LOS ANGELES — The adult entertainment industry is back in business today after PASS (Performer Availability Scheduling Services) officially lifted its temporary production hold. The brief shutdown, prompted by a potential HIV exposure, concluded with the best possible news: all performers involved have tested negative, and health officials have confirmed no transmission occurred.
The announcement came as a wave of relief for performers and producers who had paused work as a precautionary measure. In a statement released Thursday, PASS confirmed the news everyone was waiting for.
“Based on the date of the performer’s last clear test and the standard window period for exposure, this suggests no transmission from or within the performer pool and no excess risk to performers. The production hold is lifted immediately.”
A System That Works
For those outside the industry, a “production hold” might sound alarming, but for performers, it’s a sign that the safety system is doing its job. When a potential risk is identified, PASS issues a hold, effectively pressing pause on all productions to prevent any possible spread while they conduct thorough testing.
This incident serves as a powerful real-world test of the industry’s safety protocols, which have evolved significantly over the years. PASS highlighted the robustness of its current procedures, which were developed in collaboration with testing partners.
Once alerted, the organization swiftly identified and retested all potentially exposed talent using the industry-standard HIV RNA testing (also known as PCR or NAT). As they explained, these advanced tests are highly effective. While they can detect the virus within 5-10 days, PASS enforces a stricter 14-day window post-exposure to ensure maximum accuracy, a standard that successfully identifies 95% of early infections.
The result? The industry’s impressive safety record remains intact. As PASS proudly noted, there has been no transmission of HIV on a PASS-compliant set since 2004.
A Call for Community and Compassion
Beyond the technical success of the protocols, PASS made a point to emphasize the human element at the center of the situation. The organization extended its gratitude not only to those who respected the hold but especially to the performer directly involved.
“We appreciate the efforts of all involved, particularly the performer who worked diligently during an incredibly difficult time to identify any contacts within therin dustry to keep everyone safe.”
The statement was also a firm reminder of the community’s role in these moments, urging everyone to rally around the individual with empathy and discretion. “As a community, it is essential that we continue to protect the privacy of the performer, and provide whatever support and compassion we can,” PASS urged.
This sentiment was echoed across social media, where performers expressed their relief about the hold lifting and their appreciation for a system designed to protect them.
Staying Proactive: The Tools for a Safer Set
While the hold is over, the conversation around safety continues. PASS used the opportunity to remind talent of the tools available to minimize risks even further:
- Adhering to the PASS System: Working only with talent who are compliant with the 14-day testing protocol.
- Using PrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, a medicine that can reduce the risk of acquiring HIV from sex by about 99%.
- Using Barriers: Condoms remain a highly effective tool for reducing transmission risk.
As cameras start rolling again, the incident leaves behind a reinforced sense of confidence in the industry’s health and safety framework. It’s a collective effort, and PASS concluded with a note of thanks for that shared responsibility.
“Thank you to all who observed the hold and for helping ensure the safety of all performers.”
* Thumbnail from asnhub.com
