Porn filmmaking shut down after performer tests HIV positive

An adult film performer has tested HIV positive, prompting a temporary shutdown of adult film productions across Los Angeles this week until further testing can confirm the results, an industry trade group said.

“Until we know for sure, we’ve asked the industry to have a moratorium on production,” said Diane Duke, executive director of the Free Speech Coalition, a Canoga Park-based porn industry trade group.

Duke’s group became aware of the possible HIV case Saturday, according to a statement released to porn industry media. Duke would not say how her group learned about the possible HIV case.

She said she notified adult film production companies across the San Fernando Valley on Monday morning that a performer had tested positive and urged them to temporarily halt productions until further tests were completed.

Duke said company officials she spoke with -- including those at well-known studios, such as Hustler and Evil Angel -- agreed to the temporary shutdown.

Duke said she could not release the performer’s name, age or gender. Further testing will likely be completed within a week, she added. Her group will notify performers who had sex with the potentially infected person so they can get tested.

(Via LAT)