BBW Suit Against Adultcon Attracts Mainstream Media Attention

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The suit against Adultcon by a quartet of BBW performers is attracting mainstream attention, notably becoming the subject of a Kelly's Court segment of "America's Newsroom" on Fox News.

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Source: XBiz
Publication Date: 03-18-2009 05:00 PM

[Snowman]

Here is the press release issued by Adultcon:

LOS ANGELES, March 17 /PRNewswire It seems that the affects of being grossly obese have now affected the porn industry. Adultcon, the famous adult entertainment show held twice a year at the Los Angeles Convention Center, has been sued by a quartet of BBW adult performers. They allege they signed on as exhibitors and were bounced from the show after the operator viewed their photos. The suit filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court involves four BBW porn actresses who claim they were unable to market their personas at the show. The suit alleges that Adultcon intentionally discriminated against the four women because of their "weight, obesity and physical appearance." An Adultcon spokesperson stated that the women were offered booths after they were threatened with a lawsuit, but the offer was declined. "This leads us to believe that they were looking for a quick 'payday' and not really interested in exhibiting." Adultcon is planning its 16th show for March 20, 21 and 22, 2009. The show is billed as "the ultimate live, erotic and sexy adult entertainment show where porn fans go to buy autographs, photos, adult DVDs and products and meet porn stars." Adultcon has literally become a porn star Mecca, attracting thousands of porn fans twice a year who are offered the opportunity to meet the adult entertainers up-close and personal. The show does not allow nudity, but porn stars usually expose copious amounts of skin and use pasties for more attention. The suit said that as a result of Adultcon's discriminatory practices, the plaintiffs were unable to attend Adultcon as exhibitors. "The conduct of defendants was outrageous and beyond the bounds of decency such that no reasonable person could be expected to endure it," the suit said. The filing focuses on violations of California's Unruh Civil Rights Act, which reads: "All persons within the jurisdiction of this state are free and equal, and no matter what their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, marital status or sexual orientation are entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges, or services in all business establishments of every kind whatsoever." Adultcon spokesperson stated, "Our company policy has always been to vigorously defend against any and all lawsuits. We would look forward to litigating the case and appreciate the publicity." For media inquiries email info@Adultcon.com or call (310) 859 6900 For show info visit www.Adultcon.com

[Snowman]

Here's an interesting article on AdultFYI about Adultcon's practices in this regard. Desiree advertises herself as a BBW (Big Beautiful Woman).

*** ... And upon meeting Ms. Devine, you realize this is complete truth in advertising. Devine, who’s been in the business about a year, also has a huge fan base which she was hoping would come out to meet her at Adultcon this weekend. But that won’t happen. I’ve read the contract. Adultcon doesn’t want performers like Devine. And they don’t want transsexuals, and it’s spelled out in black and white in papers Devine was later given. But Devine didn’t find any of this out until after she had completed forms and sent money in for her booth last week. After she had submitted the necessary paperwork, Devine was then contacted by Adultcon and told the registration was complete but to submit additional non-nude photos. After she had done so, Adultcon’s president Brad Clark told her, via e-mail, sorry, we’re giving you your money back and cited the perceived discriminatory reasons why. Clark says the following: “I regret to inform you, per our policy, we reserve the right to deny space to any person who is, in our opinion, disproportionate in weight in relation to to their height. As such we must deny your request to have booth space at Adultcon.” Clark also adds that Devine, though, is still welcome to attend as a fan on a freebie to claim a refund. Devine, in turn, sent back a response and said she was offended by Adultcon’s attitude and wanted to know where such a policy is stated. She was referred to page 2 of the contract. The contract goes on to state that talent is defined as “any non-transsexual individual participating in any legal form of sexual activity, posing topless or nude in photos or video or performing in adult movies…” Today, Devine retained the services of attorney Michael Fattorosi, www.adultbizlaw.com. Fattorosi wouldn’t comment on the situation other than to say that Adultcon’s decision to exclude these performers was a violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act and that he intended to vigorously pursue legal action against Adultcon, and, if needs be, the LA Convention Center. ***

The Unruh Civil Rights Act that Fattorosi is speaking of is a California law that provides protection from discrimination by all business establishments in California, including housing and public accommodations, because of:

• Age
• Ancestry
• Color
• Disability
• National Origin
• Race
• Religion
• Sex
• Sexual Orientation

However California Supreme Court has held that protections under the Unruh Act are not necessarily restricted to these characteristics. The Act meant to cover all arbitrary and intentional discrimination by a business establishment on the bases of personal characteristics similar to those listed above.

[Snowman]

After learning of this controversy, Exxxotica Miami has offered the plaintiff's in the lawsuit discussed above a free booth for an upcoming show in May. From an Xbiz article:

*** J. Handy, director of Victory Tradeshow Management, organizers of EXXXOTICA Miami, said the offer for free exhibit space came from his group’s heart. “EXXXOTICA has always been a celebration of sexy and we recognize that there is always someone for everyone. We certainly would never discriminate against any person or group in regards to race, creed or sexual orientation or taste,” Handy said. “These ladies have been wronged and we want to let them know they are welcome at our show. We are offering them a booth at our show.” Industry attorney Michael Fattorosi, who represents the women, told XBIZ that the women likely would take up EXXXOTICA Miami’s offer. "I am pleased to see that EXXXOTICA Miami and those that produce the event, Victory Tradeshow Management, understand that adult entertainment encompasses all types, shapes and sizes,” he said. “I am sure Exxxotica Miami will be a huge success for them." EXXXOTICA Miami Beach is billed as the largest adult-themed consumer show on the East Coast. It is scheduled for May 8-10 at the Miami Beach Convention Center; tickets start at $35.

[Bigboi]

This is interesting that they don't want transsexuals either, the BBW genre has its fans Adultcon should recognize that. But the BBW are not considered beautiful porn performers like the stick figures the industry seems to prefer.

[Snowman]

Originally Posted by Bigboi This is interesting that they don't want transsexuals either, the BBW genre has its fans Adultcon should recognize that. But the BBW are not considered beautiful porn performers like the stick figures the industry seems to prefer.

I actually think there is some merit to Adultcon's position. Imagine if BBWs, T-girls, Midgets and Amputees booked the majority of the booths. That is hardly the glamorous porn star experience Adultcon promises to their target market. If they are forced to open the show to anyone, it has the potential to morph into some kind of sexual freak show with disastrous economic results to the show's producers. There has to be to some room here for commercial considerations, even under the Unruh Act.