Judge Tosses Visa Claims, Aylo Still Faces Lawsuit

By: Keith Witchka, Senior Editor | JRL CHARTS – Gay Adult News

Federal Judge Narrows High-Profile Trafficking Case

LAS VEGAS — (September 30, 2025) — A federal judge has dismissed several trafficking-related claims filed against Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, and financial giant Visa, in a case that has drawn national attention.

The lawsuit stems from allegations by Serena Fleites, the subject of Nicholas Kristof’s controversial New York Times opinion piece “The Children of Pornhub.” Fleites claims she was victimized as a teenager and later used her story to support a lawsuit against Aylo (formerly MindGeek) and Visa.

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Judge Hsu’s Ruling

U.S. District Judge Wesley L. Hsu of the Central District of California issued dual orders Monday, dismissing most claims against Visa and several against Aylo.

Hsu determined that Visa could not be held liable under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) based solely on its role in processing payments:

“Civil conspiracy with Aylo cannot be triggered solely by knowledge and inertia; it requires affirmative alignment with the venture’s unlawful purpose,” Hsu wrote.

The judge added there were no allegations of internal Visa communications or decision-making that showed Visa knowingly supported criminal conduct. Instead, the allegations pointed to Visa maintaining an ongoing business relationship with Aylo during heightened controversy.

Claims Against Aylo Remain

While Visa escaped most of the case, Judge Hsu refused to dismiss certain claims against Aylo, particularly those tied to alleged violations of the Communications Decency Act. He found enough evidence at this stage to allow claims involving Aylo’s tools and policies — which plaintiffs argue “encouraged criminality” — to move forward.

Hsu also allowed allegations against Aylo regarding the receipt, distribution, or transportation of exploitative material to remain in place.

Plaintiff Representation and Legal Background

Fleites is represented by Michael Bowe and Lauren Tabaksblat of the boutique firm Brithem LLP, along with David Stein of Olson Sten LLP. Bowe, notably, was featured in Netflix’s Money Shot: The Pornhub Story and previously served as an attorney for former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Brithem firm recently announced its focus on “impact litigation” — cases that aim to create precedent-setting civil rulings.

Aylo’s Response

An Aylo spokesperson declined to address the details of the ruling, stating only:

“Out of respect for the integrity of court proceedings, our policy is not to comment on ongoing litigation. We look forward to the facts being fully and fairly aired in that forum.”

Stay with JRL CHARTS – Gay Adult News for breaking updates on the Aylo and Visa trafficking lawsuit, Pornhub controversies, and industry-shaping legal battles.

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