AIDS Foundation Expands Fight for Safety in Adult Industry

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation has taken its fight for better safety conditions at adult film shoots to the talent agencies representing adult performers. The foundation filed complaints with the California Labor Commissioner against nine San Fernando Valley area talent agencies alleging that performers are at risk by practicing unprotected sex in adult films. The foundation wants the state agency to investigate and crack down on what it claims is illegal behavior by the talent agencies. The group has long pushed for stricter workplace safety standards in the adult industry. In 2009, it went to court to force Los Angeles County to require condoms usage. A Superior Court judge sided with the county in its discretion on handling public health and dismissed the legal action. The new complaints were filed April 15 against A List Media, ATMLA, Gold Star Modeling in Canoga Park, LA Direct Models in the Cahuenga Pass, Lisa Ann’s Talent Management in Encino, Metro Talent Management, Spiegler Girls in Northridge, Type 9 Models Inc., and World Modeling in Sherman Oaks. Talent agencies are licensed by the state. Other professions such as lawyers, doctors and contractors are licensed so they can be held accountable when they harm consumers and employees and talent agencies serving the adult industry are no different, said Brian Chase, assistant general counsel for the foundation. “A state-approved license holder has an obligation to abide by certain rules, and these include the rule not to expose people to the threat of danger and disease,” Chase said. Mark R. Madler