released a statement to TMZ saying ... "If you haven't noticed by now, I am a huge target for false allegations and accusations like this. My bodyguard, who is a reserve Sheriff, is always present at my house for any after party." He continues, "The only thing I witnessed last week was a girl being struck by another girl -- who was then subsequently removed by my bodyguard.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
