Michael James Pratt, the individual behind the disturbing website Girlsdoporn, has been sentenced to nearly 30 years in federal prison. This follows emotional testimonies from numerous young women who spoke about the impact of his actions.
The 42-year-old received a 27-year sentence from a judge in San Diego, which exceeded the five years recommended by prosecutors and is nearly three years longer than federal guidelines suggest.
His conviction stems from the exploitation of 38 women, who were deceived into participating in pornographic videos filmed in a California hotel room.
One victim poignantly stated, “The life I intended to have died in that hotel room.”
Another victim addressed the judge, saying, “I ask the court not to show mercy.” There was a sense of anger and need for justice, as someone else declared, “We’re not here for forgiveness.”
Another survivor directly confronted Pratt, expressing, “I won. I am not your victim, I am your consideration.” The sentiment in the courtroom was one of empowerment, with one woman emphasizing, “You’re the one who can’t leave this time.”
Pratt was apprehended in Spain in 2022 after fleeing the U.S. in 2019. He eventually pleaded guilty to charges including sex trafficking and fraud, just three years after being extradited back to the U.S. Originally from New Zealand, he had been hiding in Spain since his escape.
Since launching his scheme in 2012, Pratt’s actions have harmed countless women. Many were misled with fake advertisements promising modeling opportunities, only to find themselves in hotel rooms confronted by a camera crew, coerced into sexual acts.
If the women resisted, they faced threats regarding their return flights, along with hefty bills for accommodations and the prospect of having explicit materials shared online.
There were even reports of the crew physically blocking exits to ensure the women couldn’t leave, as noted by some accounts.
Although some women would receive about $2,000 after the filming, they were told the footage would only be used in private collections. In reality, their images ended up on sites like his subscription-based GirlsDoporn and Pornhub, where they garnered millions of views.
When victims later discovered the footage online, many requested its removal, but Pratt consistently refused.
A U.S. Attorney Assistant, Sasha Foster, highlighted the severity of the situation, explaining how Pratt led many women to feel hopeless, some even attempting suicide or experiencing fatal overdoses. One mother recounted her daughter’s tragic decline into depression and addiction, ultimately leading to her death in 2023.
“The reality is that he was going to lie to these women and blow up his life,” Foster emphasized during the sentencing.
Pratt did offer an apology prior to the sentencing, claiming he wouldn’t cause harm again. Others involved in the operation have also faced justice; a photographer received a four-year sentence, while an adult actor connected to the films was sentenced to 20 years. Additionally, Pratt and his associates were ordered to pay nearly $13 million in damages back in 2020.
