US porn film makers suspend filming over HIV scare

Vivid Entertainment and Wicked Pictures, both based outside Los Angeles, took the action as a precaution after the unidentified actor was confirmed as having the virus that causes AIDS.

"When Vivid was first made aware that a performer had tested positive for HIV we immediately suspended production. We did this as a precaution and will continue to monitor the situation," said Vivid's founder Steven Hirsch.

Steve Orenstein, head of Wicked Pictures, added: "Although Wicked Pictures only shoots with condoms, we still don't want to put any actor or actress in a position to work with someone that may prove to be on the quarantine list."

It was not known whether the infected actor was male or female.

A clinic specialized in caring for porn industry workers said it was working to screen other actors who may have been infected by the actor who tested HIV positive.

"We are quarantining and testing all exposed partners to the individual," Jennifer Miller of the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation (AIM) told the LA Times.

"We're doing what we can to notify the individuals involved," she added.

Both production companies involved said they would await until AIM had finished its testing.

"AIM Healthcare acted appropriately to quarantine all adult talent who may have been exposed. We will wait for all of the facts to emerge before we resume production," said Hirsch.

Orenstein added: "We feel it is best to wait for AIM to finish their testing before resuming production."

The HIV case, the first in more than a year in the lucrative industry based in the San Fernando valley north of LA, fueled calls for film companies to force actors in their movies to use condoms.

"How many more people have to be infected with HIV before Los Angeles County steps in to do its job and protect performers' and the public's health?" asked Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

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