CHATSWORTH, Calif.—The following statement has been received from the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC):
"In light of public statements made about Adult Performer Advocacy Committee (APAC) Chairperson James Deen, James has voluntarily resigned from the organization’s board of directors.
"APAC recognizes the seriousness of the statements made by performers in the community and that they indicate a major conflict between a board member and other members of the organization.
"Chanel Preston will serve a dual role as President and Chairperson until further notice. In the meantime, APAC will continue to provide support and guidance for adult performers.
"The APAC Board wants to state unequivocally that we stand with performers and other sex workers who are victims of any sort of sexual assault. APAC is committed to being a safe space for performers, and to creating a safer and healthier industry."
Deen is under intense scrutiny in the wake of ex-girlfriend and fellow adult performer, Stoya, alleging via Twitter Saturday that he had sexually assaulted her. This allegation was met with an outpouring of support from many both outside and within the industry, including another former girlfriend, performer/director Joanna Angel. Deen issued the following comments on this unfolding of events via his own Twitter account Sunday:
"There have been some egregious claims made against me on social media ... I want to assure my friends, fans and colleagues that these allegations are both false and defamatory ... I respect women and I know and respect limits both professionally and privately."
