Chanel Preston Issues Statement on James Deen Allegations

CHATSWORTH, Calif.—Adult star Chanel Preston, the president and chairperson of the Adult Performer Advocacy Committee, on Friday made her first public statement about the sexual assault allegations against James Deen, confirming that she and Deen have been dating. Deen on Monday voluntarily resigned from his post as chairman of the board of APAC on the heels of a rape allegation made by his ex-girlfriend and fellow adult star, Stoya, that he has denied. “James and I are involved,” Preston said in a statement to AVN. “It was never a secret but we don't talk much about it publicly. Obviously, this situation has presented me with complicated feelings, and I'm navigating them as best I can. “The porn community is small and many performers have had some sort of relationship with Stoya and/or James, and are experiencing this situation in a personal way. James is no longer involved in APAC decision-making, direction, or duties. APAC has issued a statement of solidarity with all sex workers who have been violated or assaulted, and the revised board's members, which consists of Conner Habib, Ela Darling, Veruca James, and I, will continue our commitment to serve our community and provide a safe and supportive environment for performers.” Stoya's rape allegation on her Twitter account Saturday ignited national controversy that has only escalated as several other female adult performers have claimed that two-time AVN Male Performer of the Year Deen had previously assaulted them, too.  The allegations, which Deen denied Sunday in his own posts on Twitter and Instagram, triggered an enormous response as numerous individuals both inside and outside the adult industry have taken sides.  Calling the claims “egregious,” Deen denied any wrongdoing via his Twitter and Instagram feeds on Sunday night. “I want to assure my friends, fans and colleagues that these allegations are both false and defamatory,” Deen said. “I respect women and I know and respect limits both professionally and privately.” Neither Stoya nor Deen have responded to requests for additional comment, but three companies on Monday withdrew from associating with Deen in light of the claims. Kink.com, Evil Angel Productions and Doc Johnson announced they had cut ties; on Wednesday producer Greg Lansky, who heads Blacked.com and Tushy.com, also said he would no longer be booking Deen as a result of the allegations during a Reddit AMA. Also Wednesday adult star and producer, Joanna Angel, who dated Deen for several years until 2011, recounted what she claimed was an emotionally and physically abusive relationship during a radio appearance on the Jason Ellis Show. Meanwhile, TheFrisky.com on Sunday said it had discontinued Deen's sex advice column that had been running since May.