N.Y. Times Admits Reporter Paid Source in Online Teen Porn Story

NEW YORK — The New York Times has admitted that former staff writer Kurt Eichenwald paid his source, Justin Berry, in order to gain his trust for a 2005 expose on teen porn websites.

In a sidebar to a follow-up column by the paper’s editor, Byron Calame, the New York Times disclosed that Eichenwald had paid Berry $2,000.

“The check should have been disclosed to editors and readers, like the other actions on the youth's behalf,” the paper said.

The story made Berry, who began selling sexual images of himself online at age 13, a poster boy for the pervasiveness of child pornography online. In the Eichenwald story, Berry revealed that his operation was fueled by a number of mainstream Internet sites.

“There are a number of companies that are unknowingly used as hosting companies for child pornography,” ASACP Director Joan Irvine told XBIZ at the time the story broke. “That includes billing companies and sites like Yahoo and eGold.com.”

After the article, Berry, now an adult, began working with the FBI to bring to justice the thousands of adults who encouraged him and other minors to perform sex acts online.

Eichenwald, who left the paper in October, told the Associated Press that he had sent the check in an effort to learn the true name and address of Berry, who used an alias at the time.

“We were gambling $2,000 on the possibility of saving a kid's life,” he said.

The Times, like many newspapers, prohibit reporters from paying sources.

Eichenwald said Berry’s grandmother eventually repaid the money, adding that he should have disclosed the initial payment in his story.

“I know I did unusual things, and if I should have disclosed what I did as a private citizen in more detail, so be it. But put me through the same situation, I can't say I'd do anything differently,” Eichenwald said.

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

Age Verification Watch: Patching the Holes

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Pineapple Support to Host Autism Spectrum Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers and creators who are, or suspect they may be, on the autism spectrum.

ImLive Launches Revamped Member Loyalty Program

Cam platform ImLive has revamped its member loyalty program.

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Show More