CNN Business – Dozens of women sued Pornhub and its parent company Thursday, alleging that the site knowingly profited from videos depicting rape, child sexual exploitation, trafficking and other nonconsensual sexual content.
The civil complaint alleges that Pornhub parent company MindGeek, one of the largest online pornography companies, is a “classic criminal enterprise” with a business structure created to monetize nonconsensual sexual content — allegations Pornhub denies.
The suit was filed by Brown Rudnick LLP on behalf of 34 alleged victims of sexual exploitation, including minors, rape and human trafficking, and is seeking damages and protection for plaintiffs.
MindGeek owns over 100 pornographic websites, production companies and brands including Pornhub, RedTube, Tube8 and YouPorn.
Among its various platforms, the company amasses 3.5 billion views per month, the lawyers said in a press release.
Michael Bowe, the lawyer representing the alleged victims, said on a conference call with reporters that the online pornography industry:
“has operated like an old-school red-light district of commerce where rules that do apply and should be applied haven’t been applied.
“This is a case about rape, not pornography.”
The women accuse Pornhub of profiting from videos posted without their consent. The complaint includes just one named defendant. The other 33 women requested anonymity.
One anonymous plaintiff on the call said that a video posted of her on Pornhub ruined her life.
“It is time for the companies and individuals who have profited off of nonconsensual and illegal content be held liable for their crime,” the plaintiff said … Click here to read more.
IMAGE: Marco Verch Professional Photographer (CC BY 2.0)
