FSC: HIV+ Test Confirmed, Production Hold to Lift Wed.

CHATSWORTH, Calif.—The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) reports that the adult performer who returned a possible HIV-positive test Saturday has been confirmed as carrying the virus, however no other adult talent was affected and the temporary hold on production currently in effect will be lifted Wednesday. The FSC's full statement follows: We can now confirm the positive test by an adult film performer on Saturday was from an exposure in their personal life during a hiatus in filming, and did not in any way compromise or affect the performer pool. The PASS system was alerted on Saturday when the performer attempted to return to work after a twenty-five day break. No other adult performers were exposed to or contracted the virus. The performer had last performed on-set nearly a month ago, on March 24, on the same day as they last tested negative for the full STI panel. That shoot was a toy-only shoot that did not involve any fluid exchange or other mode for viral transmission. The performer has worked diligently with PASS medical advisors and administrators to reconstruct a viral genealogy that includes contacts in both their personal and work lives. All partners, regardless of their relationship to the adult industry, have been notified. While none of the performer’s shoots carried a significant risk of transmission, and all fell outside the possible window of transmission, PASS protocols dictated a proactive testing of all performer partners within the last two months once a possible positive test is returned. While the science behind the genealogy is clear, we understand that HIV transmission is an emotional issue as well. As such, we have provided free retests for the performer’s scene partners from the past two months when requested. “While we understand that production holds are difficult for performers as well as producers, they are essential to the safety and integrity of the performer pool," said Eric Paul Leue, Executive Director of the Free Speech Coalition. “A production hold is the sign of a functional system protecting adult performers. The PASS system has once again successfully prevented any transmission of HIV on a regulated adult set, as it has for over ten years. We are working with the performer to get them to the resources and treatment to help manage their status, and appreciate their commitment, honesty and participation. “We ask that everyone respect and protect the privacy of the performer and have empathy. We are working with the performer and PASS medical advisors to facilitate linkage to care and provide support.” Barring any further developments, production hold will be lifted on Wednesday, April 19, 2017. However, the PASS database will be unlocked today, so that performers may retest in order to be cleared for work, and plan for travel and upcoming shoots. Existing PASS tests which have not expired are still valid. Additionally, select PASS affiliated clinics, including TTS Northridge, TTS Vegas and CET Sherman Oaks, will offer extended hours today, until 6PM, in order to allow testing for performers whose tests have expired. Eric Paul LeueExecutive DirectorFree Speech Coalition818-348-9373