Porn industry halts after actor tests positive for HIV

A California porn actor’s HIV-positive test has sent shockwaves through the adult-film industry and shut down at least two of its production companies.

Among them, industry giants Wicked Pictures and Vivid Entertainment yesterday suspended all upcoming projects until the details of the case are clearer.

“We did this as a precaution and will continue to monitor the situation,” Vivid’s co-founder Steven Hirsch said. “We will wait for all of the facts to emerge before we resume production.”

While the performer’s identity has not been released, RadarOnline reported that it is a male who’s acted in both gay and straight videos.

A clinic for the industry announced the results and said it’s contacting actors who worked with the person, reports said.

By law, actors must test negative for HIV within 30 days of filming.

Last year, an actress tested HIV-positive, but no other actors were infected. And in 2004, a male actor unknowingly spread the virus to three actresses. He had tested negative for HIV, but he was in fact positive.

Public health officials have decried the industry’s opposition to use condoms, which porn producers claim is a turn-off for viewers.