In what reads like apathy regarding (if not an out and out refutation of) the allegations of rape and sexual abuse brought on by multiple former girlfriends and sex-industry co-workers against James Deen, two of the industry’s biggest awards shows have honored the man with several nominations for their upcoming ceremonies. Per a press release sent out by Third Rock Enterprises/James Deen Productions, Deen has received 12 AVN Awards nominations and 6 XBIZ Awards nominations. Two of his websites also received nominations.
Last year, Deen received a reported 33 AVN Awards nominations and two wins, for work that dated prior to his ex-girlfriend and fellow porn performer Stoya’s public accusation of rape on November 28, 2015. That led to a wave of accusations from the likes of Joanna Angel and Lily LaBeau, who said a scene she shot with Deen for Kink.com was “the most traumatic thing that’s happened to me in my career.” Deen vehemently denied the accusations against him.
By contrast, all of the work being honored by the two companies this year represents footage that was released (and most likely shot) after the accusations.
“Very little has changed in James’ life over the last year,” Deen’s spokesperson Howard Bragman told Vocativ last week. “He is not subject to any cases either criminal or civil and he is continuing the same work he did before in the entertainment industry.” Following the allegations, several porn companies said they would no longer be working with Deen, and though Vocativ’s analysis shows that that his career took a hit from the allegations, he still appears to be doing fine.
Deen is nominated for Male Performer of the Year by both AVN and XBIZ. The XBIZ Awards will take place January 12, and the AVN Awards are to be held January 21.