Positive HIV test halts adult film production

Positive HIV test halts adult film production

A performer in the U.S. adult film industry has tested positive for HIV, forcing at least two adult film companies to halt filming as a precautionary measure.

The case, the first in more than a year for the thriving adult film industry in San Fernando Valley, prompted AIDS activists to renew their call for the authorities to mandate the use of condoms in adult films.

“We are quarantining and testing all exposed partners to the individual,” Jennifer Miller, counselor at the AIM clinic which caters to adult film performers, confirmed on Tuesday.

The clinic did not disclose the gender of the adult film performer nor the company he or she was working for.

“We’re doing what we can to notify the individuals involved,” Miller said.

Two big industry players - Vivid Entertainment and Wicked Pictures - announced on Tuesday that they are suspending filming because of the positive HIV test result.

“We did this as a precaution and will continue to monitor the situation,” said Steven Hirsch, founder and co-chairman of Vivid. “We will wait for all of the facts to emerge before resuming production.”

Wicked Pictures said that all filming done by them is “condom-mandatory” but will nevertheless wait for a “comprehensive quarantine list” to be given by AIM.

California AIDS activists were quick to react to news about the positive case, urging public health authorities to investigate the clinic and its records.

“How many more people have to be infected with HIV before Los Angeles County steps in to do its job and protect performers’ and the public’s health,” asked Michael Weinstein, AIDS Healthcare Foundation president.

Posted by Kade Quinn on Thursday October 14 2010, 7:26 AM EST. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Health. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0