Court Upholds $19 Million Judgment Against Joe Francis

LOS ANGELES — An appellate court today upheld a $19 million judgment against deposed Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis in a slander case filed over his claims that casino mogul Steve Wynn had threatened to kill him.

The California 2nd District Court of Appeal in Los Angeles found no basis to overturn the judgment or order a new trial, and the justices also left in place an injunction barring Francis from repeating the claims, the Associated Press reported.

After a 2012 trial, a jury found that Francis' statements about threats were defamatory and a judge ordered him not to repeat the statements. Both Francis and Wynn testified during the trial.

Francis said he was told Wynn had threatened to hit him in the head with a shovel and have him buried in the desert. Wynn denied making the threats and claimed the statements by Francis were damaging to his reputation and put his casino license at risk.

A jury originally ordered Francis to pay Wynn $40 million, but a judge later cut the amount by more than half. Francis appealed the verdict, arguing that he made the comments in a court proceeding over a gambling debt owed to Wynn and should not be held liable..

"We will continue to assist Mr. Wynn and Wynn Las Vegas as they vigorously pursue Francis to collect all of his debts to them, including this $19 million judgment," said Mitchell Langberg, an attorney representing Wynn.

Francis rejected the ruling, saying "We fully expect this to be overturned by the California Supreme Court expeditiously."

The ongoing legal strife with Wynn is only one of the legal fights being helmed by the beleaguered ex-Girls Gone Wild honcho.

Francis faces new contempt charges for allegedly assaulted and battered individuals at his old headquarters and because he hasn't returned two company vehicles to a bankruptcy trustee. He has been ordered to appear in court to answer the charges on July 10.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 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

Connie Perignon Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Connie Perignon stars with Jordi El Nino Polla in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "The Sneaky Masseur."

Sinatra Monroe Has 'A Classy Affair' in Ricky's Room

Sinatra Monroe stars in the latest release from Ricky's Room, titled "A Classy Affair."

TeamSkeet Debuts New Series 'PervMassage'

Fanta Sie stars with Erick Everhard in the first episode of the new TeamSkeet series, “PervMassage."

Adult Industry Reacts to Trump Victory

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump was reelected, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the office he lost four years ago.

Angel Windell, Katie Davis Headline Latest 'Lesbian Seductions'

Angel Windell and Katie Davis topline the 80th edition of “Lesbian Seductions,” from Girlfriends.

ERIKALUST Releases 'Texas Ride 'Em'

ERIKALUST has released its latest scene, “Texas Ride ‘Em.”

Ema Karter Makes Her Blacked Debut

Ema Karter has made her debut for Vixen Media Group (VMG) studio imprint Blacked, alongside Jax Slayher.

Scarlett Alexis Featured, Anna Claire Clouds Guest Hosts on 'Adult Time Podcast'

Scarlett Alexis is the latest guest on the “Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills and guest host Anna Claire Clouds.

Penthouse Names Krystal Harper Its November 'Pet of the Month'

Penthouse Magazine has named model Krystal Harper as Pet of the Month for November.

Sinatra Monroe Toplines New Digital Playground Comedy 'Single Minded'

Sinatra Monroe headlines the new comedy feature from Digital Playground, titled "Single Minded."

Show More