CHATSWORTH, Calif.—In a small circle such as the adult entertainment industry, social media fuels more than its fair share of discord. One heated Twitter exchange over what allegedly went down at an adult shoot was sparked over the Fourth of July holiday, and repercussions have led two major adult industry organizations to issue statements.
Posted earlier today on the Free Speech Coalition blog was the following comment:
“The Free Speech Coalition was disturbed to read a recent account by an adult performer who alleged racist and sexist speech on an adult set in June.
“The incidents described have no place in the adult industry, or any industry. No worker should be subjected to racist slurs, degradation or verbal abuse on set. It’s appalling in 2017 that we would have to issue a call for respect and equal treatment in regards to a performer’s race.
“FSC has spoken with the performer about the alleged incidents, and is currently working to gather more information. We are also in conversation with APAC, the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, to determine the most effective way to address not only this situation, but incidents of bias and harassment in general.
“The adult industry is the home to one of the most diverse workforces on the planet. Our strength comes from the diversity of race, sexuality, gender identity, and body types celebrated. Racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia can not and will not be tolerated.”
Also weighing in was the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, which issued the following statement:
“The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee would like to remind directors and producers that racially-motivated hiring practices, pay discrepancies, and verbal harassment is illegal and can be tried in a court of law.
“Minorities across the workforce are protected by several laws- including Title VII, the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and state and federal workplace harassment laws. Racial harassment in the workplace is a criminal offense. In this regard, production companies are subject to the same laws as other industries and ignore these laws to their own detriment.
“Directors, photographers, producers, and all production assistants are expected to uphold the same level of professionalism mirrored in the Performer Code of Conduct. The Model Bill of Rights provides all performers a base standard of boundary guidelines for maintaining a safe and comfortable work experience on set. Any production company unfamiliar with the contents of either is encouraged to visit the APAC website and review these documents, and to assure all directors and photographers they hire are familiar with these guidelines, as well.
“The Adult Performer Advocacy Committee condones legal and ethical hiring practices, as well as on-set behavior, and continues to stand behind performers who face illegal or unethical treatment. No performer deserves to face intimidation in the workplace, racial or otherwise. Racism and other aggressive misconduct reflect negatively on the community altogether. Directors should be mindful in a small populace such as the adult film community, safety and comfort are top priorities.”
