LOS ANGELES — Maitland Ward has revealed the cover to her forthcoming memoir, titled “Rated X: How Porn Liberated Me from Hollywood,” set for release July 5, 2022 from Simon & Schuster.

The beguiling cover image of the book, “which chronicles the star’s journey from child model to soap actress to TV sitcom teen queen to adult film goddess,” noted a rep, “features a fresh-scrubbed Ward wearing a mischievous expression, white towel and not much else.”

Ward enthused about the reveal.

“I can’t wait for everyone to read my fun and juicy stories in my career. I hold nothing back,” she said. “All the behind-the-scenes info and salacious tales are here and my personal story is raw and untethered and completely exposed.”

“Rated X” begins a pre-sale campaign Jan. 5 ahead of “very spicy excerpts” set for release in March.

Click here for additional details and follow Maitland Ward on Twitter.

HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — Adam & Eve founder Phil Harvey reportedly passed away late last night, Dec. 2.

News of the adult industry pioneer’s death was disclosed via an email from Harvey’s family planning organization DKT International, which provides sexual health products and services to over 90 countries in Africa, Asia, South America and the Middle East.

This year, Adam & Eve celebrated its 50th anniversary as “the nation’s preeminent provider of pleasure products.” In an announcement in honor of the retail chain’s latest milestone, the company paid tribute to its founder.

“Phil Harvey never intended to create America’s largest adult toy empire,” the company said. “What began as his master’s thesis at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 1969 — the selling of condoms by mail — quickly evolved into the nation’s No. 1 adult products company that is known today as Adam & Eve. Today, Adam & Eve is the nation’s preeminent provider of pleasure products, with a broad range of sex-positive items, including sex toys, vibrators, lingerie, and, yes, condoms.

“In addition, Adam & Eve Founder and President Phil Harvey uses his share of the company’s profits to help fund DKT International,” the company said. “Rated as one of the best international family planning and AIDS prevention organizations in the world, DKT’s family planning programs provide accessible, affordable birth control products and services to millions of couples, making it possible to prevent HIV infections and assist with family planning. The efforts made by DKT in Africa, Asia and Latin America help improve family health, lower infant and maternal mortality and improve prosperity.”

Earlier this year, Harvey sat down for a rare career-spanning interview by Ernest Greene for XBIZ Premiere magazine; click here to read it.

XBIZ will continue to update this story.

LOS ANGELES — Cardi B has been named Playboy’s first-ever “Creative Director in Residence” and “Founding Creative Director” of the legacy brand’s new premium fan platform Centerfold.

According to the bunny brand, the performer will “provide artistic direction across co-branded fashion and sexual wellness merchandise collections, digital editorial, experiential activations and more.”

“It is a dream come true to officially join the Playboy family,” Cardi B extolled through a statement. “I can’t believe this is real.”

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt connected to Playboy,” the rapper and social media star added. “It’s truly the original platform for uncensored creativity and I’m inspired by its incredible legacy of fighting for personal freedoms.”

“I have so many ideas already — I can’t wait!” she concluded.

Through her Instagram, Cardi B elaborated, “I know y’all are going to love what we put together. I’m starting this party right as the Founding Creative Director and a founding member of Centerfold, the new creator-led platform from Playboy coming soon.”

She declared herself “excited to launch our new creator-led platform. Creators today deserve to express themselves freely and unfiltered. They deserve to feel safe in their creativity and sexuality. And they deserve to own their future. This is what Centerfold is all about.”

“For all those creators out there doing bold, revolutionary, truly culture-shifting things, come join me,” she invited.

PLBY Group’s CEO Ben Kohn said, “Cardi B is a creative genius and we are absolutely thrilled and honored to bring her immense talent and creative vision to Playboy. Through her unapologetic commitment to free expression, her dedication to lifting up artistic voices and her celebration of sex and body positivity, Cardi is the embodiment of the Playboy brand.”

Centerfold has been scheduled to launch sometime in the coming months. Back in October, PLBY Group acquired content platform Dream for $30 million to adopt it as the infrastructure for its upcoming premium fan site.

MONTREAL — YourPaysitePartner (YPP) is celebrating nominations from the 2022 XBIZ Awards, including “Web Services Company of the Year,” as well as several XBIZ Exec Awards nods, online edition.

Erik Be is nominated for “Account Exec of the Year” while YPP’s Kenny B is a “Businessman of the Year” nominee.

Nicolas Fournier from YPP’s Stunner Media is also contending for “Account Exec of the Year.”

“We have such an amazing team that keeps this company running,” a rep said. “And every year we seem to add another one to the list to be recognized for their hard work by being nominated.”

The XBIZ Awards nods include YPP’s RadicalCash as “Paysite Network of the Year.”

YPP partners Nympho, PurgatoryX, ToughloveX and True Anal received nods for “Web Series of the Year,” while VRHush is a dual nominee for “Virtual Reality Site of the Year” and “Best Virtual Reality Sex Scene” for “Hix Hiking” starring Emma Hix and Mike Mancini,

Partner AltErotic earned several nods, including “Best Performer Showcase Sex Scene” for Misha Montana and Tommy Pistol in “InkedXXXploitation of Misha Montana,” and “Best Gonzo Sex Scene” for Texas Patti and Derrick Pierce in “Glam Gonz.”

Kenny B shared his gratitude.

“2021 has been amazing to us,” he said. “We have been fortunate to have the opportunity to align ourselves with some of the best partners in the industry, which in turn has caused us all to experience business growth. It’s a win-win and we could not be happier to see their names amongst the lists of nominees.”

“We want to thank XBIZ for all of their considerations and wish all nominees the best of luck,” he continued. “It’s going to be an exciting year, for sure.”

The 2022 XBIZ Awards will crown the best-of-the-best in adult Sunday, Jan. 9 at the historic Hollywood Palladium; select web and tech categories will be presented on Jan. 5 during the XBIZ L.A. conference. Voting is now underway; click here for a full list of nominees.

For more information about YourPaysitePartner, click here.

LOS ANGELES — Joshua Lewis recently sat down with podcast host Dick Dangle as the latest guest on the “Danglin’ After Dark” Podcast.

The interview covers Lewis’s relationship with his fans and notables across social media, and his growth as an adult star in the industry. 

“Dick blew me away; he really did his homework and understood me not only as a performer but also as an individual,” said Lewis. “This is one of my favorite interviews that I’ve done, and even if you’re a loyal, fan you’ll learn more than a few things about me,” he added.

The hourlong interview can be found on the “Danglin’ After Dark” website and on Apple Podcasts and Stitcher.

Find the broadcast on Twitter; follow Joshua Lewis on Twitter and find his premium social media links here.

NEW YORK — BBW performer Curvy Mary will appear at the Exxxotica D.C. fan expo Saturday and Sunday.

She will walk the runway for a plus-sized fashion show presented by Platinum Puzzy, sit for an interview with the podcast “Chrissie Mayr’s Wet Spot” and spend time at the “I Heart BBW” booth.

Mary will appear at the “Wet Spot” booth on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. (PST) and sign at the YNOT booth on Sunday from 12-3 p.m. (PST).

“I have been having the time of my life at every Exxxotica expo this year. When people come up to me and ask if I am ‘Curvy Mary,’ it means the world to me,” she said. “So don’t be shy. I love meeting new fans; if you see me, say hello.”

“I also can’t wait to work the runway again for Platinum Puzzy; what a rush,” she added.

The expo will run through Sunday at The Dulles Expo Center. More information about the event can be found here and on Twitter.

Follow Curvy Mary on Twitter and find her premium social media linkage here.

LOS ANGELES — LELO is offering its recommendations for spicing up the holiday season with suggestions such as embracing Santa-themed cosplay with the use of the Sila stimulator.

“We’ve all had that one Grinch in our life that kept ‘stealing’ our orgasms. According to research, there is a discrepancy between men’s perceptions of female orgasms (85%) versus women’s reports of their orgasms (64%),” noted a rep. “Both men and women believe that the sex is mostly or primarily done for male pleasure, that the sex ends when the man climaxes and that the woman’s orgasm is not that important.”

“It’s time to put an end to this charade and catch up on all the orgasms you missed,” the rep added.

The Sila is “made with discretion in mind.”

“It is designed to tease you to new heights of ecstasy and intended for those who enjoy the rollercoaster ascent of pleasure,” noted the rep. “When you masturbate, your brain creates dopamine and oxytocin, which lift your mood and make you feel happy and satisfied.”

“Moreover, masturbation expresses fantasy and imagination and provides an outlet for urges that otherwise lead to unhealthy behavior,” they said. “In short, masturbation is excellent for your mental health. Bye Grinch, hello orgasms.”

LELO also recommends using the Sila to indulge in holiday-themed cosplay.

“Dressing-up is the best way to role-play, but playing the part helps, too. There is no need for actual going down the chimney — do not try that at home, please — but let the features you most enjoy about Santa come to light,” said the rep. “You can decorate your house, bake cookies and make a wish list full of Kama Sutra moves instead of actual gifts or plan a scenario of your partner coming to the house dressed as Santa. Also, instead of a classic Santa suit, opt for velvety soft Santa lingerie for men and women to spice things up.”

“Sit on Santa’s lap and seductively whisper your wishes,” they added. “Fingers crossed that your desires are fulfilled. And remember, a Santa fetish is for life, not just for holidays.”

Visit LELO.com for additional details about the Sila.

COLOMBIA — Svakom is noting the success of a recent nightclub event with online retailer Lovela in Colombia.

“With a total of 90 guests in attendance — primarily female-identifying between the ages of 25-35 — and Svakom products given away, we are proud to say this event was an absolute success,” a rep said. “We worked hard to create a safe, fun and educational space for our community. With complimentary drinks and burgers, plus a welcome gift, guests came and left with smiles on their faces.”

“We are excited to continue this brand relationship and look forward to more events such as these in the future,” continued the rep. “The event had a great atmosphere and amazing vibes; with the restrictions on traveling, we are happy that Lovela could help us bring a taste of Svakom’s style to Colombia.”

Company reps provided information and education regarding the usage and maintenance of the products and different ways to enjoy sex and masturbation. In addition, the event featured “various entertaining activities such as a dance contest where participants needed to imitate a vibrator with their dance.”

The rep noted the collaborative event was “a totally different space to educate about sexuality in a fun and engaging way.”

“The women loved it and had an excellent time. The quality of Svakom toys always gets a ‘wow’ reaction when we explain their design and functions in detail,” they said. “There were a lot of stunned faces. The enthusiasm the guests displayed throughout the evening demonstrated the positive effects sexual wellness and education can have on people.

“We are actively looking into future upcoming events with Lovela,” they added.

Visit Svakom online and on Twitter and XBIZ.tv.

Find Lovela online and on Instagram.

In related news, Svakom recently partnered with Spanish-language online retailer Cherish for a two-day promotional event titled “Helados de Placer,” or “Ice Cream of Pleasure,” and sponsored a skateboarding event in Buenos Aires in partnership with nonprofit civil association Patín Club.

LOS ANGELES — Nikki Delano will appear at the Bad Dragon booth for the Exxxotica D.C. fan expo this weekend and feature dance for the official afterparty Friday night.

Delano will greet fans, take selfies and offer exclusive branded merch Friday from 6-11 p.m., Saturday 4-10 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m. (all times local).

She will take the stage Friday night, alongside Jillian Janson in separate sets, for the official Exxxotica afterparty at Camelot Showbar on the top floor.

“I’m so excited to be back at Exxxotica at the Bad Dragon Booth. It’s been way too long since I’ve done a trade show, and I can’t wait to see my D.C. and East Coast fans,” Delano enthused.

“And make sure to see me feature at the afterparty; there’s no cover, and it’s going to be wild,” she added.

Exxxotica D.C. will run this weekend at the Dulles Expo Center; more information can be found here and on Twitter. Find Camelot Showbar online.

Follow Nikki Delano on Twitter; find her premium social media links here.