Joe Francis Facing Yet Another Lawsuit

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — Joe Francis, founder of the “Girls Gone Wild” video series, is facing another lawsuit connected to the production of the hit video series, according to media reports issued Monday.

Brittany Pitts of Columbus, Ga., filed the lawsuit July 12 in U.S. District Court in Panama City, Fla. Pitts was in Panama City during spring break in 2002 when she was approached by Francis and allegedly coerced into exposing herself for the camera, according to the suit.

Pitts did not provide consent to Mantra to use her image, and was 16 years old at the time that the filming took place, the suit says.

According to attorney Mark Castro, who is representing Pitts in the lawsuit, Pitts thought that the video footage shot of her was for the personal use of two Girls Gone Wild agents, and was not intended for distribution. Pitts reportedly did not learn that she was prominently featured in a Girls Gone Wild video until her ex-fiance was told of the tape in December of 2006.

“She’s very concerned that her son may find out someday,” Casto said, according to the Associated Press. “It’s pretty dramatic to learn something you did as a 16-year-old for five seconds can come back to haunt you.”

Pitts, who is now 21, is seeking punitive and compensatory damages for the use of her image. Castro said he would also like the court to issue an order requiring Francis and his companies, MRA Holding and Mantra Films to pull copies of the video — “Girls Gone Wild: Best of Ultimate Spring Break Volume 2” — from store shelves.

“They put her on the cover and they used her to promote and advertise their product,” Casto said. “They’ve used her on the Internet. We have reason to believe they’ve used her on billboards. We know she’s been on TV, on the late-night infomercials.”

According to Casto, Pitts never signed a model release or other form of waiver permitting the company to use her image, and Girls Gone Wild never verified her age. As she was a minor at the time, Casto observed that Pitts could not have entered into a legally binding contract with the company to use her partially nude image, anyway.

Michael Burke, an attorney for Mantra and Francis, told XBIZ that he is “aware of the case,” and that Francis and Mantra “plan to defend against all the allegations, just as they have for the last eight years.”

Burke said that no case like Pitts’ that has gone to a jury has resulted in a ruling that favored the plaintiff.

“We anticipate the same successful conclusion in this case,” Burke said.

The lawsuit filed by Pitts is just the latest in a long string of legal troubles for Francis, who is currently being held in a Nevada jail on federal tax evasion charges.

In addition to the tax evasion charges, Francis faces criminal sexual battery charges in Los Angeles, a misdemeanor sexual battery charge in Florida, and at least one other civil suit based on allegations that are very similar to those in the Pitts case.

Last year, Francis and Mantra pleaded guilty to 10 counts of failing to comply with federal record-keeping statutes, earning the company and Francis a combined fine of more than $2 million dollars, but no jail time.

Although he conceded that there is an “aura of piling on” with respect to Francis’ legal troubles, Burke said that Mantra and Francis are both far from overwhelmed.

“There is this notion that Mr. Francis is incapacitated and unable to respond,” Burke said. “Nothing could be further from the truth. We will vigorously respond to these allegations.”

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

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult, Could Face Override

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Valerica Steele Headlines Jonni Darkko's 'DVP Sluts'

Valerica Steele toplines director Jonni Darkko’s “DVP Sluts,” from Evil Angel.

Michael Ninn Returns With 'Catherine' Sequel Made Entirely by AI

Veteran filmmaker Michael Ninn, though retired from the adult business for the past 10 years, recently unveiled a new episodic project titled "Catherine II: The Series," which serves as a sequel to his 2005 adult film "Catherine."

25,000 Sign Petition to Legalize Pornography in Ukraine

An OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine has amassed the 25,000 signatures required for official consideration by President Volodymyr Zelensky.

WannaCollab Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

WannaCollab has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Alison Rey Stars in Latest From New Sensations

Alison Rey stars with Isiah Maxwell in the latest release from New Sensations.

FSC Unpacks SCOTUS Age Verification Ruling in Webinar

The Free Speech Coalition conducted a public webinar Tuesday to help adult industry stakeholders understand the Supreme Court’s recent decision in FSC v. Paxton, and its potential implications.

Bad Bella Fronts Latest From MYLF

Bad Bella stars with Hayden Wild in the latest release from MYLF.

Abella Danger Opens Up Like Never Before in X3 Magazine

Powerhouse star Abella Danger lights up the latest issue of X3 magazine, the industry’s premier “authenticity first” publication spotlighting the real personalities, passions, and stories behind today’s top creators.

Show More