State regulators issued nine citations with fines totaling $77,875 Wednesday to the James Deen Productions adult-film studio for allegedly failing to protect performers through the use of condoms, in violation of the state’s blood-borne pathogens standard.
Cal/OSHA officials said the fines stem from a Jan. 12 inspection at a film shoot in Woodland Hills, saying that in addition to the lack of condoms, the producers did not provide vaccines or follow-up exams to performers who may have been exposed to hepatitis B.
Representatives of James Deen Productions, also known as Third Rock Enterprises, could not be reached for immediate comment.
“Cal/OSHA requires condom use in adult films to protect workers from exposure to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections,” agency chief Juliann Sum said. “Third Rock Enterprises failed to protect employees from illness and injury while on set.”
State regulators contend that when they began investigating the company in December, owner Bryan Sevilla — known by his film name James Deen — and his lawyers “refused to provide Cal/OSHA with requested safety documentation or permission to investigate.” Regulators obtained a warrant that allowed the Jan. 12 inspection, according to Cal/OSHA.
Citations were issued for nine alleged violations, including four considered “serious,” which designates a violation that could cause serious harm or death, according to Cal/OSHA.