The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) have renewed a campaign to force Cal/OSHA to levy maximum fines against TIM. While California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has historically struggled to regulate condomless production due to the "personal risk" argument, a new 2024 legal brief argues that by branding his studio as a "family," Paul Morris created an employer-employee relationship that requires a safe workplace. AHF spokesperson Michael Weinstein recently stated: "Treasure Island Media has been slammed by reason and science before. Now, we want them slammed by the legal system. There is no artistic exemption for preventable disease transmission."
Directed by Liam Cole and shot in London, "Slammed" was marketed by Morris as "Liam Cole's most extreme video to date," describing it as "an honest and true record of the lawless men of the 21st century". The title itself was a provocative clue. In drug culture slang, "slamming" refers to the intravenous injection of drugs like crystal meth or MDMA. True to its name, the film graphically depicted men shooting up crystal meth before engaging in bareback anal sex. Treasure Island Media Slammed
Perhaps the most devastating criticism leveled against Slammed concerned its explicit depiction of crystal meth injection. At the time of the film’s release, methamphetamine use was ravaging gay communities across the United States and United Kingdom, contributing not only to HIV transmission but also to severe dental decay, psychosis, and cardiovascular collapse. Many argued that showing the entire process—from tourniquet to plunger—wasn’t erotic but . The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and
While proponents argue that TIM’s "documentary-style" films represent a raw, authentic, and "genre-busting" look at subcultures, critics point to the dangers of promoting bareback sex, particularly when combined with substances. The studio's work continues to be a case study in the ethics of adult film production, safe sex advocacy, and the boundaries of freedom of expression. Now, we want them slammed by the legal system
The controversy surrounding Treasure Island Media has highlighted the challenges and complexities of community media. As community development and gentrification continue to shape urban landscapes, media companies like Treasure Island Media have a responsibility to tell the story of these changes in a fair, nuanced, and accurate way.
In response to the allegations, Treasure Island Media's founders have released a statement apologizing for any harm caused and promising to take steps to address the concerns of the community. However, it remains to be seen whether the company can recover from the damage and rebuild trust with the community.