Joe Francis, whose company Mantra Films markets a variety of soft-core “Girls Gone Wild” videotapes via direct response television and online advertising, was arrested Tuesday after flying into Panama City International Airport in Panama City, FL, according to published reports.
Francis had been ordered to present himself for incarceration last Thursday by U.S. District Judge Richard Smoak, who charged Francis with contempt of court, published reports said. The contempt charge stemmed from a profane tirade Francis gave during a court proceeding, according to reports.
Francis made his outburst while attempting to settle a 2003 lawsuit brought by seven underage women who claim he wrongfully exploited them, according to reports.
