The adult entertainment industry has hit the pause button. On Tuesday, the Performer Availability Screening Services (PASS) issued a preliminary production hold, calling for an immediate stop to all work involving fluid exchange after confirming a positive HIV test within the performer community.
The move, while disruptive, is a critical part of the industry’s self-regulated safety net, designed to protect the health of everyone involved. PASS is now in the process of contact tracing to ensure anyone with potential exposure gets retested.
“Once we are able to confirm that these individuals have been retested and cleared, PASS will lift the production hold,” a PASS official stated, emphasizing the temporary nature of the halt.
What This Hold Actually Means for Production
So, what does an industry-wide “hold” look like? In simple terms, it’s a temporary suspension of any sexual activity on camera that could risk the transmission of STIs. PASS has been clear that the goal is to contain any potential exposure before it can spread.
While this puts a stop to traditional partner scenes, creativity doesn’t have to grind to a complete halt. PASS outlined that production can continue for specific types of content, including:
- Solo shoots
- Toy use (on a single person)
- BDSM scenes that don’t involve fluid exchange
- Mutual masturbation and kissing
The organization advises all producers to inform talent of the hold, even for approved shoots, and to respect the wishes of any creator who chooses not to work until the all-clear is given.
A Necessary Safety Measure, Not a Crisis
While the news of a production hold can sound alarming, PASS officials were quick to frame it as a standard—and essential—procedure. In a detailed statement, the organization explained the rationale behind these temporary shutdowns.
“While infrequent and treated with serious concern, production holds are both a normal and essential part of protecting the health of the industry,” the statement reads.
The primary goal is simple: contain the risk. All other considerations, including the financial impact on performers and studios, are secondary. However, PASS acknowledges the “large fiscal burden” these holds can create and aims to resolve them as quickly as possible, often within a few days, provided that exposed performers can be retested promptly by approved testing partners.
What’s Next?
For now, the industry waits and watches. The key to lifting the hold lies in swift and comprehensive retesting of all potential contacts. PASS has committed to providing daily updates on the situation until it is fully resolved.
The organization’s message underscores a core principle of the modern adult industry: performer safety is paramount. The hold serves as a powerful reminder of the robust systems in place to protect its community, ensuring that when the cameras start rolling again, everyone can work with confidence.
* Thumbnail from avn.com
