Melissa Hutchison, known as Phoenix Marie, has filed a $30million (£24.1M) federal lawsuit against one of her co-stars and an production company.
The shocking complaint alleges that Hutchison, 42, was coerced into an onscreen orgy and then subsequently victimised through a smear campaign after one of her co-stars nearly overdosed on set.
The defendants named in the lawsuit include her co-star on set on the day of the incident Danny D (real name Danny Martin) as well as Ethical Capital Partners and Aylo executives.
According to the complaint, Hutchison has been ‘one of the most prolific and popular stars in the industry’ for the past 18 years.
The lawsuit, initially filed in February in Clark County, Nevada, is set to be amended to increase the demand to $80m (£64.2M), according to George Robinson, Hutchison’s attorney.
The incident in question occurred during a shoot in Barcelona last October.
Hutchison was among the cast, which included Danny D – who both starred in the videos and served as producer and director – and an adult film newcomer using the professional name Zaawaadi.
According to the complaint, Hutchison took it upon herself to counsel Zaawaadi before an anal sex scene, expressing concern over Zaawaadi’s consumption of too much anti-diarrheal medication. To combat the negative affects of the medication, Hutchison gave the younger woman two natural probiotic pills and two tablets of a natural laxative.
The complaint notes that Hutchison is known for being ‘very concerned and passionate about female sexual health.’
During filming, Zaawaadi experienced a medical emergency. Hutchison, who has a background in emergency medicine, attempted to intervene but the situation escalated.
‘Hutchison tried to keep Zaawaadi calm and regulate her breathing while she evaluated her, called Zaawaadi’s sister for her medical history, and got her some fluids once her sister was on the phone,’ the complaint reads.
‘Hutchison asked [Zaawaadi] if she had taken any drugs or medicines lately, and she said, “Only the 4 pills you gave me.” Hutchison knew that the pills that she had given Zaawaadi would not have caused this reaction. The girl continued to shake and have difficulty breathing as a person would during a seizure or neurological episode.’
Hutchison claims Danny D delayed calling for medical assistance for nearly an hour and then insisted Hutchison continue to film the scene despite Zaawaadi fighting for her life in the hospital.
The complaint reads: ‘Hutchison was very upset and declined to continue the scene as Zaawaadi had a serious life-threatening medical event, and no one had any way of knowing if the girl was going to live or die.
‘Hutchison was severely shaken that this had happened and pleaded with Danny D. to shoot the scene at another time. Danny D. insisted that they finish the scene, so Hutchison continued filming the orgy scene against her will.’
It was soon revealed that Zaawaadi overdosed on lithium, a substance that Danny D’s girlfriend was allegedly in possession of.
But after Zaawaadi’s hospitalisation, Hutchison was blamed for the incident and allegedly subjected to a smear campaign from executives and Danny D.
Robinson described the case as ‘very intriguing.’ In a joint statement with co-counsel Sterling Kerr, he emphasized the importance of safe workplaces, even within the adult film industry.
According to the attorneys, the production company, ‘had a chance to stand behind their public commitments to safe working environments, and instead they used the unregulated power of their Big Porn monopoly to launch a coverup and retaliatory smear campaign’ against her, they said.
They continued: ‘We’re looking forward to holding them accountable, not only to find justice for Melissa, but also to put an end to their heyday of destroying people’s lives on a whim so they can line their executives’ pockets through the abuse, mistreatment, and exploitation of performers.’
The lawsuit details a series of events where Hutchison was ostracized and defamed within the industry, causing significant emotional distress and financial loss.
Despite her efforts to address the situation, Hutchison’s career allegedly suffered irreparable damage.
Hutchison seeks damages for emotional distress, loss of income, and punitive measures against those responsible for the alleged misconduct.
She says the situation has led to ‘anxiety, panic attacks, sleepless nights, and sexual dysfunction.’
As the case progresses, initial statements are expected to be submitted by April 23.
