Production Hold Update – Test Results False Positive

NEGATIVE

Confirmatory results from yesterday’s possible positive test for HIV by an adult performer have come back negative indicating a false positive. Production can resume immediately.

It’s important to remember that production holds are part of a functioning safety system. So long as performers have private lives, we can never eliminate their risk of contracting HIV. However, we can make sure that should a performer contract HIV, that we stop it before it is transmitted to other performers.

We understand that production holds are difficult, but they are necessary for the system to work. In the meantime, we thank everyone for observing the production hold.

For More Information:

Diane Duke

press@freespeechcoalition.com

Free Speech Coalition

(818) 348-9373

FSC Calls Immediate Production Hold

The Free Speech Coalition is calling for a precautionary production hold after a possible positive test for HIV by an adult performer using the PASS (Performer Availability Screening Service) system. The test has not yet been confirmed, and we will know if it is a true positive or false positive in the next day. If it is a false positive, we will lift the hold within the next few days. Nevertheless, out of an abundance of precaution, we will be retesting anyone who might have had contact with the performer within the testing window, and asking that producers stop filming until we know more.

The adult industry periodically calls for production holds when any possible positive tests surface.

Diane Duke
Chief Executive Officer
Free Speech Coalition
818-348-9373

Michael Weinstein’s adult film fantasy: To become California’s first porn czar

Michael Weinstein has proposed a dangerous ballot measure based in bias, fear and outdated morality. Rather than supporting adult performers, or promoting safer sex on sets in California, the new initiative will actually limit sexual health choices for performers on-set, and will augur the destruction of the testing and safety standards that have kept California adult film sets among the safest in the world.

With this measure, Michael Weinstein plans to divert millions of dollars that would otherwise go to HIV care and prevention to fund his personal obsession with the adult film industry.  According to the official financial summary, the initiative will cost taxpayers “tens of millions of dollars,” if not more, and push “thousands of jobs” out of California. Weinstein’s relentless campaign against the adult industry in California has already resulted in an exodus of adult businesses to other states, and the loss of countless jobs and tax revenue. It has not resulted in safer sets, nor have any of his efforts been supported by the performers themselves.

The initiative is not about forcing the adult entertainment industry to use condoms; it’s about Michael Weinstein gaining control over it.  If passed, Weinstein would be in charge of monitoring adult film, and would be able to personally file an unlimited number of lawsuits directly against adult film performers, producers and agents even if there was no apparent any harm or injury.

The initiative grants Weinstein the power of the California Attorney General;  paid for by taxpayers and subject to impeachment only by a vote of the entire California Legislature. We should all work to constantly improve set safety, but an unimpeachable, state-subsidized porn czar is that last thing California needs. We expect this measure, like his previous failed attempts, to face widespread opposition by performers, public health officials, free speech advocates and HIV outreach organizations.

Weinstein’s Crusade Could Cost State ‘Tens of Millions’ of Dollars, Says Legislative Analyst’s Office

According to a report by the California Legislative Analyst’s Office, a proposed state ballot measure that ALLOWS ANY CALIFORNIA resident to sue an adult film company, performer or distributor, could cost the state tens of millions of dollars through loss of massive tax revenue.

The Legislative Analyst’s Office, the California Legislator’s non-partisan fiscal and policy advisory, suggests that the proposed initiative could result in the migration of the billion-dollar adult industry from California or underground.

“The state stands to lose tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue, and thousands of vital jobs for what is essentially a one-man moral crusade. This analysis supports what we’ve been saying for years. It’s costly and wasteful and would ultimately hurt performers,” said Diane Duke Free Speech Coalition CEO.

Performers have largely opposed similar legislative proposals, taking the position that any effective regulation needs to begin with performer choice.

The proposed ballot measure would result in a taxpayer-subsidized office that would be tasked with the review of every adult film shot in California to establish that a condom was used. Additionally, under the proposed initiative, Michael Weinstein, head of the controversial AIDS Healthcare Foundation, could be sworn in as a quasi-Attorney General, a position paid by taxpayer dollars, and could only be removed from that post by a vote of the California Legislature.

“Weinstein’s obsession with adult films will cost California tens of millions of dollars in tax revenue and will result in a loss of critical services for our communities, said Duke.  “Weinstein wants to line his pockets with taxpayer money and appoint himself as Attorney General.”