US porn makers slam HIV claims

LOS ANGELES, USA – US porn filmmakers who have suspended production after a number of actors reportedly tested HIV-positive accused critics Tuesday, September 10, of “political posturing” and making unfounded claims.

Diane Duke, head of the Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, cast doubt on reports a 4th actor had tested positive for the virus behind AIDS.

She lashed out at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which has spearheaded a campaign to make condom use obligatory on porn film shoots, and has in the past represented actors who tested positive.

“There is no evidence of a 4th case,” Duke told AFP, referring to reports over the weekend after a new US-wide moratorium was declared on Friday, September 6, following a week-long suspension in August.

“This announcement seems to be political posturing by AHF. Last month they announced a syphilis outbreak in the adult-film industry when in reality not one performer had syphilis,” she added.

‘Not ashamed’

The industry first suspended filming in August after an actress called Cameron Bay tested HIV-positive. A second performer linked to Bay, Rod Daily, announced on Twitter he too had tested positive.

HIV is not a gay disease, it's not a sodomy disease, it's a human disease. Knock me down ill get back up.

— Rod Daily (@Rod_Daily) September 11, 2013

@raelt listen I'm HIV positive, I'm not ashamed of that. I do not think this virus that has changed my life is a joke. Your trippin.

— Rod Daily (@Rod_Daily) September 11, 2013

The suspension was lifted after a week, but it was reinstated Friday when a 3rd case was reported to the Free Speech Coalition by an industry-affiliated doctor, according to “The Los Angeles Times.”

“The moratorium is still in place and is nationwide,” said Duke, adding that the group’s medical advisory council was discussing what steps were required to lift the suspension.

AHF boss Michael Weinstein was quoted by the newspaper as saying of the 4th case: “We were approached by a male performer who told us he had tested positive.” But Weinstein gave no further details.

An AHF spokesman told AFP Tuesday, September 10, that there are only two FSC-confirmed cases: Bay and the woman whose infection triggered the reimposition of the moratorium on Friday.

The other identified victim, Daily, was only so far by his own Twitter admission.

“The 4th case is a male who met with someone from AHF last week seeking general advice, and then asked for confidentiality,” said spokesman Ged Kenslea.

He added that if condom bans under California and Los Angeles County law were properly enforced, “there would be no need for moratoriums.

“To be clear: testing is not prevention – testing merely tells you if you have something or not,” said Kenslea.

“Condoms are a barrier protection that prevents transmission of a number of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

“How many more HIV infections must it take for the industry to act to comply with the law and protect its performers?” – Rappler.com