LOS ANGELES—After calling for a temporary, and voluntary, production shutdown last night in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Free Speech Coalition (FSC) issued more information today: a letter from Executive Director Michelle L. LeBlanc and an FAQ on the production hold. Below are the full statements, verbatim:
Letter from FSC Executive Director Michelle L. LeBlanc
Last night, FSC called for the voluntary shutdown of all adult sets in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. We did not take this decision lightly. We understand that, for many performers, producers, and crew, the economic impact this will have is potentially devastating. Several states, including California, have called for the suspension of all non-essential businesses, and we expect more states to follow.
FSC is currently working on a plan to help workers and businesses survive this crisis. We are talking with our members at all levels to find solutions and resources to lessen the impact. This could involve expanding the Performer Subsidy Fund to include crew, for example, or working to coordinate resources among community members. We are working as quickly as possible to develop relief plans, and welcome ideas and contributions.
In the short-term, for those who do not have reliable, affordable access to a doctor for non-urgent medical issues, an entry-level membership with FSC will give you access to Teladoc for just $10 per month when you use the discount code 5OFF. (Sign up for the “Supporter” level here.)
This is an unprecedented challenge to the health of the adult industry, but we have faced challenges before. The Free Speech Coalition was formed to protect our members from being arrested by moralistic crusaders in the government, and we fought to overturn unjust laws. Our testing system was forged during the HIV epidemic, and has helped us create an industry that is a model for prevention. While this immediate challenge may feel overwhelming, I know our industry will come back even stronger.
Right now, we must protect not only our own health, and the health of our community, but the health of communities around us, particularly those who are older or immunocompromised. Currently, the only known way to stop the spread of this virus is to severely limit contact with others, and public health authorities have recommended limiting all non-essential activity. While you may feel comfortable tolerating risk, each interaction has the potential to spread the virus to someone who can not, overloading healthcare systems and hospitals as we have seen in Europe.
We understand how difficult this is, and are working to help reduce the impact on all our workers and businesses. In the coming days, we will offer more guidance and resources. As always, we continue to fight for you and this industry.
Be safe,
Michelle L. LeBlanc
Executive Director
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Coronavirus Voluntary Production Hold FAQ
Why did you do this?
We called for the voluntary shutdown because the State of California has asked all “non-essential” businesses to close—and mandated the closure of movie theaters and dine-in restaurants—in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Government officials in other regions of the United States and Canada have issued similar orders.
While most people who get the virus will only experience mild flu-like symptoms, coronavirus is ten times deadlier than the common flu, particularly for older people and the immunosuppressed, and the surge threatens to overwhelm our hospitals and medical systems if we don’t take immediate preventative action.
We are taking these precautions now to hopefully prevent a longer and more damaging production hold later.
Why is the shutdown “voluntary”?
We used the phrase “voluntary” to mirror the language used by the Governor and public health authorities regarding “non-essential” businesses, which called for “voluntary” closures. We also know there are many different types of production—such solos, clips, customs, cams, fan sites, and paid social—that don’t require travel or crews. To mandate a total shutdown would cut off a crucial financial resource at a time when performers most need it.
For the same reason, we have not taken PASS offline. In this case, the overall health risk to individual performers is so far minimal, and not specific to adult sets or sexual activity.
Why only the US and Canada?
While we recommend that everyone in an affected area cease production, we focused on the two major countries covered by PASS.
Why only two weeks?
We’re following the lead of state, local, and national authorities and using the end of March as the prospective end date. However, as the past two weeks have shown, very little is predictable about this global pandemic. Our response will evolve with the situation.
What is FSC doing to help talent and crew?
We are looking at ways that we can help all workers affected by the shutdown, including direct financial assistance and connection to resources. We did not make this decision lightly, and now that a shutdown is in effect, we are focusing on helping mitigate its effects on our community.
