Judge Fitzgerald, having issued a tentative ruling prior to the hearing (details of which were not disclosed publicly), seemed inclined to allow the lawsuit to proceed, despite the defense’s efforts to narrow the scope of the case.
Pornhub Cos. Urge Judge To Drop Trafficking Suit Claims: The Core Legal Issues
The defendants’ legal strategy included attempting to dismiss the lawsuit on various grounds, such as the statute of limitations, lack of jurisdiction, and poor structuring of the complaint. Mayer’s remarks at the hearing suggested a strategic shift, emphasizing refinement rather than outright dismissal of the case. “We aim to focus on the real issues, particularly those under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act,” Mayer explained.
In late developments outside the immediate lawsuit, Aylo Holdings SARL (formerly MindGeek), connected to Pornhub, reached a legal settlement in December with Brooklyn federal prosecutors. This agreement, involving a $1.8 million penalty but no criminal charges, came after the companies acknowledged hosting content from GirlsDoPorn.
Implications and Ongoing Legal Battles
The case has broader implications, with possible ramifications for how platforms host content and manage allegations of abuse. Aylo faces additional legal challenges, including a class action lawsuit in Alabama alleging the hosting of child sexual abuse material.
