Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

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.

News

'Girls Gone Wild' Creator Joe Francis Facing Charges of Assault, False Imprisonment

joe_francis.jpg
Photo by Joe Seer via Shutterstock.com

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

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.

If he's convicted, Francis could face up to five years in jail and $13,000 in fines.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today