The news of Ron Jeremy’s release to a “private residence” due to his deteriorating health has stirred a range of emotions and opinions. The decision marks the apparent end of a four-year legal saga in which Jeremy faced numerous allegations of sexual assault, with more than 30 counts filed against him.
Alana Evans, a long-time adult film entertainer and president of the Adult Performance Artists Guild, expressed her deep disappointment upon hearing the news. She had testified before the Los Angeles County grand jury that indicted Jeremy in 2021 and had worked alongside other women in the porn industry who came forward with their stories of abuse by the legendary figure.
Evans felt betrayed by the system, as she believed Jeremy would be sent to a facility rather than being released to a private residence. She emphasized the collective effort made by the survivors who spoke out against Jeremy and shared their traumatic experiences.
The accusations against Jeremy came from sex workers who had known him for decades and patrons of Sunset Strip bars, alleging random attacks. Among these allegations was one involving the assault of a 15-year-old girl at a Santa Clarita house party. Jeremy consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The issue of Jeremy’s fitness to stand trial had been raised since last March when he failed to recognize his own criminal defense attorney. In November, it was reported that Jeremy was “essentially bedridden” and no longer posed a threat to the public.
Jeremy had been held in the medical wing of the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in downtown L.A. since January, despite facing abuse allegations. However, he had not been convicted of any crime. Due to his deteriorating health and inability to be restored to competency, housing him in a state hospital was not an option.
Efforts to find a suitable facility for Jeremy’s care faced challenges, as multiple facilities refused to accept him as a patient, including a Ventura County facility. The reasons for these refusals were not specified in court records, and Jeremy’s conservator declined to comment.
The release decision raised concerns within the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, with worries that Jeremy might pose a threat to caregivers. However, a judge in the Hollywood Mental Health Court overruled these objections.
The exact location where Jeremy will be housed remains unclear, as questions were referred to Jeremy’s conservator’s attorney, who did not respond to inquiries.
While some, like Ginger Banks, a performer and advocate, believe that Jeremy’s health is now so compromised that he no longer poses a danger, others like Alana Evans fear that he has evaded justice, potentially emboldening those who defended him in the adult film industry.
The mixed reactions to Jeremy’s release highlight the complexities of addressing allegations of sexual assault, particularly in high-profile cases. While some see it as a moment to move forward and continue raising awareness, others view it as a setback in the pursuit of justice and accountability.