Even in Jail, Francis Still Not a Guy Gone Mild

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. (More Joe Francis stories.)