Pro Surfer Files Suit Claiming She Was Labeled as Working in Gay Porn

HONOLULU — A professional surfer who was denied a role in the 2011 drama "Soul Surfer" claims that producers of the faith-based biopic passed her over because they believed she had a history of starring in gay porn.

Keala Kennelly, who is ranked as the second-greatest female surfer in the world and has worked on numerous mainstream film productions, sued Brookwell McNamara Entertainment Inc. this week for religion discrimination based on sexual orientation and sexual orientation discrimination after a female producer allegedly told the director of the film that she "had some dirt on" her.

"'For one thing, she is gay,'" Kennelly's complaint said, quoting the producer. "'And she does gay porn. It's on the Internet.'"

According to the complaint, the male director, without checking the accuracy of the producer's “dirt,” responded, "'No way! Oh no. Well, we can't use her then.'"

The lawsuit claims that Kennelly admits she is openly gay but never performed in porn.

A simple Internet check does show that Kennelly has a presence on FreeOnes.com, which categorically offers listings of those working in the adult entertainment business.

But FreeOnes, which describes itself as “the ultimate babe site since 1998,” also includes others outside of adult.

In the case of Kennelly, FreeOnes includes five links, but they all resolve to social network sites on Twitter and Facebook, as well as her fan site and a mainstream movie database.

Kennelly, who claimed she lost her Screen Actors Guild health coverage because the production company passed her over for the role and others, filed her case in Hawaii's First Circuit Court.

The Kauai resident seeks compensatory, special and punitive damages.

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

AI Erotic Storytelling Platform 'AIEroticSmut' Launches

AIEroticSmut.com, a DIY erotic storytelling platform, has officially launched.

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Show More