Joe Francis: What Happened to the Girls Gone Wild Creator? | Latest Updates
Founded by Joe Francis in 1997, Girls Gone Wild quickly gained a cult following for its controversial content. However, the success of the franchise was marred by legal troubles that ultimately forced Francis to flee the United States in 2015. The Peacock exclusive documentary, Girls Gone Wild: The Untold Story, delves into the darker side of the empire Francis built.
Born in Atlanta and raised in Laguna Beach, California, Joe Francis always had a fascination with business. After graduating from the University of Southern California, he found success as a production assistant at Real TV. It was during this time that he conceptualized Banned From Television, a project that would lay the foundation for Girls Gone Wild. Francis’ unique marketing strategies, including pay-per-view TV and video-on-demand, catapulted the brand to success.
Despite its popularity, Girls Gone Wild was plagued by scandal. A 2003 event in Panama City Beach led to multiple legal battles for Francis. He was charged with racketeering, drug trafficking, prostitution, and promoting the sexual performance of children. While many of these charges were ultimately dismissed, Francis still faced federal tax evasion charges. In 2012, he was ordered to pay $20 million in punitive damages to Las Vegas developer Steve Wynn.
Today, Francis lives in exile as the subject of scrutiny and controversy. While his Girls Gone Wild empire may have crumbled, the legacy of his controversial reign still lingers.
