People have plenty of preconceived notions about the porn industry, particularly when it comes to the power dynamic between the adult stars and the companies who produce the X-rated content.
It's easy to imagine a row of pervy old blokes leering at scantily clad young ladies when you imagine people auditioning for a spot in a raunchy film, but apparently, it's a lot more civilised than that these days.
Porn star Maitland Ward said there is a lot of red tape to get through when it comes to shooting dirty films, while special clauses are included in stars contracts which everyone involved must agree to.
Advert
The White Chicks actress, 47, is a staunch supporter of the industry as she credits it with granting her freedom from Hollywood - while also revealing that her steamy career pays a lot better than movie roles do.
This is all in stark contrast to what Mia Khalifa had to say about working in porn, as she claimed that companies 'prey on callow young women' and 'trap them legally into contracts when they're vulnerable'.
Despite spending just three months working as an adult actress before she ditched it in 2015, the 31-year-old reckons that it was 'one of the biggest' mistakes of her life - which isn't half as glamorous as people may think.
Khalifa, who is one of the most-viewed porn stars of all time, claimed she made just $12,000 (£9,650) from the porno's she participated in and 'never saw a penny again after that'.
Advert
On the other hand, Ward has only got good things to say about the world of adult entertainment, which she joined in 2019.
Speaking to The Sun, Ward says porn stars are actually very protected when it comes to their work and things are incredibly professional on set.
"In the sets I have always been on, if you say no, the rule is the filming stops with no questions asked," she explained.
Advert
Ward goes on to explain how there are ironclad contracts which stars have to sign that are brimming with strict rules to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
She explains: "People think a porn set is like some wild orgy 24/7 but it’s not - it’s more controlled than you could imagine. All the sexual positions have to be agreed on, written down, in black and white.
"You agree in writing to have sex on film and exactly what that sex will be."
So, what kind of stipulations are made clear in their contracts?
Advert
"You have to say you’re not under the influence of anything or anyone," Ward says.
"Even the celebrity sex tapes these days, if that film is in a store being sold with a cover and everything, then they would have had to agree to that."
Ward goes on to add that she has never been uncomfortable on set, despite a roomful of people watching her get down and dirty, as everyone has 'seen it all a million times' and are 'bored' by it.
Advert
The California-native says: "I have never ever in a million years been pressured to do anything I didn't want to do by a male director or a male performer.
"They’re probably thinking about what to have for lunch or picking up the kids from school.
"Honestly no one is staring at you drooling, there are no seedy guys jerking off in the corner. It’s a job. We enjoy it, but it’s a job."
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Business, TV and Film, Entertainment, US News
Olivia Burke