LOS ANGELES — Last week’s YouTube video recounting alleged assault on the set has prompted adult stars and producers to reflect on an issue that, unfortunately, makes headlines from time to time — consent violations.
On social media, members of the industry were abuzz with comments denouncing alleged occurrences during the production of scenes shot by producer Just Dave.
Last week, adult stars Leigh Raven and Riley Nixon discussed in a YouTube video their alleged assault experiences endured while shooting for director Just Dave.
The Free Speech Coalition quickly reacted, issuing a statement that “violating consent is not only unethical, it’s criminal.”
Yes, consent is an inviolable principle of porn production. And, yes, sometimes bad actors who allow or are directly involved in abusive behavior get away with it. Sadly, that’s the scenario when a paycheck is at stake, be it in adult entertainment or Hollywood.
Last week, however, Raven and Nixon took their cases to a broad audience and spurred a host of adult performers and directors chiming in.
Romi Rain joined in on the conversation on Twitter, stating that “there are certain acts I'll never do on camera, some people I'll never work with, and specific sites I'll never shoot for.”
Ela Darling tweeted that she believes in women when they’ve been assaulted on the set. “As performers our voices are frequently ignored, denied and dismissed,” she said.
Darling pointed to a downtown Los Angeles event slated tonight for performers — a Cupcake Girls gathering — that will include a therapist to discuss sexual harassment or assault. The event is being supported by the Free Speech Coalition and the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee.
FELLOW PRODUCERS: Our sets must be a place of respect, creativity, collaboration, expressionism, empowerment, and trust. Anything less than that is UNACCEPTABLE. I am outraged.
— Bree Mills (@TheBreeMills) March 10, 2018
Please watch the video. This. Has. To. Stop. We have to make it so this never happens again. We have to protect our performers. https://t.co/5dUhZZemDr
— Dana Vespoli (@danavespoli) March 9, 2018
"Rough" is an ambiguous word, ladies, ask detailed questions when booked for a "rough" scene, be aware you might have to walk off set at any time. Producers who shoot extreme rough content: Be prepared to face the consequences of pushing your talent's limits.
— Jules Jordan (@JulesJordan) March 10, 2018
To all the non industry people (mostly men) calling @leighravenx and @RileyNixon_ liars, saying they were rehearsed. I’ll tell you this. The women of this industry heard their message loud and clear. ALL of our feelers went up and we are behind them 100%
— Kimberly Kane (@kimberlykane) March 9, 2018
If you victim blame someone for not speaking up soon enough it just enforces their fear not to speak up even more.
— ADRIA RAE (@adriaraexx) March 11, 2018
So disheartening to have to even tell your story in the first place but both of you ladies are brave for doing so. Thankyou for sharing this so others will know and can stand with you ladies. ???? I’m sending all the love I can.
— adriana chechik (@adrianachechik) March 9, 2018
If a girl is willing to do a hard scene with you & you don’t respect her boundaries when, in my opinion, rough stuff requires the most vulnerability, you’re a bitch ????
— Maddy O'Reilly (@MaddyOreillyxxx) March 11, 2018
I believe women when they say they've been assaulted. As performers our voices are frequently ignored, denied, and dismissed. If you need a space to talk, come to this event Monday night w @CupcakeGirlsOrg. Therapist on site, snacks and chill out space available. pic.twitter.com/jFkp7KlJci
— Stoned Adulterer (@ElaDarling) March 10, 2018
There are certain acts I'll never do on camera, some people I'll never work with, and specific sites I'll never shoot for. #mybodymyrules
— Romi Rain (@Romi_Rain) March 10, 2018