Porn industry hit by HIV outbreak
13 Jun 2009, 1300 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

Melbourne, June 13 The multi-billion dollar adult film industry in the US has been left facing a storm after 22 porn actors were reported to have contracted HIV.

State health officials in California fear moviemakers may not be following regulations that require them to provide protection against the transmission of the disease on film sets.

The state Division of Occupational Safety was looking to begin a formal investigation after a woman recently tested positive for HIV just after shooting an adult film.

"Our concern is that we need to quickly get to the employer so that we can work with them to change their practices to ensure the proper safety measures are being taken to prevent the additional spread of HIV," The Daily Telegraph quoted agency spokesman Dean Fryer as saying.

Los Angeles County health officials revealed 22 cases of HIV had been confirmed in industry performers since 2004.

Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Health, said there were "persistent reports" about reckless practices.

Fryer added: "There is no reason these infections should be occurring if these employers are following these precautions."

Producers had made condoms mandatory after an HIV outbreak in 2004 but following a rebellion from both actors and audiences, it was made optional.

Steven Hirsch, co-Chief Executive of Vivid Entertainment Group, one of the industry's largest filmmakers, said: "What happened was the talent didn't want to use condoms. As a result, we decided to go condom optional." (ANI)

Related Latest

Allahabad hosts Ganga Water Rally to accelerate tourism industry in Uttar Pradesh Porn star backed 'Sex party' confident of success in Oz elections Novel synthetic molecules boost immune response to HIV and prostate cancer Jesse James' porn star ex wants to meet Sandra Bullock face to face Chris Brown admits anger drove him to hit Rihanna Dannii Minogue once had HIV test to prove journalist wrong Teenage Michael Caine was hit on head with glass bottle in London Hard lessons from oil industry may help address escalating groundwater crisis Aussie porn star who has bedded 100 men wants to work until 80! Jolie hit on me, claims Rosie O' Donnell

Related Latest

Two police officers embark on bicycle rally to spread message of unity Madhu Koda to remain in hospital for another day Middle order has not performed consistently in the series, says Dhoni TMC-CPM workers clash, Maoists kill three ahead of CM's visit in Midnapore Fake currency worth Rs 900,000 seized in Punjab Allahabad hosts Ganga Water Rally to accelerate tourism industry in Uttar Pradesh Over 60 percent turnout in Assembly by-polls; 53 percent in Firozabad LS poll Madhu Koda's associate sent to ten days in Enforcement Directorate custody Congress-NCP alliance forms government in Maharashtra for the second time Gold lovers in Chennai see gold as a promising investment

• Two police officers embark on bicycle rally to spread message of unity
• Madhu Koda to remain in hospital for another day
• Middle order has not performed consistently in the series, says Dhoni
• TMC-CPM workers clash, Maoists kill three ahead of CM's visit in Midnapore
• Over 60 percent turnout in Assembly by-polls; 53 percent in Firozabad LS poll

• बीकानेर महापौर चुनावः एक विश्लेषण
• Deepawali: The Festival Of Lights
• Nine tips for nine nights
• need new prevention tech for HIV, other STIs and UP
• "Good health is India's basic need": Easier said than done Mr Prime Minister!