After years of waiting and fearing it would never happen, the alleged mastermind behind the GirlsDoPorn sex-trafficking ring, Michael James Pratt, finally touched down in San Diego in federal custody. He had been on the run for three years and was captured in Spain in December of 2022 after being listed as one of the FBI’s most-wanted fugitives. With five of his co-conspirators pleading guilty and starting their sentences, Pratt’s return to the US marked a significant moment in the ongoing case.
The extradition of Pratt marked the beginning of the end for many of the victims who had endured years of exploitation and abuse. The news of his arrest was met with cheers and applause from the victims who had gathered at the Carter-Keep Courthouse for the sentencing of one of his accomplices. Although Pratt’s case is yet to be resolved and he faces decades in federal prison if convicted, his return to the US was seen as a step towards closure for those affected by the scheme.
The GirlsDoPorn ring lured young women off Craigslist and social media with promises of modeling gigs, only to pressure them into shooting explicit sex scenes instead. Many of the victims were promised that the videos would only be distributed overseas and never released in the US, only to find their videos on subscription sites and free tube platforms like PornHub. The exploitation extended beyond the filming, with the women being doxed on a website controlled by Pratt and his team, leading to harassment and threats from online trolls.
Victims who spoke at the sentencing hearings described harrowing experiences of coercion, assault, and brutality during the filming process. Many were pressured into performing acts they had refused to do, with some in extreme pain and discomfort during the shoots. The release of the videos led to further trauma for the victims, as they were bombarded with the videos and their personal information by friends, family, and strangers. Some victims faced job loss, eviction, and estrangement from their loved ones, with some even attempting suicide.
Amid the ongoing legal proceedings, concerns have been raised about the potential attitudes of jurors towards the victims. Given the challenging circumstances faced by the victims, there is a fear that victim-blaming attitudes or lack of empathy could impact the outcome of the case. The victims’ attorney, Brian Holm, has expressed concerns about the trial process and the potential for a biased jury. Despite the challenges ahead, the victims and their legal team are hopeful that justice will be served in the case against Michael James Pratt and his co-conspirators.
