Ira Isaacs
Ira Isaacs, a filmmaker who produces fetish films that show bestiality and defecation, is currently on trial for obscenity charges.
Isaacs claims that his films have artistic merit. A jury must decide if the films are obscene.
Fast Facts
- Age: 57
- Born: The Bronx, New York City
- $30K earned from videos per month1
- Isaacs claims videos have artistic value2
- Obscenity definition: Violates contemporary adult community standards
- Not obscene: Items with "literary, scientific or artistic value"
Trial Controversy
The Los Angeles Times revealed on June 11, 2008 that Chief Judge of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Alex Kozinski, who is currently presiding over Isaacs' trial, posted sexually explicit material to a personal website.3
At least one image showed a man in a compromising situation with a farm animal. The judge said he did not know the website was public, and did not consider the materials obscene.3
He may be required to recuse himself from the trial. Isaacs' lawyer, Roger Jon Diamond, strongly objects to any recusal by Kozinski.3
Quotes
"I'm excited because I get to defend art and our political freedom of speech."4—Ira Isaacs, NY Daily News
"All they're going to do is turn on a DVD machine and hope the jury is going to be so shocked and disgusted and offended that they're going to throw me in prison."2—Ira Isaacs, KNBC News
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