Two California porn production companies shut down after actor tested HIV-positive

[News_Editor]

Two California porn production companies shut down after actor tested HIV-positive

2010-10-14 02:39:03 GMT+7 (ICT)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (BNO NEWS) -- Two California adult film production companies on Tuesday suspended filming as a precautionary measure after an actor tested HIV-positive, Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday.

An adult film performer from San Fernando Valley tested HIV-positive at the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation (AIM), a clinic in Sherman Oaks that mainly treats porn industry workers. It is the first local case in over a year.

"We do have a confirmed adult-industry performer who tested positive for HIV. We are quarantining and testing all exposed partners to the individual who tested positive for HIV," said Jennifer Miller, an HIV/STD counselor at the clinic.

AIM declined to disclose specific information regarding the adult film performer. Officials did not informed on the gender of the actor, on which companies he or she worked for and other data related to the HIV test.

In consequence, two companies, Wicked Pictures and Vivid Entertainment decided to shut down operations in the meantime. Both production companies said that the HIV-positive performer caused the halt in operations. Wicked Pictures is based in Canoga Park while Vivid Entertainment is located in Van Nuys.

"When Vivid was first made aware that a performer had tested positive for HIV we immediately suspended production. We did this as a precaution and will continue to monitor the situation. We will wait for all of the facts to emerge before we resume production," Steven Hirsch, Vivid's co-founder, said.

Local AIDS activists have constantly requested the state's Division of Occupational Safety and Health and unsuccessfully sued the county Department of Public Health to mandate condom use by adult film performers. Wicked Pictures described its productions as condom-mandatory.

In 2004, a similar event took place in San Fernando Valley after a male porn star and three female colleagues tested HIV-positive provoking that more than 30 companies voluntarily shut down operations for a month.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-10-14

[telldem]

My condolences to all the women who had unprotected sex with that man.

[Demodokos]

I fell sorry for the men, and even more for women who had unprotected relations with them without knowing, but...

Any link to Thailand?

[Demodokos]

Sorry for the double post