LOS ANGELES — The iconic Roosevelt Hollywood Hotel sparkled with excitement Saturday night as the adult retail community gathered for the highly anticipated XBIZ Honors awards ceremony.

Amid the grandeur of the historic venue, industry leaders, innovators and rising stars came together to celebrate the past year’s achievements. Replete with heartfelt moments, roaring applause and a shared sense of camaraderie, the evening was a dazzling testament to the shared passion that drives the industry.

Attendees arriving at the glamorous event were greeted by a red-carpet photo op. With everyone decked out in their finest, attendees posed for photos and stopped to chat with Viben’s Jade Buchan and Like A Kitten’s Blanca Estrada-Gonzalez as the duo livestreamed the event on the P3 industry group Facebook page.

Following a welcome from the XBIZ team, with the lights dim and the buzz of anticipation filling the Roosevelt Hollywood ballroom, Josh Ortiz, who co-hosted last year’s XBIZ Honors, took the stage. With his signature charm, he warmly introduced the evening’s emcee: the incomparable Melanie Rose. Known for her wit, charisma, creativity and, of course, her British accent, Rose sauntered onto the stage to the strains of “A Spoonful of Sugar” from “Mary Poppins” as the crowd greeted her with applause.

“Welcome to the 2025 XBIZ Honors Awards!” she proclaimed. “Tonight, we gather to celebrate the creme de la creme of our one-of-a-kind industry. This event is more than just awards. It’s a tribute to the creativity, ambition and resilience that define who we are as a community.

“Our industry is built on collaboration, inspiration and a touch of friendly rivalry,” she continued. “We push boundaries, embrace diversity and champion freedom of expression. Together, we create content and products that celebrate every niche and every fantasy.”

Ero-Tech General Manager Zondre Watson and Little Genie CEO Tiffany Lysene were called to the stage as the presenters of the night’s first three awards categories.

The evening’s first XBIZ Exec Award trophy, for Pleasure Product Account Exec of the Year, went to Nicole Talley of Wicked Sensual Care.

“Thank you for putting up with me!” Talley joked as the crowd roared with cheers and applause. “This is so amazing, thank you.”

Next, Watson and Lysene listed the nominees for Best Non-Powered Sex Toy. Cristal Collection by Our Erotic Journey was named the winner. As the OEJ team wasn’t present to accept the award, the presenters moved on to the next XMA category: Best Powered Sex Toy. Lysene announced Oly 2 by Honey Play Box as the winner.

Honey Play Box’s Vincent Renou thanked the crowd, telling colleagues and customers that he was grateful for their support. Joreail Armstrong also thanked the crowd.

“We’re a relatively new team,” he said. “We’ve focused a lot on innovation with our products from the start. I’m glad we won this award!”

Before the next categories were presented, Rose returned to the stage and recounted a pivotal experience: shopping at Hustler Hollywood for a plug-in massager in order to save money on batteries, and discovering the Hitachi Magic Wand.

Aneros Director of Sales and Marketing Brent Aldon and Doxy Sales Director Leigh Dedhar were then called to the stage to present the next trio of trophies. The two colleagues and pals told the crowd they were switching personalities to read the nominees, with Dedhar speaking “American” and Aldon attempting a British accent.

Together, they read the nominees for Distributor Account Exec of the Year, then revealed the winner: Molly Romeo of Holiday.

Overcome with emotion, Romeo brought along her colleague Susanna Molina to help her with her acceptance speech.

“This is an unbelievable honor,” Molina read from Romeo’s notes. “I’m going to be overwhelmed. I knew I wouldn’t be able to speak without crying, so I got some help! I want to thank the distribution accounting executives. We do it all! And I’m thrilled that my fellow nominees and I are being recognized in this fashion. I would also like to thank both Moe Levy, and Jane Liszewski for their mentorship. I think they are looking down from the heavens with pride.”

Romeo went on to thank the rest of the Holiday Products sales team and announced that she could finally retire her Susan Lucci profile picture.

In the category of Best Retail Education/Training Program, Virtual Elevation by Eldorado was announced as the winner.

“I wrote a speech, but I left it at the table,” Eldorado buyer Antonia Pappas admitted from the podium. “Eldorado turned 50 years old last year, and I am very excited to be part of this team. Thank you for honoring us!”

The Retail Merchandising Exec of the Year category was up next. Kathryn Guy of SBJ/TAF received the accolade.

“I didn’t prepare anything because I thought there was no way that I could win!” Guy confessed. “Thank you all so much. I seriously love everyone that I work with. I want to do this job forever. I have to thank my mom and dad; I wouldn’t be here without them. Thank you to my husband, with whom I also work. This is the best industry in the world.”

The next presenters were Paradise Marketing Sales Director Tori Titus-McCrobie and Honey’s Place buyer Loretta Goodling, who were tasked with presenting the trophy in a booming new category: Best Fantasy-Themed Sex Toy. Ellen the Alien Queen by Bad Dragon secured the award. A company rep took to the stage to accept the award and thank the brand’s supporters.

McCrobie and Goodling then presented the nominees for Best Sex Enhancement Product. DTF Sexual Chocolate by SOS Distribution took home the trophy. Next up, the Business Development Exec of the Year was announced. Lee Negri from National Distributors prevailed.

“This one is really personal to me,” Negri said. “I have to thank Scott Taylor. We’ve been working together for like 35 years so we’re like a married couple. I just want to say thank you for the support over the years.”

During a pause between award presentations, Rose walked around the crowded sharing facts and history about sex toys, referring to it as “retailer education.”

Svakom Sales Manager Alex Feynerol was called next to the stage to present more awards. For Best Sensual Accessory Product, Face Rider Queening Chair by XR Brands was chosen as the winner.

XR Brands’ Ortiz and Roxanna Mendoza came onstage next.

“It’s tradition for our newest team member to accept the award,” Ortiz explained. “We are so excited to have Roxanna with us.”

Mendoza added, “I couldn’t be happier with my XR family. Thank you, retailers and distributors, for supporting us and let’s keep it going!”

Feynerol took a moment to credit all the evening’s nominees for their valuable work in spreading the word about pleasure products, before presenting the award for Marketing Exec of the Year to Erik Vasquez of Sliquid.

“There’s so many of you in this industry that I admire,” Vasquez said. “Everyone in the category is an amazing professional. I’m amongst great company. I want to thank everyone on our team.

“This is for Dean,” he added, honoring Sliquid founder Dean Elliott, who passed away on Nov. 30.

Pinkcherry.com then won the title of Online Retailer of the Year.

“I’d like to thank all of our customers, this is an honor,” Pinkcherry’s Daniel Freedman said. “This is awesome. I appreciate it.”

Freedman, too, shared words of remembrance for Elliott.

“I really want to dedicate this Dean,” he said. “We lost a great guy, and it’s tough on everybody.”

Before the next presenters came onstage, Rose joked with the audience that after hearing that one of the most searched niches was “real British MILF,” she thought she might have found a new calling.

Next up were NS Novelties Account Executive Luzoralia Corvera and Roger Houts of Cirilla’s, who presented the XMA trophy for Best Male Pleasure Product to Lovense for the Solace Pro.

“I want to dedicate this to the people who work tirelessly every single day but don’t get the recognition they deserve,” a company exec said. “So I would like to thank my team and everybody involved. Thank you so much!” 

In the category of International Distributor of the Year, Creative Conceptions walked away with the XMA.

“This was completely unexpected,” the company’s Sam Hadlow said. “We were really honored just to be nominated, so winning feels extra special. Thank you all so much. God bless America.”

Efren Mendez Garcia was equally effusive upon being named Community Figure of the Year.

“You have no idea what this means to me,” Mendez said. “Just being nominated made me feel like a winner. I love this industry; you guys are like my family. If there’s anything I can ever do for any of you, just ask!”

Midway through the ceremony, the Sliquid team offered a touching tribute to the late Dean Elliott. Rose invited to the stage Sliquid Senior Vice President Colin Roy, Vice President of Sales and Merchandising Michelle Marcus and Vice President of Marketing Erik Vasquez who spoke on behalf of the group in paying tribute to the man he called “our legendary leader, Dean Elliott.”

“We feel this absence every moment of every day,” said Vasquez. “It’s impossible not to. His voice alone could command the attention of every person in almost every room. Dean’s love and deep commitment to the people he cared about in this industry, which you lovingly refer to as his brothers and sisters, is shared by many people here tonight. His dedication to the Sliquid brand, to his employees and to our customers inspires us all to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. Dean was a true leader. He fostered an environment where creativity thrives and encouraged each of us to share our ideas and pursue our passions.”

Marcus added, “As we move forward, we carry Dean’s legacy in our hearts, striving to embody his spirit of perseverance and compassion in every endeavor. Let us honor his memory by celebrating the bond we all share.”

Marcus then introduced new CEO and founding partner of Sliquid, Cynthia Elliott.

“Seeing the impact that he has had on all of you and the industry that he loved truly means so much,” she said. “I am excited for a very, very bright future for Sliquid, I’m excited for our team and I look forward to working with all of you.”

Rose then returned to the stage to continue with the In Memoriam segment. After a moment honoring fallen pleasure industry execs, the show continued.

Janet Reynolds, senior sales exec for M.D. Science, was joined onstage by Kelsey Harris of Nalpac to present the next three categories.

For Best Fetish Product, Nocturnal Collection Bed Restraints by CalExotics was selected as the winner.

CalExotics’ Lupe Martinez said, “Thank you so much for coming to LA and supporting us during this trying time with the fires. On a lighter note, we are really excited and honored to receive an award for our Nocturnal Collection. Thank you to all who voted. And most importantly, thank you to our customers for continuously supporting us! We appreciate all of you.”

Satisfyer was honored next, with the XMA title of Best Product Packaging. Melody Cazarin kept it short and sweet, thanking the crowd and wishing everyone a happy 2025.

Malay Vannouvong, who took home the Progressive Leadership Award, was similarly concise, sharing her appreciation for the honor and thanking her Aneros family.

Doc Johnson’s Kerin DeFrancis and Krystal Silva hit the stage to announce the nominees for Sexpert of the Year, and revealed the winner: Kasha Johnson, who appeared after a short delay. 

“Of course, they call my name while I’m putting on my body suit!” she laughed. “Thank you to everyone who voted. Quite frankly, I’m really excited to continue saving lives one orgasm at a time.”

Presenting the XMA trophy for Retailer of the Year (1-2 Stores), Silva credited the nominees for representing the pinnacle of excellence in customer service and innovation. Cupid’s Closet was recognized as the winner. Store owners Brittany and Daniel Greenberg came on stage to accept their award.

“Oh my God, winning this award means everything to us,” Brittany Greenberg said. “We are a married couple with two kids. Our first store opened 11 years ago, and now we have two. I am so proud of how far we’ve come, and where we are right now — and I love you!”

Daniel Greenberg also thanked the crowd, crediting his wife for her efforts in growing Cupid’s Closet.

Cailyn Miller of Metro Distributors and Cam Jennings of Humanity Brands were the next presenters. They announced the nominees for Best Couples Sex Toy, and declared We-Vibe Chorus by Lovehoney Group this year’s winner. Next, the Jimmyjane Hello Touch Pro by Pipedream was called out as the winner for Best Innovative Sex Toy. Thanking their customers and team members, the winning manufacturers promised even more innovation in the future.

Brand Ambassador of the Year was the next XBIZ Exec Award trophy to be presented, with Lucy D’Olimpio taking home the title. Noting that she’s been with Evolved for 15 years, D’Olimpio thanked her team and gushed about how much she loves her job.

Next, to present the nominees for Team Manager of the Year, were Like A Kitten’s Blanca Estrada-Gonzalez and Kate McGregor from Adam & Eve Greenfield, Massachusetts. Dan Holman was accorded the honor.

“My grandpa always told me that hard work would pay off, but it didn’t always come with prizes,” Holman said. “I’m looking at the nominees list, and you all are incredible. Congratulations to all of you. Thank you to my team. I wouldn’t be here without you. They are making me look good! Thank you, especially to Justin Ross. He couldn’t be here today. But I want to say that he inspired me to lead the way he does, through quiet confidence and inspiring greatness without having to demand it — and always reminding us that you have to have some fun to be able to sell.”

Estrada-Gonzalez and McGregor next presented the nominees for the Executive Leadership Award – Pleasure Products. Steve Orenstein was named the winner.

“Thank you to all our retailers and distributors, as well as our team,” Orenstein said. “You don’t win an award like this without a strong team.”

The next presenters were Oxballs Brand Manager Kimberly Hinds and Pipedream Products Sales Specialist Chuy Ruiz. The duo wore matching sequined mini dresses, with Ruiz donning a long-haired wig to match Hinds and complement the ensemble. They asked the crowd to vote by applause for who wore the look best.

They then revealed Ken Sahn as the winner in the Executive Leadership Award – Retail category. Holiday Products’ Chris Armstrong took the stage to accept on his behalf.

“Working for Kenny for the last six years, I know he’s very high on his team,” he said. “I know that if he were here tonight, he would be really grateful.”

The XMA for Retailer of the Year (10+ Stores) went to Adam & Eve. Kraig McGee III and Kathryn Guy came onstage to offer a quick thank you to supporters.

ECN’s Crystal Bell took the stage next, and presented the Businessperson of the Year award to Kraig McGee.

“Like a lot of other people said: everyone nominated I respect, and I really appreciate everybody in the audience and everybody in this industry,” McGee said. “We couldn’t do this without you!”

The XMA for Pleasure Brand of the Year was then presented to Doc Johnson.

The Doc Johnson team appeared onstage with Kerin DeFrancis, and expressed their thanks for the support of Doc’s customers and colleagues.

“It’s been a tough year,” said Scott Watkins. “2024 was fucked up for all of us, but we’re blessed because we have each other.”

Last year’s WIA Woman of the Year, Cheri Curry, was on hand to pass the torch. She pointed out that 2025 marked the WIA Woman of the Year award’s 10th year. This final trophy of the night went to Hustler Hollywood’s Liz Flynt.

“I’m shocked, honored and humbled,” Flynt said. “I just want to tell everybody here to have a dream and follow it. That’s how Larry Flynt started his company: Never give up! It’s so important. In today’s world, it’s getting harder to start a business. I have 2,200 employees, national and international. But I can’t do this alone — I’m very thankful that I have a great CEO. I’m looking forward to 2025!” 

Rose returned to close out the XBIZ Honors ceremony, congratulating all the winners once more.

As the evening drew to a close, the XBIZ Honors ceremony concluded on a high note with a group photo of all the winners onstage. Though the awards had been handed out, the celebration continued. Guests mingled and toasted to the night’s successes, filling the iconic Roosevelt Hollywood Hotel with laughter, gratitude, and anticipation for the year ahead.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — The first official day of XBIZ Expo kicked off on Friday morning on the mezzanine level of the Loews Hollywood Hotel, which was filled with prominent buyers and sellers within the pleasure products market and other areas of the industry, from sexual health to payment services.

XBIZ Expo welcomed attendees the evening before with a happy hour on Thursday. Held at Preston’s restaurant inside the Loews Hollywood Hotel, vendors and buyers eased into the three-day expo with some drinks, appetizers and networking.

Michelle Marcus, VP of sales and merchandising at Sliquid, said she was excited to kick off the new year with her “great, big extended family.” A photo of late Sliquid founder Dean Elliott was on display, in tribute to the beloved entrepreneur who passed away in late November.

The lubricant company has been riding high off the launch of its newest product, Sliquid Tsunami, which she described as an ultra-thick lubricant.

“We had an incredible reception when we did a soft debut of Sliquid Tsunami last summer, and we have some new things in the works, but our recipes stay in the kitchen until they’ve been fully developed,” said Marcus, who promised that the company has “some great things coming” in 2025.’

Marcus, who was named Community Figure of the Year at the 2018 XBIZ Exec Awards, said she relishes the chance to meet fans of the product, as it’s important to garner feedback directly from the customer.

“We’re lucky to have some great, longtime loyal fans of Sliquid who always come over at these shows and rave about the product — either about an OG formula or something new. And that’s always exciting for us,” said Marcus, who wasn’t content to rest on her company’s laurels, and continues to strive for innovation.

Just next to the Sliquid booth was Dr. Tush, and though we didn’t see a diploma hanging on the wall, its owner, Rob Christ, sure sounded like he knew what he was talking about.

Christ attended XBIZ Expo “looking to educate stores about our products and how important sexual wellness is in the aftercare space,” he said. “A lot of people focus on sexual wellness, but very few focus on the aftercare, and that’s what our products are focused around.”

Christ then walked XBIZ through Dr. Tush’s colorful line of products, including After Butt Play, After Vajay Play, and After Spanking Play, all of which are effective due to their use of hydrogel.

“It’s a really expensive and effective ingredient in healing cracked or chafed skin. It gives you immediate relief for any type of issues you may have,” explained Christ.

“We have after Vajay Play, which is for a woman’s vagina if she gets any microtears, or perhaps cuts from shaving. It soothes pain and helps tremendously. And we have an After Butt Play product that works amazing for anal sex and any type of discomfort, like anal fissures, hemorrhoids, or anything along those lines.”

“We also have two BDSM products that are focused on After Spanking, and the way the market has been moving indicates that people are getting a lot more aggressive in some of their BDSM activities.”

“The issue we’re focused on is, ‘How do you heal afterward?’ So we have an After Kink product that works on rope burns, rug burns, or any type of extreme activities that somebody may encounter. And you can put on our After Spanking cream and within 30 seconds, you can go back to whatever you were doing before.”

Christ said that Dr. Tush is new to the industry but that he felt immediately welcomed by the community.

“Everybody has been extremely helpful, and to be able to sit down one-on-one meetings with actual buyers who can make quick buying decisions and give us feedback has been [great],” said Christ.

Just down the aisle, the fine folks at F-ck introduced a variety of sexual enhancement products, including blue raspberry gummies and a coffee shot that causes arousal, as well as another gummy that increases salivary production, enhancing oral sex for all genders.

Jorge, who works as a VP at Megalodon Distro, was proud to introduce the company’s new F-ck line of products.

“We’re super excited about F-ck, which is our couples’ brand of sexual enhancements. It’s shareable, and the reason we wanted to do more shareables is that we’re finding that with enhancement products, it adds to the trust and the intimacy of the night,” explained Jorge. 

“If I come home and I say, ‘Hey babe, I’ll try this and you can try this,’ there’s a whole lot of questions being brought up, but if I say, ‘I’m gonna take some of this, and you’re gonna take some,’ it adds to the whole experience, and that’s what we’re trying to do, which is make sex fun.”

And speaking of making sex fun, XBIZ met with Dan Dickinson, the owner of Top Drawer Toys, who was eager to showcase his hit product, the Box Rocker, which launched last year.

Dickinson was in town to make some deals with distributors, noting that the product is “small enough to fit in your top drawer.” Hence the name, people!

It’s a one-of-a-kind product. It’s a small sex machine that you can ride, strap to your body, or use however you please. It’s water resistant, it has nine different vibration patterns, and not only does it stroke, but you can change the stroke length with the click of a button, and every time you click it, it’ll go another half-inch longer.”

Among the exhibitors of XBIZ Expo was The Handy, which showcased its new Oh! massager, a remote and app-controlled smart vibrator that uses sound waves. Caio, a company rep, was on hand to discuss the toy and app’s features, which include the ability to sync with erotic stories.

“Before Oh! only operated by sound, but now we have some video content, and new audio content,” he added.

At XBIZ Expo, a new lighted display was showcased to retail buyers.

“This is actually the first time that we’re presenting this,” he added. “It was just manufactured last week, and this is the prototype. The whole point is that because it’s an interactive toy, it has so many different features that it’s not easy to sell without seeing it. The idea is to maximize real estate in stores with a beautiful display.”

Caio demonstrated the different ways that people display the toy on a shelf.

“With this nicely lit display, you scan the QR code that directly takes you to our page, so you don’t have to download any apps or establish any connection. Then what you see in the video is the strength of the vibration, which will go up and down.

Midday, on day one of the XBIZ Expo, Blush hosted a happy hour in the Socials room at Loews’ expo hall. Following their lunchtime meal, a stream of attendees flowed in. The relaxed atmosphere of the networking event allowed everyone to connect and mingle before hitting the show floor.

Kara Liburd, the U.S./Canada sales executive for the Fun Factory, said that the company came to XBIZ to re-solidify itself within the industry.

“Since Satisfyer has taken over and bought Fun Factory, a lot of people have some uncertainties about the brand, so we came to resolidify ourselves within the industry and make it known that our quality is unwavering,” said Liburd.

Fun Factory specializes in vibrators, and Liburd touted some of the company’s time-tested favorites, including staples such as the Big Boss, Miss Bi, the Tiger, Amorino, and Patchy Paul, as well as a new vibrator called the Volta, which is an external stimulator.

“We have 30 new products coming out in 2025. I can’t tell you what they are, but they’re coming,” said Liburd, who suggested that users would, too. She also showed off a green double-ended dildo called the Ride and a lay-on vibrator called the Leia.

Over at the Crave booth, co-founder/designer Ti Chang showed off a sleek line of pleasure jewelry and bedside products, including an external vibrator that doubles as a discreet and stylish necklace. The collection also includes bracelets and rings. 

Cave released its classic Vesper necklace in 2014 and the company launched a fully waterproof update last year that offers a wave pattern. The company offers a variety of products in a variety of colors, including black, silver, and gold, and it makes other non-phallic vibrators that you might not even guess were sex toys.

“As a brand, we’ve always embraced aesthetics as well as quality material,” said Chang, who explained that Crave uses nickel-free plating in its stainless steel products, so they won’t stain your skin.

“Our goal is to create beautiful, intimate experiences for people,” said Chang, who added that wearing Crave jewelry isn’t just an elegant way to introduce vibrators into the bedroom with a partner, “it’s a way of showing up in the world and being unapologetic about what you want and what you desire.”

Elsewhere, Honey Play Box’s PR manager Kristine Aulachong talked about the patent the company has on the Kinky Finger. It’s the part of its vibrator Fortexa that offers clitoral stimulation.

The Fortexa boasts a special textured tip and the toy is designed to hit your “G-spot, your A-spot, and your C-spot,” according to Christine, who promised, “You’ll feel stuff you’ve never thought you would feel.”

Aulachong also explained Honey Play Box’s dedication to sexual wellness before showing off its kegel products.

“Kegel is a hassle, but our Kegel balls take all the brainwork out of it. You just put them in and use the app, and it’ll do all the work for you. It comes with four different weights, and we also have an inflatable kegel ball that perfectly contours to your body. It’s made with medical grade, super-soft silicone that’s both made for the body and comfortable.”

It’s Aulachong’s first XBIZ Expo, and she said she looked forward to heading over to the X3 Expo at the Hollywood Palladium later that night to meet her favorite streamers.”“We’re just excited to be here,” she added. “We’re the underdogs in the game, but we love to connect with the other brands here, show everyone our innovations, and take inspiration from their innovations, as we’ve already heard about so many cool things that other people are doing.” 

Over on the other side of the ballroom, XBIZ met with Robin from Lemorie, who showed off the company’s adult-themed advent calendars, which provide customers with a wider variety of sex toys, from butt plugs to cock rings. 

Nearby, Tim Faber manned the INTY Toys booth. The company’s founder and managing director said it was his first time as a vendor at XBIZ Expo and he came to find distribution in the U.S. and surrounding markets. 

“We’re a well-known brand in Europe looking to expand overseas,” explained Faber. “We started with a black line, and we add a few new items every six months. We just added a pink line, and all of our toys have unique shapes and functions.”

Full Circle Distribution showcased its wide range of pleasure products, lingerie and smoking accessories inside its spacious booth that wrapped around a corner of an aisle in the middle of the expo floor. VP of Sales and Marketing Briana Watkins was at the booth to highlight some of the company’s latest releases, including new strokers packaged in boxes with stylish photos of models of different ethnicities.

“It’s a modern take on old-school strokers,” she said. “It still has that classic look but with glossy, gorgeous images.”

Watkins also showed off Full Circle Distribution’s new Kaiju line of fantasy-inspired pleasure products, including new strokers. Other new additions from the company included new candles with erotic imagery on them and new The Pleasure Company vibes.

Among the vendors exhibiting at XBIZ Expo was Thumper, a new brand of sex gummies that made waves at the event with its branded bunny ears that many attendees sported at the event. Each box of Thumper gummies includes two bunny-shaped gummies — one for him and one for her, with male/male, female/female options also available.

“We are new to our space; this is our second show,” said Alan-Michael Price, Thumper founder and CEO. “It’s going to be a lot of a learning process, which is great.”

According to Price, the entrepreneur developed the brand, logo and packaging.

“Everything is just all me,” he notes. “I wanted to start a business, and I saw an opportunity with sex enhancement gummies. We launched about six months ago, and it’s been going great so far. We’ve got a really good response. Even though we’re new, we have gotten positive reviews online. We’re very hopeful that we’ll grow.”

Day one of XBIZ Expo officially came to a close with Pipedream’s evening happy hour gathering that brought a crowd of participants to the bar area of the Loews Hollywood Hotel lobby. The event offered yet another great opportunity for attendees to network and mingle with fellow industry professionals.

“Pipedream values hosting events that bring the industry together as an opportunity to foster collaboration, share innovations, and strengthen connections within the sexual wellness community,” said a Pipedream rep. “We had an absolute blast seeing our customers, catching up in person, and helping them discover their next favorite products.”

Pipedream’s happy hour was also the perfect time to catch up on all the latest news from the show floor, as well as get some much-needed rest before another busy day of meetings.

LOS ANGELES — A wave of excited fans cascaded down Sunset Blvd., cresting and breaking with anticipation as they flowed into the historic Hollywood Palladium, where the A-list echelon of the adult world stood ready to greet them, pose with them, chat them up and showcase the latest in spicy entertainment, as the 2025 X3 Expo popped off.

Day 1 kicked off with the highly anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring a carefully curated lineup of top performers ready to kick X3 off with a bang. XBIZ’s 2025 X3 All-Stars — Nicole Kitt, Maitland Ward, Elly Clutch, Kazumi, Riley Reid, Vanna Bardot, Melissa Stratton and Emma Rose — held the customary larger-than-life scissors, cutting through the ribbon and signifying to the eager crowd that X3 had officially begun.

Over at the Chaturbate booth, fans watched admiringly as creators broadcast live shows, performing for their cameras and passing fans alike. Chaturbate event coordinator Emely Zuniga described the vibe in the booth as “electric” and enthused over how much she loves seeing everyone enjoy themselves there.

“They’re here to have fun,” she beamed, surrounded by bright props, games and photos. 

At the popular Ricky’s Room booth, one performer who was constantly in demand was the hardworking, multitalented Kylie Rocket. Rocket could be seen hyping up the massively popular booth from the moment fans were finally allowed into the Palladium until literally closing time — no shift duty for the vivacious brunette, who is also a gifted hair stylist.

“My expectation is to always meet as many fans as I can,” she told XBIZ during a brief break from nonstop autograph duty. “I love seeing the ones that I get to see every single year and catching up with them. What I also love about X3 Expo is all the little mini-shows that happen up on stage, and the music. Honestly, it’s just so much fun!”

Rocket a “gold star” performer, having attended every single edition of X3 Expo since it premiered.

“The energy and the vibe is always the same — and we performers really appreciate it,” she offered. “And I’m thrilled to represent Ricky’s Room because Ricky is just a legend. I mean, how can you not love Ricky? He just started this company two or three years ago, and look around: It’s just popping off!”

Meanwhile, studio boss Ricky Johnson raved about the turnout for his massive booth.

“We have like 16 models and everyone’s having a great time,” he said. “I love seeing them in their lines, meeting their fans and just having a blast.”

This was shortly before Johnson took to the main stage to announce that Ricky’s Room had signed its first-ever male contract star: frequent collaborator Mazee the Goat.

“He’s my first contract guy, and he’s amazing,” Johnson enthused.

As has been the case with every installment of X3 Expo, the Brazzers booth was a hectic hub of bustling activity. With its immediately recognizable yellow and black signage and seemingly endless lines of fans hoping to meet the brand’s top talent, Brazzers confirmed its status as one of the industry’s most solid, well-oiled blue-chip brands.

Overseeing Brazzers’ presence on the show floor with minute care through a headset microphone was all-terrain company stalwart and multi-hyphenate Lea Lexis, who has served as director, producer, team leader, staff wrangler and talent. Lexis made sure that fans could have their time with the much in-demand Brazzers contract and affiliated talent, and also that the booth served as a safe space for the performers to enjoy their much-deserved breaks.

Lexis removed the omnipresent headset for a few minutes to share some highlights of the 2025 Brazzers booth experience.

“For the first time, we have our favorite Brazzers Twins, Litty Britty and Badassbrannn, and we absolutely love them, and I think they’re going to be superstars,” Lexis shared. “This is their first time at X3 Expo and also their first time at an adult convention, and the fans were definitely wowed.”

“And of course, there’s this,” Lexis added, indicating the impressively snaking line of fans waiting to meet the unquestionable MVP draw for the Friday crowd: unmistakable fan favorite Violet Myers. “Absolutely fantastic.”

Lexis also marveled at the fan response to Kayley Gunner, Abigaiil Morris and Jasmine Sherni.

“It was so much fun to see Jasmine’s popularity grow like that!” she said. “I love to see the girls who are beautiful inside and out getting good momentum. Hailey Rose also had a beautiful turnout. She’s super sweet. It was hard to pull her from her fans trying to do group pictures!”

Lexis noted that, given the fires still raging in the Los Angeles area right now, her team was a little bit hesitant to go on with the show, but ultimately decided that it would be helpful to bring everyone together.

“We internally discussed if we should show up or not, talking with everybody, asking how they were feeling, just trying to do the right thing,” she recalled. “And everybody expressed that they needed a distraction. They wanted to do something fun and not to live in stress. We do these types of conventions for the models. The models wanted to be here, so we decided to come. I guess everybody needed to feel good about something, feel excited, feel happy. And we provided that, both for the models and the fans.”

Over at the Fleshlight booth, Chief Marketing Officer Trent Doney looked on as creators lounged on white leather couches and showed off the brand’s custom products.

“I’m excited to be here and meet all the content creators,” he said. “Fleshlight loves to show up at these events and support the girls as much as we can.”

Reigning and twice-crowned XMAs Female Performer of the Year Vanna Bardot was also on hand at the Fleshlight booth, greeting fans with a special edition of her popular signature sex toy.

“The show has had a great turnout this year,” noted Bardot, now a veteran of several X3 Expos. “We’re having a great time. It’s great that the show is in LA. It’s nice to not have to fly out!”

Bardot added that this was her first time signing for Fleshlight.

“It’s incredibly exciting, especially because this year, for the first time, they are doing limited-edition sleeves for every single person buying the product at this signing, so you can only get that here at X3, with a special-edition box, and even the Fleshlight itself is unique to the show. This is definitely an attractive collector’s item, and the company put so much thought and care into this, to give fans a special experience.”

Looking ahead to 2025, Bardot told XBIZ that she is now focusing on her own content.

“I’ve shot so much for practically every studio for my whole career,” she shared. “Now I’m getting really excited trying to produce my own stuff — and I love this process.”

In the rotunda room, a crowd of excited fans was treated to an intimate screening of Adult Time’s “Spun,” with writer/director Casey Calvert introducing the film as an exploration of “reconnecting with a past love” during a sleepover party.

“I hope you enjoy it!” she exclaimed. 

Fans lined up to meet multitalented performer, YouTuber, creator, cosplayer and all-around beloved industry veteran Britney Amber, always a welcome ray of sunshine at industry and fan events.

“I love meeting my fans, first and foremost,” Amber shared. “Oh my gosh! My face hurts from smiling so much all day. Everybody comes with so much love and gifts and smiles and hugs. I really like this show because I feel it’s a more intimate experience with the fans, it’s really up close and personal. There’s not a lot of barriers, so it’s easy to hug and communicate.”

She added that X3 Expo doubles as a great networking and hangout opportunity with fellow performers who travel in especially for the event.

“Right when I got here, I saw Nicolette Shea outside the bathroom — and we scheduled a collab!” she laughed. “She’s like, ‘Tomorrow, come over. We’re gonna do a collaboration. Let’s go!’ So yes, I love that about this show. Just as special as seeing the fans is getting to see the girls that you only engage with on social media most of the time.”

Amber teased the imminent release of a very special “Handmaid’s Tale” scene with fellow longtime star Cherie DeVille.

“The first part’s already out,” she explained. “Part 2 is coming January 20th — to ‘celebrate’ the inauguration. It looks beautiful and the scenes are incredible. I am so proud of this project and I really hope you guys can see it.”

Meanwhile, MILF mainstays Ryan Keely and Penny Barber were camped out on the main floor in a church-themed booth, both garbed head-to-toe in nun’s habits — a tribute to their recent clip collaboration, “Unholy See.”

“She wouldn’t let me call it ‘Blastphemy,’” Keely jokingly complained. “So I think the sequel might be called ‘Blastphemy.’ Maybe we’ll do a James Bond, iterative type thing.”

She went on to praise the expo’s energy and excitement.

“This has been one of the more wild Fridays I have had in… possibly years!” she said.

Elsewhere on the signing floor was everyone’s favorite redhead stunner, the one and only Lacy Lennon, with a long and winding queue of admirers — many of whom traveled especially to see her, drawn in by her famously intimate in-person connections with her fans at the show.

“I love traveling here to do this show,” Lennon enthused. “I get to hang out with all of my friends, and as content creators, this is the space and the moment when we actually get to connect. We also have time to reflect and grow because we’re in a comfortable, safe space where we want to uplift each other and we want each other to excel. I look at every single person around me, and if there’s anything that I can provide for them to be better, I will, and they do the same thing for me. I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Lennon also teased some upcoming announcements this year.

“All my NDAs allow me to say for now is ‘big toy deal’ and ‘big company deal,’” she smiled mysteriously. “But I probably can also add, without getting in trouble, that you’re all going to be very, very excited about both of them!”

This year also saw the introduction of a special collector’s edition of X3 Magazine, featuring profiles of all of XBIZ’s X3 All-Stars. Members of that stellar lineup spoke with XBIZ following the X3 All-Stars panel, moderated by reigning XBIZ Performer of the Year Seth Gamble.

Superstar Maitland Ward discussed the opportunity the expo provided for fans to temporarily get away from it all. 

“I was worried, with what’s happening around LA with the fires, that turnout might be down this year,” she said. “But it’s been the opposite! I think people are up, they’re ready and they want to have this oasis to come to, to get away from all the stress and have some fun!

“I think that sums up porn in general,” she continued. “It lets you escape, enjoy and have this wonderful fantasy away from all the stresses of life.”

Fellow All-Star Nicole Kitt was having a hectic show, commuting from signing stations to ambassadorial duties to screenings of the features in which she excels as one of the industry’s most celebrated acting talents. However, she took a moment to share her joy at the strong first-day attendance in the face of adversity.

“There’s a lot going on outside,” Kitt said. “But I was so pleasantly surprised at the turnout, and I’m anticipating even more people tomorrow. Every year, it seems like X3 Expo is growing more and more.”

She also enthused about the fans and colleagues she got to meet.

“Today was amazing,” she gushed. “I have my screening with Ricky Greenwood’s ‘Dirty Cops’ and there will be more special screenings, watching the movies with a fan audience for the first time, tomorrow. I’m so happy X3 Expo offers this unique chance to both the actors and the fans.”

Kitt praised X3 Expo and events like it as antidotes to widespread negativity and anxiety.

“When you have things stacked against you in a climate that seems a little unstable, whether it’s politics or personal issues or whatever, things like this feel like they may fall by the wayside,” she shared. “But through all of the trauma and the trials, this fantastic expo has continued to show that it is a relevant and consistent brand, and I anticipate it will be here for years to come. I’m so thrilled to be part of this as an ambassador alongside my fellow X3 Expo All-Stars!”

Speaking of “Dirty Cops,” the action movie extravaganza did indeed screen for an eager audience, continuing the X3 Expo tradition of holding fan screenings for some of the industry’s most high-profile, acting-intensive, big-budget productions.

Bearded director-producer Ricky Greenwood was on hand to introduce a non-sex version of his feature, and also to moderate a Q&A with much of the star-studded cast in attendance, including protagonists Kitt, Alex Jones and Jennifer White, co-stars Scott Nails and Isiah Maxwell, and non-sex actor Daniel Shar. The cast also featured Penny Barber, Connie Perignon, Xwife Karen and J Mac.

A cheerful Greenwood was enthusiastic about experiencing his title on a big screen alongside his actors and fans.

“We made ‘Dirty Cops’ in March last year for Digital Playground,” the director told XBIZ. “The last 10 minutes is probably one of the best action scenes that I ever directed.”

Greenwood was referring to a fight scene between good-guy rookie cop Jones and dastardly mustachioed villain Nails, involving both guns and fists. Greenwood and his seasoned team took it so seriously that they engaged experienced fight coordinator and performer Nathan Bronson, and a mainstream Hollywood film gun expert to help choreograph the ultra-intense sequence.

“It’s everything: a good fight scene, good action, good acting,” Greenwood enthused.

The acting and the cinematography of the non-action scenes, particularly the work/romantic relationship between Jones and Kitt, were also executed at standards that put them squarely in the realm of mainstream series and film productions. At this point, few attentive viewers will be surprised at Kitt’s acting skills — she’s won multiple awards for it, both in the U.S. and in Europe — but Jones’ serious acting chops came as a revelation for many. Add “triple-threat” to his resume: He’s leading-man handsome, he’s porn-endowed and — watch “Dirty Cops” — yes, the man can act.

The other lead is comeback success story Jennifer White, who’s returned to the industry with a vengeance, ready to kick ass and take names these past few years.

“Alex and Nicole are two rookie cops,” Greenwood explained, synopsizing the Shawn Alff-penned script. “They want to catch a criminal played by Scott Nails who has kidnapped a cop and is asking for ransom. Jennifer is the titular dirty cop, who is involved with Scott and on his payroll and is fucking up the investigation.”

White attended the screening, thrilled to be part of what she told XBIZ was one of the coolest movies she has ever been a part of.

“It was the closest thing to a mainstream film that I’ve ever done,” she revealed. “They even had a gun safety guy on set to teach us how to use firearms! Being in this kind of production has always been a goal for me. I felt like it was right up my alley. I grew up doing theater, so any acting I get to do, I love.”

Was she inspired by any action movies in particular?

“Don’t make fun of me,” she cautioned. “But ‘Reno 911!’ I did watch a bunch of that. I love that show, even if the vibe was different and more serious here. And I must have done a good job because I just got told I’m going to be the lead in another feature! My theater background, plus my passion for porn on top of that — I think it’s what has promoted my longevity in the industry.”

During the Q&A, Jones and Nails shared on-set stories about the epic fight scene.

“Scott is a professional fighter,” Jones explained. “And even though we choreographed everything carefully, I stepped a little too close and he got me with a right hook on the cheek.”

“And then you got me back — twice!” Nails retorted.

Jones added, “Then he sent me a video the next day, where he’s walking into a convenience store and he’s limping. ‘Look what you did to me,’ he texted!”

This got a laugh from Jones and everyone else.

“We did have stunt guys to do a lot of the different things, but me and Scott really wanted to do our own stunts and our own choreography,” Jones explained. “But without Nathan’s help, we would have fucked each other up worse than we did.”

The actors discussed how the decision to use real guns with blank rounds added a measure of authenticity to their portrayal of law enforcement officers, both dirty and clean.

For Kitt, playing Officer Bishop offered a chance to fall into a different kind of character than her usual acting roles. She said she rose to the challenge by researching both fictitious and documentary portrayals of similar characters.

“Bishop is very focused and determined,” she observed. “Her goal is to make detective. The script gave me a personal mission, which enabled me to dive into my character. She became her own thing. I’m just the vessel!”

Multiple XMA nominee Ana Foxxx, dancing in front of a projection of herself posing sultrily with a Fleshlight toy, gushed over Sunday’s awards ceremony.

“The XMAs are the best awards show you could ever come to!” she said. “I swear.”

Nearby, fellow XMA nominee Nicole Doshi held a fan entranced, leading him by the hand toward the silky sheets accessorizing the Ricky’s Room booth. 

“The best part of the expo for me is getting to interact with my fans,” she told XBIZ. “To talk to them, chat with them, take pictures with them. I’m so happy!”

Kayley Gunner echoed that sentiment, sharing her favorite part of the event so far: “Seeing so many people coming back to see me, who met me when I was brand new in the industry.”

She added that fans even brought pictures of her from when she had first started, expressing how proud they were of how far she’s come already.

In the screening room, Cherie DeVille hosted a murderer’s row of male talent for the “Top Studs” panel, including Mick Blue, Hollywood Cash, Dan Damage, Charles Dera, Max Fills, Ricky Johnson, Alex Jones, Isiah Maxwell, Scott Nails, Codey Steele and Zac Wild.

After introducing each panelist “in the order in which each of them first entered my vagina,” DeVille asked the group about their pre-scene routines. Every performer expressed the importance of taking a shower first.

“Also jiu-jitsu!” declared Dera. “If you don’t train in jiu-jitsu, you can’t fuck. All men who train in jiu-jitsu can fuck!”

Pondering this, Fills shared, “I don’t do jiu-jitsu. I can still fuck, though! I like to eat a lot of light things: a lot of fish, a lot of sushi.”

DeVille also asked the panel what someone looking to make the jump from independent content creation to studio shoots could expect.

Maxwell cited the ability to take direction.

“When you’re shooting at home, you can fuck in your own way,” he said. “When you’re on set, and the director says, ‘Hey, I need you to fuck left,’ maybe that goes against where you saw yourself going next in the scene. It can really throw you off. I’ve met a lot of independent creators who, after trying studio shoots, have gone back to shooting for themselves because they want to fuck their own way.”

Back on the show floor, the day’s final event was happening onstage: X3 All-Star Elly Clutch hosting the “Breakout Creators” panel.

After the customary introductions, Clutch got right to business, asking the performers what inspires them when shooting porn.

“Is it just dick, or is it something else?” she laughed.

She received a broad range of responses.

Dan Dangler offered, “Performing is putting on a show, and I just want to put on my best show.”

Gal Ritchie said that for her, simply “fucking on camera” is enough inspiration.

“Getting watched is the best thing ever!” she enthused.

Little Puck went in a different direction, stating, “I want to be able to masturbate to my own scene later,” which drew cheers from the crowd.

As X3 Day 1 came to its inevitable conclusion, the vibe as the building emptied was one of exhausted excitement. Everyone had big smiles on their faces as they discussed their favorite parts of the day. Meanwhile, inside, tired and happy porn stars packed up their booths, also sharing the day’s highlights with each other as everyone exclaimed how much they were looking forward to Day 2.

Jan 17, 2025 4:31 PM PST

MIAMI — MYLF has dropped three new scenes, featuring Sophia Locke, Sandy Love, Delilah Dagger, and others, across its network of sites.

First, for Mommy’s Little Man, Locke stars alongside Anthony Pierce in “How to Really Work Out.”

Next, Lola Pearl and August Skye star alongside Donnie Rock in the latest scene from Mylfwood, titled “Afterlife Dick-Down (Ghost Parody).”

Finally, for Ask Your Mother, Love, Dagger, and Mike Ox star in “Stepmom’s Pussy’ll Keep You Warm.”

Follow MYLF on X.com.

Jan 17, 2025 4:28 PM PST

MIAMI — SayUncle has released four new scenes, featuring Caden Dior, Oliver Carter, Dakota Lovell, and others, across its network of sites.

First, for Pig Bottoms, Caden Dior, Evan Jordie, and Jack Valor star in “Covering the Law’s Ass with Cum: Who’s in Charge Now?”.

Next, at Brother Crush, Oliver Carter and Tanner Valentino star in “Fuck Me, I’m Stuck”.

Brody Kayman and Dakota Lovell feature in the latest “Family Dick” episode, titled “A Load off Your Back and Cock”.

Finally, at SayUncle All Stars, it’s Kyle Michaels, Brogan, and Greg Dixxon in “The Gardener Can Take Two Cocks”.

Follow the Say Uncle Network on X.com.

LOS ANGELES — “A bunch of misfit toys.” That’s how MojoHost founder Brad Mitchell described himself and his industry peers at the 2025 XBIZ Honors ceremony at Hollywood’s Kimpton Everly Hotel. Everyone cheered in agreement. Frankly, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Decked to the nines in their finest evening wear, the online industry’s elite gathered Wednesday night to celebrate their colleagues, throw back a few drinks, and toast to the future. Judging by the mood in the room, the community remains as resilient as ever.

Between a raft of age verification laws designed to shutter adult sites, the wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles, and potential threats looming from the incoming Trump administration, the industry has been under siege lately — but it is still standing, and rather than standing still, it’s fighting back.

It was fitting, then, that industry attorney Corey Silverstein was named Community Figure of the Year, an award that he quickly dedicated to Free Speech Coalition Executive Director Alison Boden, who had just flown in from Washington, where the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the FSC-led challenge to Texas’ age verification law.

The ceremony was hosted by Playboy’s Holly Ruprecht and multi-award-winning star Ana Foxxx, who was also nominated for Creator Brand Ambassador of the Year for her work with Playboy Plus. Foxxx is also up for five XMAs this year.

The contrast between Ruprecht — a self-described “butch lesbian” with pink hair and a killer sense of humor — and statuesque performer Foxxx, in a tux-style outfit that showed off her booty cheeks, helped make the co-hosts a fantastic comedy duo.

After a warm welcome from XBIZ founder Alec Helmy, followed by brief words from XBIZ execs Moe Helmy and Leah Mahi, Ruprecht and Foxxx got the show underway, kicking off a steady stream of presenters, most of whom preferred to read the nominees’ first names off of a teleprompter rather than risk butchering their last names.  

One of the night’s early winners was an easy name to pronounce, thankfully, as Fleshlight’s Jasmine James received the award for Business Development Exec of the Year from Chaturbate’s Shirley Lara. 

  

“I’m so happy about this,” said James. “I really love this industry and I love my clients. I’ve been doing this for a long time, so it’s great to be recognized!”

One of the evening’s most emotional winners was Leah Koons of Fansly, who took home the award for Marketing Executive of the Year. Koons said she was overwhelmed by the sudden burst of attention when all eyes turned to her as she made her way to the stage.

“This is the first award I’ve won, and my Dad would be so pissed!” Koons joked.

“I don’t know how far I would have gotten in this industry without the unwavering support of everyone I’ve met in this space, who just go so hard for each other,” Koons said with great sincerity. “Thank you to everyone who has let me bounce terrible ideas off them.”

Next, CAM4 exec Andra Chirnogeanu, who hosted last year’s ceremony, took the stage. Luminous in a white dress, she handed out the awards for Merchant Services Payment Company of the Year, which went to NETbilling, and Alternative Payment Services Company of the Year, which went to CentroBill.

Grooby rep Kristel Penn, who spent the evening sitting next to performer Bea York, then took the stage to present the award for Brand Ambassador of the Year, which went to Aylo exec Freedom Taylor.

Accepting the award on Taylor’s behalf was Aylo’s Solomon Friedman, the Canadian lawyer and ordained rabbi who co-founded Ethical Capital Partners, which owns Aylo and Pornhub.

“I know this means a lot to Freedom and to the company,” Friedman said. 

“Freedom always wins!” declared Ruprecht.

Friedman soon returned to the stage, this time to accept the Progressive Leadership Award on behalf of Aylo’s head of production, Ryan Hogan. 

“I’m going to need a checked bag to get all this hardware back to Montreal!” quipped Friedman.

Then, famed industry photographer and podcast host Holly Randall took the stage to present the award for Web Services Company of the Year, which went to MojoHost.

“This is my 25th year in the industry and I love what I do, and I appreciate all of you,” said MojoHost founder Brad Mitchell.

One of the loudest rounds of applause rang out shortly thereafter, when Streamate’s Liz Rekevics won the Executive Leadership Award. Rekevics said she was “totally surprised” by the honor and moved by the support of her peers.

Once again, Friedman returned to the stage, though this time, his appearance was in the script.

“This was one of the places I never expected to be when I started law school 19 years ago,” Friedman joked, before presenting the award for Team Manager of the Year to Julia B of BongaCams.

Julia, who has been in adult for nearly a decade, told the crowd, “I was totally not expecting this. It must mean that I’m doing something right!” 

Then it was Silverstein and Boden’s night to shine.

Upon accepting the award for Community Figure of the Year, Silverstein noted that he usually has something funny to say, but this time out he went in a different direction. Dedicating the award to Boden, he said, “It has been a tremendously stressful couple of years, and we’ve got some tough times ahead, but Alison, you’re my hero of the year.”

It was a heartfelt moment that garnered a standing ovation from the audience, with Boden taking the stage to join Silverstein.

“Look, I don’t deserve this award, but what I will tell you is that I wouldn’t and couldn’t be up here doing this if it weren’t for all of you,” said Boden. 

Up next was the award for Paysite Company of the Year, which went to YourPaysitePartner. Company founder and architect Kenny B graciously accepted the trophy.

Olivier of FansRevenue and director Paulita Pappel of Lustery then took the stage to present the awards for Premium Cam Site of the Year, which went to Streamate, and Paysite of the Year, which went to Adult Time.

They were followed by Jasmine James and director Siouxsie Q, who presented the award for Creator Brand Ambassador of the Year to Vicki Chase of Vixen Media Group, and Creator Businessperson of the Year to Lauren Phillips of Adult Time.

Ruprecht joked that Phillips couldn’t make it to the stage because she had a DP scene to film on Thursday, which got a chuckle out of the room — the rare one whose inhabitants are well-versed in such activity.

The entire crowd was still buzzing from XBIZ’s wild Winter Wonderland party at the Hollywood hotspot Ballet on Tuesday night. The evening featured entertainment from DJ Carter Cruise and saw stars such as Sarah Arabic, Kendra Kole, Leana Lovings, Genny Rock, and Seth Gamble in attendance.

Gamble was in attendance again on Wednesday night for the XBIZ Honors, as Hentai.com was named Specialty Site of the Year and GroobyGirls.com named Trans Site of the Year. The latter award was accepted by Kristel Penn, who used the opportunity to plug the TransErotica Awards. Shortly thereafter, FeetFix walked away with the award for Emerging Web Brand of the Year.

The award for Businessperson of the Year went to Segpay’s Cathy Beardsley, who declared herself a proud member of the Free Speech Coalition, while the FSC’s Advocacy Award went to gay performer Derek Kage, who promised, “I will fight as hard as I possibly can for this industry, which has given me a wonderful life.”

Leya Tanit of Pineapple Support then presented a Pineapple Award to Savannah Sly of the New Moon Network, where Sly advocates for the human rights of sex workers, having identified as one since she was 18 years old.

Sly thanked fellow nominee Siouxsie Q for radicalizing her as a young sex worker, as well as Pineapple Support, the Cupcake Girls, and SWOP Behind Bars for their community advocacy.

Megan Stokes of NMG Management presented one of the night’s top honors, the award for WIA Woman of the Year, to Melrose Michaels, who kept her acceptance speech short and sweet.

The other major award of the night was the ASACP Award, which is presented to those whose efforts stand head and shoulders above others in the industry in respect to its mission.

This year’s award was presented to Brad Mitchell of MojoHost.

“I’m very honored, as this is one of those awards that means the most to me,” said Mitchell, who sits on the board of ASACP.

Mitchell joined the organization 15 years ago, and he said that today, MojoHost contributes as much as it can to support the organization’s mission, but he called on his peers — many of whom have directly benefited from that mission — to increase their funding if and when possible.

“Less than 100 companies keep ASACP going, and they put in some big numbers,” he exhorted his peers. “So I ask all of you to ask yourselves: ‘What are you doing for the rest of the industry?’”

With that rallying cry, Ruprecht and Foxxx bade farewell to the crowd and sent everyone off with a night full of memories, even amid challenging times for Los Angeles and the adult industry.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach has filed suit against SARJ LLC, alleging that the company’s adult websites have failed to implement age verification as mandated by state law.

Kansas’ AV law, SB 394, became effective on July 1, 2024. It requires sites to verify that users are 18 or over prior to granting access to content deemed harmful to minors.

The AG’s petition, filed this week with the Shawnee County District Court, states that SARJ’s websites, described as “replete with nudity and a variety of sexual content,” do not employ age-gating technology aside from banners reading “This site contains sexually explicit material. By using this website you acknowledge that you are over 18” and the option to click “I Agree” or “I’ll Leave.” Such notices do not constitute compliance with Kansas statutory requirements, the suit notes.

The websites listed in the petition are metartnetwork.com, metart.com, metartx.com, sexart.com, vivthomas.com, thelifeerotic.com, eroticbeauty.com, lovehairy.com, domai.com, goddessnudes.com, rylskyart.com, stunning18.com, and straplez.com.

The suit requests a jury trial, asks that SARJ be prevented from conducting consumer transactions in Kansas, and calls for fines of between $500 and $10,000 per violation per day, which could amount to tens of millions of dollars.

“Protecting our children against the harmful effects of pornography is a high priority for all Kansans,” Kobach said in a statement. “This law is making a difference.”

As XBIZ reported, SB 394 is Kansas’ version of the age verification bills being sponsored around the country by anti-porn religious conservative activists. The bill passed 40-0 in the Kansas state Senate and 92-31 in the state House. Kansas’ Democratic governor, Laura Kelly, expressed strong reservations about the bill but ultimately decided not to veto it, allowing the legislation to become law by default without her signature.

In a statement explaining her ambivalence, Kelly said, “While well-meaning in its efforts to protect children from content the legislature considers ‘harmful to minors,’ this bill is vague in its application and may end up infringing on constitutional rights, which is an issue being litigated in other jurisdictions over similar bills.”

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the constitutionality of such bills, or at least on the level of judicial scrutiny that should be applied to their provisions, when it decides Free Speech Coalition et al. v. Paxton. Oral arguments in that case took place Jan. 15.

LOS ANGELES — Sadie Summers stars in the latest Evil Angel gangbang scene from director Jonni Darkko.

The scene features Milan, Nade Nasty, Derek Savage, Chocolate God, Richard, Rob, Scotty, and Musa.

“Shooting this scene with Jonni Darkko was a dream come true,” said Summers. “He’s an absolute genius behind the camera, and his attention to detail creates such an inspiring environment on set. Working with this incredible cast was just the icing on the cake; everyone brought their A-game, and the chemistry was off the charts. I’m so proud of what we created, and I can’t wait for fans to see it.”

The scene is streaming on EvilAngel.

Follow Summers on X.com.

LAS VEGAS — Shay Sights stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled “Uptight MILF Fucks Husband’s Filthy Friend.”

The scene opens with Sights returning home to find the house in disarray following her husband’s party.

“She discovers one of her husband’s friends, Mick, has not only crashed at their place but is now making his intentions toward her unmistakably clear,” the synopsis reveals. “Despite her irritation, Shay finds herself unable to resist Mick’s undeniable charm, and what starts as a confrontation takes a turn she never saw coming.”

Sights enthused about the scene.

“It’s always such a pleasure to shoot with the amazing Mick Blue,” she said. “He’s a true professional and brings so much energy and charisma to every scene. This was an incredibly fun day on set — the kind of work that reminds me why I love what I do. I woke up excited to dive into this scene, and I think fans are really going to enjoy what we created together.”

“Uptight MILF Fucks Husband’s Filthy Friend” is streaming on Brazzers.

Follow Sights and Blue on X.com.

MONTREAL — Zariah Aura is the latest guest on the “Adult Time Podcast,” hosted by studio CCO Bree Mills.

During the interview, Aura discusses her performance name, spit play, orgies, and her creative process, among other topics.

I was excited to be in the hot seat across from Bree,” said Aura. “I’ve wanted to do the podcast for a while now, since I love to talk her ear off, and it was no different this time. I got to gush about my favorite subject, me. There may or may not have been a tear or two, but you’ll have to tune in to see why.

The episode is streaming on AdultTime.

Follow Aura on X.com.