Where Is Joe Francis Now? All About theGirls Gone WildFounder’s Life Today — and Why He Hasn’t Returned to the U.S. in Nearly a Decade

Mar. 15, 2025

Joe Francis attends The Blacks Annual Gala at Eden Roc at Renaissance Beach Resort and Spa on April 2, 2011 in Miami Beach, Florida ; Joe Francis in Episode 101 “A Man, a Beach, a Dream” of ‘Girls Gone Wild: The Untold Story’ (2024).Photo:Alexander Tamargo/Getty ; Maxine Productions/ © 2024 E! Entertainment

Alexander Tamargo/Getty ; Maxine Productions/ © 2024 E! Entertainment

In 1997, Joe Francis launchedGirls Gone Wild, building a controversial multimillion-dollar empire that shaped (and polarized) pop culture in unexpected ways.

Over the years, Francis faced a string of legal troubles, including allegations of tax evasion (perForbes), sexual misconduct and disputes over defamation, according to theThe Hollywood Reporter. Despite numerous lawsuits — some dismissed, others settled — his legal troubles culminated in May 2013, when he was sentenced to 270 days in jail for a 2011 incident involving three charges: false imprisonment, assault causing great bodily injury, and dissuading a witness, according toNBC News.

In his personal life, Francis entered a long-term relationship with model Abbey Wilson in 2012. The couple welcomed twin daughters, Athena and Alexandria, in 2014. However, their relationship eventually ended, leading to a contentious (and ongoing) separation between him and his kids. Francis currently resides in Mexico, where he remains to avoid returning to the U.S. due to outstanding legal issues.

On Dec. 3, Peacock releasedGirls Gone Wild: The Untold Story, a behind-the-scenes docuseries featuring interviews with former employees, critics, survivors and Francis himself. The series explores the rise and fall of the multimillion-dollar franchise and its controversial founder. Reflecting on the “lasting impact” of his company, Francis claimed thatGirls Gone Wild"loosened everything up."

“I think it just made for a so much more fun generation,” he said. “It did so much more for society, for life.”

So, where is Joe Francis today? Here’s everything to know about theGirls Gone Wildfounder’s life before and after going to prison.

Who is Joe Francis?

Joe Francis arrives at the Planet Dailies And Mixology 101 Grand Opening held at Planet Dailies & Mixology 101 on April 5, 2012 in Los Angeles, California.Jerod Harris/Getty

Jerod Harris/Getty

Francis is the founder ofGirls Gone Wild, a multimillion-dollar media empire notorious for its provocative entertainment.

Girls Gone Wildeventually expanded into a growing franchise of infomercials, DVDs, pay-per-view events, a magazine, a tour bus and apparel, but was also met with plenty of scandals.

What was Joe Francis arrested for?

Joe Francis confers with trial litigators for his felony tax evasion case at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and CourtHouse, after his arraignment on Monday, July 21, 2007.Al Seib/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Al Seib/Los Angeles Times via Getty

Francis was first charged with over 70 counts of racketeering, drug trafficking, prostitution and promoting the sexual performance of children after a 2003 Panama City trip, according toThe New York Times. Judges dismissed all of the counts except six, and the founder and his production crew faced the charge related to child prostitution and child pornography after filming minors, though they were released after posting a $50,000 bond.

Over the next few years, Francis faced additional legal issues, including allegations of assaulting a Playboy model at a nightclub and being ordered to pay $20 million in damages to casino owner Steve Wynn for falsely claiming that Wynn had threatened to kill him, according toToday.

In March 2008, Francis pleaded “no contest” to his 2003 child abuse and prostitution charges under an agreement that allowed him to walk free after spending nearly a year in jail, per theLos Angeles Times. However, he returned to prison in May 2013, when he was sentenced to serve 270 days in jail, for an incident in January 2011, perNBC News.

Additionally, Francis was also sentenced to serve 36 months on probation, attend psychological counseling for one year and enroll in an anger management course.

Where is Joe Francis now?

Joe Francis at the 2024 Miss Universe crowning in Mexico City, Mexico.Joe Francis/ Instagram

Joe Francis/ Instagram

Francis fled the U.S. in 2015 and has been living in Mexico. Two federal judges have called for his arrest, with one recommending jail time, according to a May 2015Wall Street Journalreport.

Currently, Francis resides on a 45,000-square-foot property in Punta Mita, Mexico, where he said in the Peacock series that some of theGirls Gone Wildfootage was filmed.

In December 2017, Francislost the right to profit from his estatein Punta Mita until he repaid over $2 million that he had fraudulently transferred to support the property, though it is unclear if the oceanfront home is where Francis currently resides.

Who was Joe Francis' ex-girlriend?

Joe Francis and Abbey Wilson attend The Blacks' Annual Gala to benefit The Consequences Program and Bay Point Schools at Eden Roc Hotel on April 18, 2009 in Miami Beach, Florida.Alexander Tamargo/Getty

Alexander Tamargo/Getty

Francis began dating model Abbey Wilson in 2012 after she won his show,The Search for the Hottest Girl in America. At the time, she was 18, and he was in his mid-30s, perGirls Gone Wild: The Untold Story. They welcomed twin daughters, Athena and Alexandria, on Oct. 7, 2014, in Mexico.

Francis and Wilson had an on-again, off-again relationship for years until they seemed to split for good around 2021. They entered an ongoing public fight over their kids, who have reportedly been living with their mother in the U.S. while Francis resides in Mexico.

What has Joe Francis said aboutGirls Gone Wildandhis time in prison?

Joe Francis CEO of Mantra Films and creator of “Girls Gone Wild” holds a press conference at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel on March 13, 2008 in Beverly Hills, California.Neilson Barnard/Getty

Neilson Barnard/Getty

Reflecting on the 2003 Panama City scandal, Francis showed little remorse onGirlsGone Wild: The Untold Story.

Francis has also expressed his outrage at the justice system during a 2013 interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, calling the jury the “weakest members of the herd.”

According toNBC News, Francis issued an apology shortly after, in which he shared his “deep regret” for his remarks.

“They were hurtful and do not reflect my true feelings. While I disagree with the jury’s verdict as I am completely innocent of the charges and intend to appeal, I was afforded a fair trial, and if I lose at the appellate level, I will reluctantly but fully accept the jury’s verdict,” he said.

In the Peacock docuseries, Francis also denied claims that he had crossed the line withGirls Gone Wildsubjects, claiming that he only had consensual sex with adult women.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

source: people.com