PARADISE VALLEY, Ariz. –
Porn in Paradise Valley? There are allegations the adult film industry has infiltrated the town.It’s known as a quiet upscale valley community — but is it also the new home to a booming business?A number of paradise valley residents say the business of adult films is happening in their town.
What’s going on here is twofold.
One, Paradise Valley Council members are looking into managing filming in town, or what they refer to as “special events permits.” Second, how or if they need to infringe on someone’s First Amendment right, and stop adult films from being made there.
Terrance Thornton is the editor of the town of Paradise Valley Independent. He’s the reporter who broke the jaw dropping story.
“I have been told that they are investigating that a home business may be operating and that home business may be explicit film making,” says Thornton.
Thornton says the subject of adult films being made in Paradise Valley was first brought up publicly at the Nov. 1 town council meeting, when council members were discussing how to regulate fees and permits for special events.
“It was said just like any other work session discussion at Paradise Valley, it was literally, ‘hey this is what I heard has been going on, why aren’t we addressing this issue as well.'”
Paradise Valley is considered family friendly. The population is less than 20,000, so residents are expressing concern over the headline. But not all were surprised.
Even though no one is breaking the law by making movies, the allegations have led to more issues — word the filmmaker may be selling subscriptions to a website with adult content has PV leaders worried.
“That then connotes a home business, which requires a business license which is where the town may have to step in and say, we need you to come down and file for all the appropriate paperwork,” says Thornton.
Council members and the mayor did not make themselves available for on camera interviews, but did confirm these allegations are being looked into and will be further discussed at a meeting in January.
