N.Y. Times: Are Sex Tapes Passé?

NEW YORK — An N.Y. Times piece published yesterday asked readers to take a walk down memory lane — when sex tapes still had their “oomph factor.”

Reporter Alex Williams presents a cursory history of sex tapes, beginning with the watershed, career-threatening footage of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, and showing the medium’s progression towards social acceptance by touching on key (albeit sometimes unwitting) players, like Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian and, fast forwarding several years, Farrah Abraham.

Most recently inducted into the sex tape club is former “Pippi Longstocking” star Tami Erin, who said she was strong-armed into shopping her footage around after an irate ex (the co-star of the tape) threatened to release it first.

Williams uses the forthcoming release of Erin’s video to illustrate his take-home message: sex tapes have become a marketing tool for star-hopefuls, rather than evidence of a racy misadventure.   

“The inevitability of celebrity stag reels has become such that stars who are caught with their pants down no longer need always react with outrage, as if their career were on the line,” Williams wrote.

The article was published in the Fashion & Style section, suggesting that, whether or not sex tapes have become passé, they have become a pop culture mainstay — as much a part of “fashion and style” as they are a part of porn — which helps explain their diminishing shock value and continued mainstreaming.   

To read the entire article, entitled “When Celebrity Sex Videos Are Rated Y (for Yawn),” click here.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Angela White Stars in New Interactive Scene From Brazzers

Multi-XMAs winner Angela White stars with reigning and two-time XMAs Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in a new interactive release from Brazzers, titled “Taking Angela Back To Your Place.”

Marvin Love Directs 'Rich and Horny Weirdos' for Brazzers

Brazzers has released a new scene directed by Marvin Love, titled “Rich and Horny Weirdos.”

Julia James, Sage Hunter Topline 'Lesbian Sister In-Laws' Sequel

Julia James and Sage Hunter headline the latest release from Girlfriends Films, titled “Lesbian Sister In-Laws 2.”

Jade Greene Fronts Latest From TeamSkeet

Jade Greene stars with Nicky Rebel in the latest release from TeamSkeet.

Bree Mills Wraps Production on Pure Taboo Thriller 'Let Me In Too'

Adult Time has announced that production has wrapped on the Bree Mills thriller sequel "Let Me In Too."

Emma Rosie, Rebel Rhyder Topline Latest Volume of 'Hookup Hotshot: E-Girls'

Emma Rosie and Rebel Rhyder headline Brian Gozzling’s “Hookup Hotshot: E-Girls 28” from Evil Angel.

Agatha Vega Fronts Latest From Ricky's Room

Reigning XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Agatha Vega stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "Agatha Habla Sucio."

Taylor Vixxen Makes Her MILFY Debut

Taylor Vixxen has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint MILFY, alongside Dan Damage.

Catherine Knight Makes Her Vixen Debut

Catherine Knight has made her Vixen debut alongside Dan Damage.

Andi Avalon Headlines 'Slutty Nurses 3' From Reality Junkies

Andi Avalon toplines the third volume of "Slutty Nurses" from Mile High Media studio imprint Reality Junkies.

Show More