Okay, he is fighting mad, but he is using the law and not his fist to demand that his porn company not be discriminated against by California. He has filed a complaint against mixed martial arts company Bellator and its owner Viacom, alleging that the companies have violated the same HIV regulations for which James Deen Productions was cited. His effort is not to cause Viacom problems–although it might seem that way–but is an effort to draw attention to what he described as the “unfair persecution of the adult industry”.
Deen’s complaint with California’s division of occupational safety and health (Cal/OSHA) alleges that the mixed martial arts company has failed to comply with state policies aimed at preventing exposure to blood borne pathogens, according to Deen’s announcement. Normally, workers file Cal/OSHA complaints against their employers. But the investigation into the condom practices of Deen’s company stemmed from a complaint by the Aids Healthcare Foundation, a nonprofit that is critical of the porn industry and has advocated condom requirements. Cal/OSHA announced penalties of $77,875 to Deen’s film production company, also known as Third Rock Enterprises, based on what some consider a frivolous complaint because as far as is known, no workers were found to have contracted any disease.
Whether the porn industry should use condoms or not is an open question. Testing does generally prevent accidental spread of disease though not always. Still, that said, the adult industry should do more to encourage the use of condoms. HIV/AIDS is a costly epidemic that continues to devastate communities. Just because there are better treatments now than when it began does not mean that its spread is not a tragedy.
Remember, sexual fantasy can be fun but reality has consequences. Whether condoms are worn in porn or not, be kind to yourself and practice safe reality.