A US federal court has delivered a landmark ruling against Michael Pratt, the disgraced founder of the now-defunct pornography website GirlsDoPorn, sentencing him to 27 years in prison for orchestrating one of the largest sex trafficking schemes in recent memory. The case, which shocked both the adult industry and the public, underscores how digital platforms can be exploited to commit widespread abuse under the guise of consensual entertainment.

Pratt, a New Zealand national, founded GirlsDoPorn in 2009 with the intent of marketing videos featuring young women, many of whom were first-time performers. The website quickly grew into a multimillion-dollar operation, catering to an audience eager for content that appeared “authentic” and amateur. But behind the glossy facade of the site lay a disturbing pattern of deception, coercion, and exploitation.

Federal prosecutors revealed that Pratt and his associates recruited women by advertising on websites such as Craigslist and through social media. Potential models, often between 18 and 21 years old, were promised anonymity, quick pay, and a safe environment. However, once they agreed to participate, the reality was starkly different.

Victims testified that they were misled about how the videos would be distributed, pressured into sex acts they had not consented to, and in many cases, subjected to intimidation and manipulation. Despite being assured their identities would remain confidential, the videos were widely circulated online, leading to devastating personal and professional consequences.

The Department of Justice

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