WASHINGTON, DC -- With a string of awards and video, print, and live stage successes to his credit, critically acclaimed director/producer John Stagliano has never been a man to hide from controversy. Finding himself on the business end of the Bush administration’s latest obscenity prosecution has not dulled his sense of self-preservation or thirst for justice. A press conference to be held in Washington DC proves that he’s willing to put his mouth where his money has been.
Known within the adult entertainment industry as a pioneer or even “father” of the gonzo genre, Stagliano will be arraigned in federal court in the nation’s capitol on Monday, April 21st in what a press release describes as “The Bush administration’s latest effort to trample the Constitution, limit freedom, and control the minds of Americans...”
At approximately 11:30am ET, the well-respected business owner plans to address the press and public from the steps of the E. Barrett Pettyman Courthouse located at 333 Constitution Avenue. After making a statement, he will be available to answer questions concerning the case.
Both Stagliano, and his company, Evil Angel, face eight charges of distributing obscene material via interstate commerce and the internet.
In a press release issued today, wife and Evil Angel publicist Karen Stagliano reaffirms that “Evil Angel’s films are completely legal. These movies are made by consenting adults, for consenting adults. We believe wholeheartedly in liberty, freedom of speech, and the First Amendment, and we look forward to defeating these baseless charges.”
Stagliano, a highly visible and involved Libertarian whose company earned 11 AVN Awards this year -- and has been honored with more awards during his career than any other industry director – vows that “We will fight these charges every step of the way. With the war in Iraq going so well, Osama bin Laden captured, the economy thriving, our public school system fixed, and our crumbling infrastructure completely repaired, the Bush administration’s top priority seems to be harassing filmmakers and watching our movies.”
More information about this obscenity case can be found at www.DefendOurPorn.com.
Darklady is Editor at YNOT, a member of the Free Speech Coalition board of directors, and has nearly two decades of experience covering the adult entertainment industry, internet technology, and alternative sexuality beats online, in print, and via traditional and web radio.
