CANOGA PARK, Calif. – Two independent blood tests have confirmed the HIV-positive status of an adult performer whose preliminary test results prompted the Free Speech Coalition to call for a nationwide production moratorium beginning Aug. 20.
In an effort to alert others about a potential outbreak and to halt the rumor mill, the performer, known as Cameron Bay, revealed her identity even before the diagnosis was confirmed.
In a joint statement distributed late Thursday, trade association FSC, industry health watchdog Performer Availability Screening Services (formerly Adult Production Health & Safety Services), the Licensed Adult Talent Agency Trade Association and Bay’s agent, Adult Talent Managers LA, indicated Bay’s diagnosis probably is an isolated case.
“Thus far, there is no evidence whatsoever that there has been an on-set transmission of HIV,” the joint statement noted. “First-generation partner identification and notifications are nearly completed. As a precautionary measure, the production moratorium will remain in place until all first-generation partners have been tested and cleared.”
On Wednesday, FSC Chief Executive Officer Diane Duke said the adult industry’s internal mechanisms for ensuring health and safety proved effective, despite allegations to the contrary that formed the basis for a Los Angeles County condom mandate currently being challenged in federal court.
“Because of the rigorous [PASS] protocols, the situation was assessed quickly and — most importantly — action was taken to ensure the protocols were followed,” Duke said. “[PASS] protocols for performer testing go well beyond what is typical for [sexually transmitted infection] testing in the general population. Our standards have been developed by industry stakeholders and medical experts to provide an unprecedented system to uphold industry self-regulation and protect the welfare of our performers.”
According to the Internet Adult Film Database, Bay performed in only three adult films released during 2013. The database also indicates she performed under a variety of stage names in five others since about 2010. Prior to that, Bay achieved brief notoriety in 2009 as a celebrity’s girlfriend and participant in the short-lived VH1 reality-TV series Tool Academy.
On Wednesday, Bay told AVN she has not performed in a sexually explicit scene since July 31, after receiving a “clean” test on July 27. So far, neither she nor any of the organizations involved in the industry-notification process have commented about how Bay acquired HIV.
“As difficult as this news is for me today, I am hopeful that no other performers have been affected,” Bay said late Thursday. “I plan on doing everything possible to assist the medical professionals and my fellow performers. Following that, my long-term plan is to take care of myself and my health.”
Her agent, ATMLA owner Mark Schechter, applauded his client’s behavior in a difficult situation.
“Cameron is obviously distraught over this conclusive information provided to her today, and yet she has been 100-percent cooperative with the medical personnel, strictly in the interest of ensuring the fastest possible partner notification for the benefit of all concerned,” Schechter said. “Cameron has been a model citizen, acting responsibly at this most difficult time. Her courage should be lauded.”
