Sunny Leone, Others Speak Out On Exploitative Reality Of Adult Industry

Before venturing into Bollywood, Sunny Leone had a successful career in the adult entertainment industry in the US. In a recent interview, she openly discussed her experience in the adult film industry and emphasised her strategy of maintaining control over each project she took on.

The actor in an interview with Mid-Day stated that she worked with the best people and had no negative experiences. She carefully read through and corrected every contract, ensuring that she gained something from each project. For her, it was all about being in control of every aspect of her work. 

Leone added that she viewed the adult industry as a business and a stepping stone towards achieving her other goals, rather than a free-for-all environment. She acknowledged that experiences vary for everyone, and hers was completely different from the common perception.

However, Mia Khalifa, known for her brief stint in the adult entertainment industry before leaving it in 2015, brought to light the financial reality of her time in the profession in 2019. Despite her fame as one of the most well-known porn stars, Khailfa disclosed on Twitter that she earned a mere $12,000 (approximately Rs 8.75 lakh) from her projects. Shockingly, she highlighted that while she struggled to make ends meet, producers continued to rake in substantial profits from her videos.

The low earnings during her short tenure in the industry posed further challenges for Kahilfa, as they hindered her job prospects even after she quit. She clarified that she was not expecting or promising significant money but felt the need to address certain misconceptions about her situation. Her candid revelation sheds light on the harsh realities faced by some individuals in the adult entertainment industry and the impact it can have on their lives beyond the screen.

In the recent interview, Leone was asked about her understanding of Mia Khalifa's situation, to which she replied, "I don’t know how to say it nicely, but if you would have read your contract, you would not have been exploited because there are different things in a contract and you must read it."

Meanwhile, apart from the financial exploitation, there's reportedly a deeply disturbing reality beneath the surface in the adult entertainment industry, with sexual abuse and rape running rampant. Shockingly, contracts are often violated, and promises made to women are thrown aside when the cameras start rolling.

In 2019, porn star Corina Taylor shared a harrowing experience where she expected to film a vaginal girl-boy scene, but during the scene with a male porn star, he forcefully engaged in anal intercourse without her consent. Despite her pleas to stop and repeated cries of "No," he persisted, causing immense pain and leaving her in a state of shock and helplessness.

Former adult performers have come forward with disturbing accounts of their time in the industry. Brittni Ruiz revealed that she endured seven years of torture, leading to misery, loneliness, and even attempted suicide. Another performer, Jessica Jewel, spoke about the industry's damaging effects, describing it as a place where people are numb to real life, akin to zombies walking around. Drug abuse is prevalent, with many succumbing to addiction. Jewel herself faced a horrifying battle with heroin and crack addiction, surviving multiple overdoses and experiencing violent encounters with clients.

These stories shed light on the dark side of the industry, raising awareness about the need for change and protection for those working within it.

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