RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — After numerous long delays, the criminal trial of Mercedes Carrera and her husband on multiple child sexual abuse charges has finally been scheduled for October 3.

Carrera and her husband, Jason Whitney, were arrested after a police raid of their Rancho Cucamonga home on Feb. 1, 2019.

They have now been in county jail without trial for over three years, first without bail and later, after they had liquidated their assets and had no source of income due to their incarceration, with bail set at $2 million for each.

According to court documents, a pretrial hearing was held today to determine the jury selection process and the date for beginning the actual trial. The documents also show a trial readiness conference scheduled for Sept. 30, prior to the jury trial set by Judge Katrina West and the parties for Oct. 3.

For more of XBIZ’s coverage of the Mercedes Carrera case, click here.

Jul 12, 2022 1:57 PM PDT

MIAMI — Lauren Phillips will attend Exxxotica Miami this weekend to sign autographs and sell her branded merch at the Kinbaku Studio booth and interactive dungeon from Friday through Sunday.

Additionally on Friday, Phillips will headline, alongside Kiki Klout, at the Pink Pony gentlemen’s club. She will perform one set and offer a meet-and-greet afterwards. Entry is free before midnight all weekend to Exxxotica VIP ticketholders.

“I can’t wait for Exxxotica this weekend,” Phillips said. “I love Miami and the fans at the show are always a lot of fun. Make sure to come to the expo and the afterparty on Friday to see me feature.”

For additional information, find Exxxotica Miami online and on Twitter.

Follow Lauren Phillips on Twitter and access her premium social media linkage here.

Jul 12, 2022 1:46 PM PDT

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — Adam & Eve has released a new survey that compares results to the same question they asked 10 years ago about having sex in public.

According to the findings, “not as many couples are seeking this thrill as they did 10 years ago,” a rep said. “In 2011, 52% of the respondents said they had engaged in sex in a public place, while only 46% of 2021’s respondents did. Over 47% of those surveyed in 2011 said they had not ever had sex in public, compared to 39% in 2021.”

The data also indicates that people are less likely now to discuss this behavior, given only 1% of respondents in 2011 refused to answer. In contrast, this number increased to 15% in the 2021 survey.

Dr. Jenni Skyler, resident sexologist at Adam & Eve, shared her thoughts on the survey results.

“We’ve spent the last several years avoiding doing most anything in public,” Skyler said. “Because couples have become accustomed to being inside for the past two years, they may need a thawing period to feel comfortable exhibiting public displays of affection. This includes everything from holding hands and kissing to more risky sex in public.”

The web-based survey, conducted by an independent third-party survey company of over 1,000 American adults aged 18 and up, was sponsored by Adam & Eve to study sexual preferences and practices.

Visit AdamEve.com and follow the company on Twitter.

EUGENE, Ore. — An Oregon jury has awarded more than $1.7 million to Nicole Gililland, a former nursing student who sued her school for discriminating against her because of her adult performer past.

Although the jury declined to hold Southwestern Oregon Community College liable for Title IX violations, it did find SWOCC in breach of contract for derailing Gililland’s career and life after the school administration and instructors found out in 2017-2018 about her brief stint as an adult performer a decade earlier.

Gililland performed for adult studios for around 20 months between 2007 and 2009.

The jury’s verdict was announced on Thursday, awarding Gililland $735,417 in compensation for the economic damage inflicted on her by SWOCC staff, plus $1 million in punitive damages.

After a long process protracted by the school’s reluctance to acknowledge wrongdoing, Gililland and her lawyers convinced the jury of the merits of her claim that in 2017, an SWOCC staffer told her she could not be a nurse because she was an “unclassy woman” and that records were altered to make her flunk out of the nursing program in which she had been excelling.

“This case has involved a lot of serious miscarriages of justice from the beginning,” Gililland told XBIZ in December.

She is currently thriving as a law student in Massachusetts, and has become involved in sex worker rights advocacy and activism during her years-long fight against her former Oregon nursing school.

“Every fail-safe to protect me as a citizen and student had failed me,” she continued. “This is the first real example of ethics and reason being applied to what has happened, and it has given me a renewed sense of hope in the system.”

Lawyer: ‘A Message to Take Discrimination Complaints Seriously’

Gililland’s attorney, Brandon Mark, told XBIZ that his firm, Parsons Behle & Latimer, is “grateful for the opportunity to represent Nicole Gililland in her suit against Southwestern Oregon Community College. Michael Young and I were fortunate that Ms. Gililland trusted us to help her tell her story to a jury of her peers.”

After considering “the substantial evidence presented during trial and thoughtfully deliberating for an entire day, the jury a returned a fair verdict for Ms. Gililland,” Marks continued. “The verdict should be a message to colleges and employers alike that they must take complaints of harassment and discrimination seriously, especially discrimination or harassment based on gender stereotypes, and must protect those who bring complaints to them in good faith from retaliation.”

Gililland: ‘Justice Was Done’

Gililland told XBIZ today that she is “relieved and encouraged by the fact that justice was done, the justice system worked in my case” and that she can now have her life back.

“As I had the chance to tell the jury during my testimony, ‘None of us should be here,’” she added. “The SWOCC authorities had every chance to show basic leadership and human decency every step of the way dealing with this clear-cut case of egregious discrimination, and instead they chose to drag me and my family through a needlessly protracted process. They decided to continue the victimization of a former sex worker instead of doing the right thing.”

Gililland expressed appreciation for her legal team of Mark, Michael Young and Sherrie Ross and gratitude for the jury “helping prove that this kind of discrimination happens, and that society should condemn those in power who aid and abet it.

“I just finished my first year at UMass Law,” she said. “And while law school is difficult, the environment there is so diverse and supportive. It’s a breath of fresh air after my experiences at SWOCC.”

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — XR Brands is now shipping an array of new Master Series candles designed for wax play, in a variety of shapes and containers.

A rep noted that the new additions, produced with paraffin wax, offer a range of options for wax players and for retailers as they stock their shelves.

Known for its low melting point, paraffin wax is ready to use at a cooler temperature than typical candle wax, reducing the chance of burns.

The new wax play offerings from Master Series include:

• Pecker Drip Candle: Available in Dark Pecker (black), Passion Pecker (purple), Spicy Pecker (red) and Pride Pecker (rainbow), these unscented, moisturizing, penis-shaped paraffin wax candles add a touch of whimsy to wax play.
• Fever Hot Wax Candle: Available in red, black and blue, these lightly scented paraffin candles come in convenient resealable tins and are perfect for setting the mood, experimenting with BDSM play or indulging in a warm, sensual massage.
• Dark Drippers Fetish Drip Candle Set of 3: Available in black or red, this fragrance-free set of three tapers features a unique paraffin wax formula that is ideal for sensation play.
• Flame Drippers Candle Set: Designed with wax play in mind, this convenient set features three paraffin candles (one black, one purple, one red) in glass containers that make it easy for users to judge the temperature of the wax before pouring.

“More couples are exploring kink than ever before and wax play is an accessible entry point for many people,” XR Brands President Rebecca Weinberg said. “We have stepped the Master Series line up to offer high-quality BDSM products that satisfy seasoned kinksters while remaining accessible to folks who are newly exploring. Wax play can be intimidating to the uninitiated, but these candles make it fun and easy. Plus, they make the perfect sexy gift.”

For more information, visit XRBrands.com or email info@xrbrands.com.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. — System JO will begin shipping three new flavors in its JO Cocktails line of water-based lubricants in September.

The new Mimosa flavor is described as a blend of citrusy orange juice and champagne, while Cosmopolitan is a blend of cranberry and lime, and Mai Tai includes passion fruit and pineapple flavors.

“These refreshing new flavors taste as good as the enjoyable cocktails they are named after, and are perfect for any intimate moment,” a rep said. “Offering a sensual, comforting glide and silky-smooth feel, they leave skin feeling soft and moisturized.”

The lubes are condom-compatible, toy-friendly and easily cleaned with water, with a flip-top cap for easy dispensing. They are alcohol-free and contain no sugar.

Each 2-fluid-ounce bottle carries an MSRP of $12.99, with ecommerce availability set for the fourth quarter of this year.

Mimosa, Cosmopolitan and Mai Tai join original flavors Mojito, Pina Colada and Sex on the Beach.

Visit SystemJO.com for additional details or contact a preferred sales rep.

LOS ANGELES — LoveDrop has launched a brand ambassador program, titled LDC for “LoveDrop Co.,” and announced upcoming monthly events.

The premium adult subscription box service, owned and curated by Eve Laurence, described the program as “a unique enterprise offering wellness influencers the exclusive opportunity to earn extra money, receive free monthly products, industry-only sexual wellness discounts, affiliate compensation, collaborative prospects, and paid and promotional surveys, plus access to invite-only industry events and free features in industry PR.”

By connecting brands and creators together with LDC, Laurence said, LoveDrop hopes “to build a stronger community, share our stories and goals and find support where we may have thought there was none. We are excited to get talented creators and influential industry figures on board and more involved with our brand while extending a host of lucrative benefits.”

In conjunction with the program, the company will also be hosting brand and influencer events on the last Monday of every month. The first event will take place July 25 in Los Angeles.

Aspiring brand ambassadors who sign up on the program page before 11:59 p.m. PDT on Monday, July 18 will be eligible to win a $500 Amazon gift card, with the winner to be announced Tuesday, July 19.

For the July 25 event, talent must be approved LDC brand ambassadors and be registered for event entry via the LDC Website. This exclusive event is limited to the first 35 creators and performers who register.

For more information, visit Love-Drop.com and follow the company on Twitter.

LOS ANGELES — Bellesa has launched a new reality game show series titled “Belle Says,” available exclusively on Bellesa Plus.

“Belle Says” was created and directed by Veronica Rossi and produced by Jacky St. James. Joining current unscripted flagship studio Bellesa House, “Belle Says” is described as a high-concept series that “blurs the line between reality dating show and explicit adult content.”

On “Belle Says,” performers arrive on set believing they are coming in to shoot a regular Bellesa House scene, only to be surprised instead by a game show hosted by “Belle,” an interactive AI director.

“They must abide by Belle’s rules and commands in order to receive what they want most — pleasure,” a rep said. “If they don’t, there will be consequences.”

The rep added that the concept “maintains that same raw, authentic feel that Bellesa House captures so seamlessly, and pairs it with the excitement and gamification of Bellesa Blind Date.”

“As a newbie in the adult directing industry, I wanted to bring something to the table — or rather, couch — that’s never been seen before,” Rossi explained. “In a typical porn scene, there’s usually a dominant partner and a submissive one. In ‘Belle Says,’ the performers must both submit to Belle in order to receive pleasure. It’s so exciting to see their reactions once they realize what they’ve gotten into, and watch their true personalities shine through in their quest to please Belle.”

Performer Kenzie Taylor enthused about her experience.

“The fact that I just got to have sex with a beautiful woman and be bossed around by a robot? 10/10, would do it again,” she said. “I can honestly say for the first time in my life this has never happened before.”

Alexis Tae mirrored Taylor’s enthusiasm. “I thought it was amazing. It was so different and so not what I was expecting,” she shared.

Rossi stressed that Bellesa always wants performers to have a genuinely pleasurable experience. “We get to use Belle as a tool to incorporate dominance and direction, but leave just enough leeway for the performers to take it in the direction they want,” she said.

For more information, visit Bellesa Plus.

LOS ANGELES — Steve Callow, the inventor, designer and CEO of Perfect Fit Brand, passed away yesterday, July 8, due to injuries from a car accident.

Family and loved ones posted the following tribute on Callow’s Facebook today:

“In Memory of Steve Callow, March 13th,1965-July 8th, 2022

“We are devastated that our beloved Steve passed away on Friday, July 8, 2022 due to injuries from a car accident. He was surrounded by love and passed peacefully, knowing that he would soon see his adored mother and his two fur babies Dakota and Montana.

“As anyone knows who has met Steve, he was larger than life and filled the room with his big smile, bright blue eyes and infectious humour. He had a huge appetite for life (and marzipan), and never hesitated to help anyone in need. His intelligence, creativity and entrepreneurial nature were evident at an early age, when he started his own company building computers at the age of twenty. He eventually sold it, became an executive at international consulting company Accenture, and was headhunted to become a V-P of a telecommunications firm.

“Several years later, he began inventing products for the sexual wellness industry. He has since won over forty awards and patented numerous inventions for his designs, which he sold under the company that he founded, the lauded Perfect Fit Brand company.

“Steve’s gifts were many, and his achievements are a testament to them. But for those who loved Steve, we know his greatest gift was his generous heart and unending loyalty. If you needed Steve, he would be there for you. Every time.

“While Steve was living in Florida, he went to a local shelter to adopt a dog. They took one look at his fit, strong frame and convinced him to leave with Dakota and Montana, two Siberian huskies who had been returned because no one could manage them. He agreed on the spot, and piled them into the back of his BMW convertible. Steve’s love and devotion to these two dogs healed them of their past traumas, and the three of them were inseparable. During this time, Steve met his best friend Peter, whom he married. When Steve moved to Los Angeles to continue building his business, Peter followed him upon his graduation from nursing school.

“Eventually, Steve adopted another pair of huskies, Atlas and Marvel, who accompanied him on his early morning hikes in Griffith Park. Steve was happy and enjoying life when the accident tragically ended his brilliant, passionate life. He is so deeply loved and we are all devastated by his passing. He leaves his husband, Peter; his boyfriend Tre; his sister Pam and her husband Dan, and his two nieces, Julia and Katrina; and his sister Marlis and her husband Calum, and his niece and nephew Kelsey and Gavin; and his beloved huskies Atlas and Marvel.

“Steve’s wishes are to be cremated. There will be a visitation at the Friends Funeral Home Mountainview location, 2400 N. Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena, CA 910001 on Tuesday, July 12th from 2-3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve’s memory to the ASPCA and the World Wildlife Fund.

“Steve, you filled our lives with so much joy, laughter, and love. It is hard to comprehend that you are gone. But we know that you are always with us, because you always have been there for us.

With all of our love,

Peter, Pam and Tre”

Jul 8, 2022 6:30 PM PDT

PENNSAUKEN, N.J. — Williams Trading Co. (WTC) Senior Sales Representative Ron Kohls has been featured as an “unsung hero” in the June edition of SE Magazine.

Writer Eugenio Torrens reached out to adult retail companies and asked them to nominate an employee whom they believed contributed a great deal towards the success of their company.

WTC Director of Marketing & Sales Scott D put forth Kohls’ name.

With over 30 years’ experience, Kohls “knows his customers’ needs,” Scott said.

“He is an all-around excellent salesperson, whom customers know they can rely on and trust,” Scott continued. “He constantly advises WTC  accounts with new selections, recommendations and best practices. Ron’s in-depth knowledge of what sells well in individual stores gives customers the confidence that they are selecting the right products for their customers, and the long-term trust, confidence and loyalty his customers show him is well-earned.”

To read the full article, visit StorErotica.com.