Porn industry extends production halt after possible HIV exposure

A trade association for the adult film industry on Friday called for a hold on production to be extended through Monday in response to a possible HIV exposure on an out-of-state film set.

The Free Speech Coalition, which had originally called for a three-day halt on Wednesday, did not name the state where the film set was located or the production company.

Diane Duke, executive director of the coalition, acknowledged in a statement that the extension on film production could be taxing for porn studios but said the safety of actors was the industry’s top priority.

“We understand that production delays are difficult for performers, as well as producers,” she said. “However, as always, for the safety and integrity of the performer pool, we need to err on the side of caution.”

Earlier in the week, Duke had requested that people respect the privacy of the performer involved and that the public refrain from speculation “until more news is forthcoming.”

Canoga Park-based Free Speech Coalition calls production holds and moratoriums if there is a “possible risk of HIV in the adult film community,” it said in a statement. The production halts “are an important part of the safety protocols in adult film” but do not signal an actual on-set transmission, it said.

“We will continue to work with producers, performers and the health department to investigate and determine when production can safely continue,” Duke said.

Performers are generally required to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases every two weeks when actively performing, according to the Free Speech Coalition. The industry group has vigorously opposed a Los Angeles County law passed in 2012 that mandates condom use by porn actors.

The coalition put a two-day moratorium on porn filming in August after receiving a report of a performer testing positive for HIV. The moratorium was lifted after it was determined that the HIV test was a false positive.

Critics say the only reliable way to prevent transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases on set is by mandating condom use.

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