FOSTER CITY, Calif. — In the face of media pressure from billionaire investor Bill Ackman, religiously inspired anti-porn activist Laila Mickelwait and attorney Michael Bowe, who formerly represented Donald Trump and Jerry Falwell Jr., Visa announced today that it will suspend card acceptance for MindGeek’s ad network TrafficJunky until further notice. 

Visa announced the decision this morning through a personal letter from CEO Alfred F. Kelly Jr., who was personally targeted as liable by Ackman, Mickelwait and Bowe during an appearance earlier this week on the CNBC financial news show “Squawk Box,” hosted by Andrew R. Sorkin.

Sorkin and CNBC provided a platform for Ackman, Mickelwait and Bowe without presenting either contrary opinions or guests with actual expertise in the complexities and challenges of online payment processing for adult sites.

During a lengthy tirade against MindGeek, Ackman urged Kelly to make Visa the ultimate arbiter of what is permitted online, without waiting for the outcome of pending civil litigation regarding user-generated uploaded content.

Kelly’s letter explicitly acknowledges that “it is not customary for an executive to weigh in on legal matters in advance of a final ruling,” but then bizarrely carves a sentimental exception by explaining that “this situation, however, is different, and as CEO — and a father and grandfather — I feel compelled to speak out.”

Anti-porn activists groups are already celebrating Visa and Kelly’s decision online as a victory for their “operation chokehold,” an attempt to use courts and the media to pressure private financial companies and internet platforms to decide what online content can and cannot be shared.

A Decision by a Controversial Judge in a Civil Lawsuit That Has Not Even Started

As XBIZ reported, Judge Cormac J. Carney of the U.S. District Court of central California ruled on Friday against Visa’s request to be dismissed from the lawsuit, which alleges it “conspired” with MindGeek to profit from CSAM.

Carney, a George W. Bush appointee who had to step down from his previous post as as Chief Judge for making a racially insensitive comment about one of his law clerks, wrote in his opinion that “if Visa was aware that there was a substantial amount of child porn on MindGeek’s sites, which the Court must accept as true at this stage of the proceedings, then it was aware that it was processing the monetization of child porn, moving money from advertisers to MindGeek for advertisements playing alongside child porn like Plaintiff’s videos.”

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of a woman who claims underage images uploaded by third parties were “monetized” by Pornhub, is part of an ongoing campaign of legal actions by religiously motivated groups like NCOSE and activists like Mickelwait, aiming to shut down MindGeek and all “online pornography.”

A MindGeek rep pointed out to Variety that “at this point in the case, the Court has not yet ruled on the veracity of the allegations, and is required to assume all of the plaintiff’s allegations are true and accurate. When the Court can actually consider the facts, we are confident the plaintiff’s claims will be dismissed for lack of merit.”

MindGeek, the rep continued, has “zero tolerance for the posting of illegal content on its platforms, and has instituted the most comprehensive safeguards in user-generated platform history. We have banned uploads from anyone who has not submitted government-issued ID that passes third-party verification, eliminated the ability to download free content, integrated several leading technological platform and content moderation tools, instituted digital fingerprinting of all videos found to be in violation of our Non-Consensual Content and CSAM Policies to help protect against removed videos being reposted, expanded our moderation workforce and processes, and partnered with dozens of non-profit organizations around the world.”

“Any insinuation that MindGeek does not take the elimination of illegal material seriously is categorically false,” the MindGeek rep stressed.

Visa CEO’s Full Letter

This is Visa CEO Alfred F. Kelly, Jr.’s letter announcing the suspension of Visa acceptance for MindGeek’s TrafficJunky ad network:

On Friday, July 29, a federal court issued a decision in ongoing litigation involving MindGeek, the owner of Pornhub and other websites. In this pre-trial decision, the court denied Visa’s motion to be removed from the case on a theory that Visa was complicit in MindGeek’s actions because Visa payment cards were used to pay for advertising on MindGeek sites, among other claims. We strongly disagree with this decision and are confident in our position. 

I have been a business leader long enough to know that court cases can take years. I also recognize that it is not customary for an executive to weigh in on legal matters in advance of a final ruling. This situation, however, is different, and as CEO – and a father and grandfather –  I feel compelled to speak out. 

At this early stage in the case, courts must accept as true all allegations made in a lawsuit – even if they are not accurate or proven. In our view, our company’s role, policies and practices have been mischaracterized. The allegations in this lawsuit are repugnant and stand in direct contradiction to Visa’s values and purpose.     

Let me be clear: Visa condemns sex trafficking, sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse. It is illegal, and Visa does not permit the use of our network for illegal activity. Our rules explicitly and unequivocally prohibit the use of our products to pay for content that depicts nonconsensual sexual behavior or child sexual abuse. We are vigilant in our efforts to deter this and other illegal activity on our network. Moreover, we require Visa’s financial institution clients, which maintain the direct relationships with merchants, to assure and attest to merchants’ compliance with our standards.

With respect to MindGeek specifically, we suspended sites that contained user-generated content in December 2020 and acceptance on those sites has not been reinstated. Despite what you may have read in recent days, you cannot use your Visa card on Pornhub.   

The legal decision, with which we disagree, has also created new uncertainty about the role of TrafficJunky, MindGeek’s advertising arm. Accordingly, we will suspend TrafficJunky’s Visa acceptance privileges based on the court’s decision until further notice. During this suspension, Visa cards will not be able to be used to purchase advertising on any sites including Pornhub or other MindGeek affiliated sites.

Visa has longstanding rules and processes designed to uphold the integrity of our network. We have taken this opportunity to reiterate and reinforce our requirements with respect to legal transactions with all acquiring institutions – those institutions that bring merchants to our network and hold direct relationships with them. We have made it clear that acquirers and merchants who are unable to meet our standards and requirements are not welcome on our network.

It is Visa’s policy to follow the law of every country in which we do business. We do not make moral judgments on legal purchases made by consumers, and we respect the rightful role of lawmakers to make decisions about what is legal and what is not. Accordingly, Visa can be used only at MindGeek studio sites that feature adult professional actors in legal adult entertainment.

As I’ve said, Friday’s news concerned a pre-trial decision before Visa has presented any evidence. We look forward to shining a light onto the lengths Visa goes to ensure the integrity of our people and network.

Aug 4, 2022 4:41 PM PDT

MIAMI — King Louie Smalls is prepping for the launch of his official membership site on Thursday, Sept. 1.

Smalls, a former professional athlete, made his adult debut in 2018.

“During the pandemic, I turned to popular platforms like OnlyFans, ManyVids and Modelhub to be able to stay busy when most studios weren’t filming,” Smalls said. “Though those sites continue to play an integral role to my success, I feel the need to now more than ever establish my own platform to fully display my talents and prowess as one of the top male performers in the industry. Thus, my new site was born.”

Smalls’ site will feature HD as well as homemade content, with scenarios ranging from erotic fantasy to “witty, real-life pickups,” with multiple levels of membership, weekly updates and a la carte options. Crypto payments will be accepted.

The site will also have an affiliate program powered by SegPay, MiamiProfit.com.

Click here to sign up to be notified when the site goes live.

MONTREAL — Mile High Media has debuted a new series from MILFED under the direction of Mike Quasar.

“Fuck My Wife” features cover model Gianna Grey with Lolly Dames, Jordan Maxx and Carmen Valentina.

The action explores “the unique dynamic of beautiful MILFs who love to have their husbands watch as they take their lovers in every imaginable position,” a rep said.

“Mike takes you into the lives of gorgeous MILFs who love to get down-and-dirty in front of their husbands,” said Mile High VP Jon Blitt. “Gianna is the quintessential MILF who is utterly insatiable, as she and her fellow stars prove in this opening chapter of the series.”

Click here for box art and additional details.

Follow MILFED online and on Twitter; direct wholesale inquiries to wilma@mile-high-media.com.

LOS ANGELES — Gamma Entertainment has announced its “full acquisition” of Open Life Entertainment, which includes XEmpire network brands such as HardX, EroticaX and LesbianX along with an array of taboo sites from the Blowpass network.

Open Life, aka O.L. Entertainment, was founded in 2013 as a joint venture between Gamma and Mile High Media, and has been supervised by Mile High VP Jon Blitt for the past nine years.

With the acquisition, Gamma will take over production of all Open Life properties.

“It has been a privilege to team with Gamma and create such awarded, impactful brands,” Blitt said. “I am so proud of what we were able to develop over the past nine years in partnership and know that Open Life Entertainment is in good hands going forward.”

Claude Hyppolite, head of paysites for Gamma, thanked Blitt and his team for “their creativity and professionalism over the past nine years.”

“Together we’ve been able to bring to market acclaimed and award-winning websites,” he added. “I’m excited for this new chapter and look forward to what’s ahead.”

The Open Life properties are available for affiliate promotion via BlazingBucks. Direct inquiries to affiliates@gammae.com.

HORSHAM, Penn. — Xgen Products is now shipping the new Bodywand Lolly and Couture luxury massagers.

Lolly is described as a small, compact wand with “full-sized power” while Couture is a full-size wand “where fashion and style meet pleasure,” noted a rep. “The classic wand design on both items allows for all-over massage, and the large heads and flexible necks are perfect for deep-tissue massage. Five modes of vibration and 10 speeds make both wands very versatile.”

The packaging for both items includes a front flap that, when opened, displays the product inside.

“We’re excited to have two new additions to the Bodywand collection,” said Andy Green, CEO of Xgen. “They are each very sleek thanks to the matte black color and rose gold accents. Retailers will definitely want to have them in stock.”

Green noted that pre-orders for both items were “the strongest ever for Bodywand.”

“Customers that saw the items at both ANME and Altitude were very excited,” he added.

Both massagers are USB-rechargeable, made from velvety-soft silicone and 100% splashproof.

Visit XGenB2B.com or contact a preferred sales rep for additional details.

MONTREAL — Sweetheart Video has released Mike Quasar’s “Lesbian Adventures: Strap-On Specialists 17″ starring cover models Theodora Day and Kylie Rocket.

Other cast members include Aiden Ashley, Kay Lovely, Jesse Pony, Lumi Ray, Charlotte Sins and Charly Summer.

“Mike brings together a brand new cast of beautiful young stars in this newest installment of the series,” said Jon Blitt, VP of Sweetheart parent company Mile High Media. “Watch as these gorgeous beauties share their sapphic lust with their favorite strap-on toys in four scorching hardcore scenes.”

Besides Day and Rocket, scene pairings include Ashley and Summer, then Sins and Lovely and finally Pony and Ray.

Click here for box art and additional details and follow Sweetheart Video on Twitter.

Direct sales and distribution inquiries to wilma@mile-high-media.com or call 800-363-0133.

Aug 3, 2022 5:00 PM PDT

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus sexologist Debra Shade has opened Shades Oasis.

Shade, according to a rep, “is a Board-Certified Clinical Sexologist and Master Sexpert. Yup, she is listed right there with Dr. Ruth.”

“With 10 years of experience in the industry of sex education and health and wellness, Shade has opened a new multi-purpose center where individuals can come and receive experiences and curriculum that teaches the importance of completing the sexual response cycle,” the rep added.

The rep described Shade’s workshops as “hands-on and easy to follow. Individuals seeking to overcome barriers to orgasm can see that their health and wellness can be better.”

Shades Oasis “will be a space where people can come and gain knowledge, they were never given in school or family,” the rep added.

The wellness center will offer workshops such as naked yoga, meditation and mindfulness, described as the “pillars” to the services offered to members. Shade’s information on “completing the sexual response cycle” is covered in 14 courses which she will deliver at the venue.

The venue has a massage room where practitioners can perform massage using hot stone, aromatherapy, shiatsu, yoni and prostrate techniques.

Shades Oasis is a BYOB facility and requires a membership. The venue is located at 3375 S. Hamilton Road, Columbus, OH 43232.

For more information email debra@shadesoasis.com and visit ShadesOasis.com.

DENVER, Colo. — Female-founded wellness and intimacy brand High on Love has released its new Tropical Sunset Sensual Massage Oil.

A rep described the Tropical Sunset aroma as drawing inspiration from “luxury resorts and beach vacations, with hints of sweet orange, pineapple, rose and jasmine. The luxurious blend of natural oils and premium hemp seed oil nourishes the skin while simultaneously easing tension to prepare for intimacy.”

High On Love Sensual Massage Oil, with a $60 MSRP, is “delectably edible and made in small batches to guarantee the highest quality,” the rep said.

Founder and CEO Angela Mustone designed the massage oil to help customers “escape into deep relaxation and pleasure, even if it’s from our own bathtubs or bedrooms.”

“When you can’t go to the beach, why not have the beach come to you?” she added. “The scents are specifically formulated to transport you to a luxury resort and into that stress-free vacation mindset.”

Click here for additional details and follow High on Love on Twitter and Instagram.

Direct wholesale inquiries to info@highonlove.ca.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — As the popularity of kinky play spaces has increased with the success of the Netflix home decoration show “How to Build a Sex Room,” XR Brands is promoting its BDSM gear and accessories to customers who may be interested in designing their own home sex room.

“XR makes it easy for retailers to equip their inventory with the furniture, tools and accessories shoppers need to build their own playroom at home,” said a rep. “A fun home addition with easy construction, these sex rooms can be made complete with standouts from the award-winning Master Series and Strict brands.”

For shoppers with limited space, XR recommends items like Strict’s Bondage Board and XL Bondage Board, or the Master Series Bondage Massage Bed, which can bring a sex room to life and then be folded up and tucked away for easy storage while not in use.

In homes with a little more room to play, XR recommends that shoppers opt for something luxurious and versatile to “take their play up a notch, like the Kinky Couch Sex Chaise Lounge or the Extreme Sling and Swing Stand, which lets couples literally soar to new sexual heights,” the rep noted.

For customers interested in exploring restraint systems, Master Series is “a go-to brand for variety and versatility that represents a wide range of kinky play.”

XR highlighted larger-scale items like the Obedience Extreme Sex Bench with Restraint Straps, the Levitate Suspension Bar and the Hanging Rubber Strap Cage.

For folks with a dominance and submission lifestyle, items like the Master Series Queening Chair or the Kennel Adjustable Puppy Cage with Padded Board “are a perfect fit — and also make fantastic eye-catching store displays,” the rep offered.

XR President Rebecca Weinberg explained that today’s shoppers are “more committed to sexual pleasure than ever, and mainstream media has been highlighting so many BDSM and kink activities that were once reserved for folks ‘in the know.’”

In the past, Weinberg pointed out, “having a sex room at home would be considered a dirty little secret, but now consumers are open about their desire to bring in special tools, accoutrements and even furniture to facilitate their pleasure and enhance their relationships. We are proud to offer those shoppers so many high-quality options to help them build the playroom of their dreams.”

XR Brands also offers a variety of accessories, from vibrators and dildos to impact tools, electro-stim tools and full-on sex machines like the Dicktator Extreme Sex Machine.

To place an order, or for more information about XR Brands, click here or email info@xrbrands.com.

Aug 3, 2022 4:18 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES — Amber Alena is marking her return to studio shoots with a new, comic Brazzers romp opposite Jimmy Michaels.

A rep noted Alena’s 2020 Brazzers scene, “Cooldown Dicking” opposite Xander Corvus, went viral with over 807,000 views.

The new action begins with Michaels exploring a pair of X-ray glasses that allow him to see anyone naked through their clothes, and he decides to use them on his roommate’s girlfriend (Alena).

“Amber sees that he’s perving on her, and because she’s pissed at her boyfriend, she takes full advantage of Jimmy’s cock,” the rep said. “The two fuck pretty much everywhere but somehow don’t get caught by Amber’s boyfriend.”

Alena enthused about her return.

“I’m excited to be back in the industry, and I’m glad my first two scenes were with Brazzers; the other will be debuting soon. Make sure to pay for your porn and subscribe, if you’re not already, watch my scene, and give it a ‘thumbs-up,’ so you’ll see more of me.”

A trailer for the scene can be found here and follow Brazzers on Twitter.

Follow Amber Alena on Twitter and find her premium social media links here.