Florida Judge Wants Footage In ‘Girls Gone Wild’ Suit

First Published: December 4, 2009 9:00 AM EST Credit: Access Hollywood

Caption Joe Francis

PANAMA CITY, Fla. -- A judge in Florida wants footage to be turned over to the court so he can decide on a motion to dismiss a civil suit against “Girls Gone Wild” founder Joe Francis.

U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak on Wednesday ordered all relevant videos be handed to him so he can make a final ruling on the motion by Francis’ lawyers. Smoak said the motion relies on the plaintiff’s actions in the videos.

Four women filed suit last year. They said they were 13 to 17 years old when they were filmed in stages of undress or engaged in sexual activity by Francis’ company, which produces the “Girls Gone Wild” video series. The plaintiffs are now adults.

Francis’ motion argues the actions onfilm did not violate Florida law. Trial is scheduled for February.

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