In wake of HIV outbreak, two adult film companies fined for allowing unprotected sex on set

Friday, September 17th 2004, 8:27 pm

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) _ State officials fined two companies more than $30,000 each for allowing actors to perform without using condoms _ the first time the state has taken such action.

The fines against Evasive Angles and TTB Productions follow an investigation into a complaint filed by an adult film industry worker, as well as an HIV outbreak that forced a temporary shutdown of adult film production in Southern California.

The companies have 15 days to appeal the decision Wednesday by the state Division of Occupational Health and Safety.

Three women contracted the virus that causes AIDS from a male performer while working for either Evasive Angles or TTB Productions. Regulators could not determine exactly which company had hired the performers at the time, but found both companies are owned by the same person, said Dean Fryer, an agency spokesman.

The four actors were diagnosed earlier this year, prompting an investigation.

Susan Gard, who also is a spokeswoman for the agency, said the companies violated California law when actors performed sex scenes without using condoms. She said state law requires employers to protect workers who are exposed to blood or bodily fluids on the job.

``Any bodily fluid is considered infectious,'' she said. ``That means barrier equipment must be used.''

The citations also included an accusation the companies failed to notify authorities about actors who contracted HIV on the job.

Officials at Evasive Angles and TTB Productions did not return telephone messages Friday.