Porn Weighs Unionization; Another Actor Tests HIV-Positive

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. – A proposed union of the San Fernando Valley-based porn industry moved forward this week as a third actor tested positive for the AIDS virus.

The union would be called Adult Entertainment Workers. It is the third attempt in recent years to unionize adult film actors.

The Adult Industry Medical Health Care Foundation told XBiz Thursday that an actress who had worked with actor Darren James has been found to be have contracted HIV. She has been identified as 26-year-old Jessica Dee, who has worked in the business for five years.

On Tuesday adult actors gathered to create a list of demands and bill of rights for workers in the industry who have been stung by the voluntary “quarantine.”

Some of the proposals include banning certain types of sexual behavior in film, establishing precautions for tattooing and body piercing and instituting a 60-day quarantine for foreign and new performers.

The actors also are weighing better compensation packages and overtime work for longer shoots, as well as health benefits.

More than 200 adult content actors, producers and directors attended a closed-door forum at Hustler Studios Wednesday night to continue the dialogue on industry business.

Adult Video News’ Tim Connelly, who moderated the event, told XBiz that the estimated 1,200 adult actors would see better production safety and health benefits if a union would be created.

“As much as I’d like to see it, there would be much work to do to get it done,” Connelly said.

Journalist Duke Floored, who has covered the adult industry for years, said that unionization of the industry would be unlikely.

“The odds of porn stars successfully forming a union are low,” said Floored, formerly of Adultbeat.com. “These are not people used to discipline."

Other industry figures, as well, are skeptical.

“It’s like trying to live in L.A. and avoid an earthquake,” said Dick Nasty of adult agency Nasty Modeling, who also is Dee's agent. “You can't control what people do in their private lives.”

Much of the adult content business this month was put to a halt after the HIV outbreak. More than four dozen actors who subsequently either worked with infected actors James, Dee and Laura Roxx and the men and women they had sex with have been quarantined. The hiatus remains for at least 60 days while testing continues, but could extend beyond June 8, AIM 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

Haley Spades Stars in Latest From Immoral

Haley Spades stars with Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and Dean Van Damme in a new three-part release from Immoral Productions, directed by "Porno Dan" Leal.

Octavia Red Makes Her Vampired Debut

Octavia Red has made her Vampired debut alongside Talia Mint and 2023 XMA Europas Female Performer of the Year Tiffany Tatum in the new feature “Hunters.”

Lily Starfire Fronts Latest From Brazzers

Lily Starfire stars with Kyle Mason in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Eating Ass Is the Game."

Country Hotwife Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Content creator Country Hotwife has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint WIFEY, alongside her husband StagHubby and former XMAs Male Performer of the Year Isiah Maxwell.

Vixen Media Group Celebrates 10 Years of 'Tushy'

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of studio imprint Tushy.

Cherry Kiss Stars in Latest 'Blind Dates' From Bellesa

Cherry Kiss headlines the 16th volume of "Blind Dates," from Bellesa.

Emma Rosie Toplines Pat Myne's 'Gape For Days 5'

Emma Rosie headlines director Pat Myne's "Gape For Days 5," from Evil Angel.

Adult Time Drops 2nd Installment of Bree Mills Thriller 'Escape From Camp Conversion'

Adult Time has debuted the second episode of the Bree Mills-helmed thriller "Escape From Camp Conversion," from studio brand Girlcore.

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Eris Jolie Makes Her TransAngels Debut

Eris Jolie has made her TransAngels debut alongside Bree Brooks in "A Very Filthy Cookout."

Show More