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Even in Jail, Francis Still Not a Guy Gone Mild

Fiery 'Girls Gone Wild' chief faces myriad legal hurdles

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 16, 2007 1:55 PM CST

(Newser) – Wild antics usually sell videotapes for Joe Francis, the iconoclast behind “Girls Gone Wild.” But now they’ve landed the 34-year-old entrepreneur in jail and a slew of legal trouble. “I am not a criminal,” Francis insists, but his trail of civil suits and charges—including use of minors in sex acts, possession of contraband, and tax evasion—suggests otherwise.

Francis, who likens himself to Larry Flynt, blames his endless stream of problems on Florida prosecutors, whom he sued after they tried to thwart a “GGW” shoot. Officials, however, cite Francis’ “cavalier attitude” and “obvious disdain” as the cause. Quincy Jones and conservative radio talk show hosts are supporting Francis, the New York Times reports, demanding that he receive bail.

Joe Francis arrives to a party in Los Angeles in this Feb. 9, 2007 file photo. Francis, the millionaire producer of the Girls Gone Wild video series has accused guards of abusing him during his brief stay at an Oklahoma jail. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
Joe Francis arrives to a party in Los Angeles in this Feb. 9, 2007 file photo. Francis, the millionaire producer of the "Girls Gone Wild" video series has accused guards of abusing him during his brief...   (Associated Press)
In this photo released by the Bay County Sheriff's Office, Joe Francis, 34, is shown after he surrendered in Panama City, Fla., Tuesday April 10, 2007. Francis, the multi-millionaire founder of Girls Gone Wild films, was arrested on contempt of court charges after lawyers for seven women complained he shouted...
In this photo released by the Bay County Sheriff's Office, Joe Francis, 34, is shown after he surrendered in Panama City, Fla., Tuesday April 10, 2007. Francis, the multi-millionaire founder of Girls...   (Associated Press)
Quincy Jones has spoken out in support of his Hollywood neighbor Joe Francis, describing him as someone with a giving person with a good heart. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)
Quincy Jones has spoken out in support of his Hollywood neighbor Joe Francis, describing him as someone with a "giving" person with a good heart. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)   (Associated Press)
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