A Europe-wide production hold has been advised by Talent Testing Service Europe following a confirmed positive syphilis test in Spain. This development has prompted concerns among adult film actors in the UK, with some halting work.

Production Halt in Europe

On July 31, 2026, Talent Testing Service Europe issued a statement calling for a Europe-wide production hold. This decision followed the confirmation from a clinic in Spain that a male performer tested positive for syphilis on July 14. Preliminary information indicates that the individual worked with several performers during a potential exposure period, and not all may have been aware at the time.

The statement from Talent Testing Service Europe indicated that all industry productions would be temporarily paused while appropriate measures are taken, in the interest of health and safety. Nikki's Models, Jul Models, and Brill Babes have expressed support for this decision. Updates are expected as more information becomes available. Additional information can be found at TalentTestingService.com.

Industry Response and Concerns

Reports from September 2022 indicated that adult film actors in the UK had put their work on hold amid a syphilis outbreak in Europe. Lianne Young, a former actor, stated that professional porn actors she had spoken to in the past few days had stopped working due to rising concerns about syphilis. Young added that these performers had halted films they were scheduled to shoot and were losing money. She also noted that a major alert had gone out in Europe and that STIs could cross borders due to the transatlantic nature of operations for porn producers and performers.

The Independent reported that several adult film actors in the United Kingdom had stopped working due to concerns over syphilis reports in Europe. These actors were also calling for a union to be established in the UK. Young, who left the adult film industry two decades ago and now teaches sex education, stated that eight professional adult film performers had stopped working due to growing concerns about syphilis.

PASS, an organization that maintains a database of sexual health certificates for US adult actors, was informed of multiple positive syphilis tests among porn stars in Europe. The organization warned of the potential for many more exposures, including among US-based performers. In an initial post on September 22, PASS stated it had been informed of multiple positive syphilis tests. An update on September 29 confirmed the original three cases of syphilis detected in Europe. While those who originally tested positive had worked in Europe over several months, PASS had not yet seen evidence of additional transmission or an increase in positive tests in either Europe or the US.

PASS noted that individuals who contract syphilis can continue to test positive for up to a year even after treatment and no longer being infectious. The organization was unable to speak directly with those affected to determine if this was the case or if additional cases might surface. PASS reported having little verifiable information on the potential risk for those working in Europe or with performers who had recently worked in Europe.

PASS does not officially operate in Europe and has limited access to European studios and labs. Consequently, it does not have the relationships necessary to call for or effectively manage a production hold. Without a meaningful way to effectively monitor production or engage with testing, PASS could not provide reasonably informed guidance. The organization recommended that those working in Europe retest for syphilis and require their potential partners to do the same. Syphilis is highly treatable, especially when caught early. SNAP had compiled a fact sheet on syphilis to assist those assessing risk.

PASS is working to strengthen relationships with producers, labs, and industry groups in Europe, including FSC Europe, to improve communication and build information networks for the increasingly global industry.

Understanding Syphilis

Syphilis is a bacterial infection transmitted through sexual contact, causing skin lesions and rashes. If left untreated, syphilis can lead to severe issues, including permanent damage to internal organs and brain function. The infection can be cured with antibiotics. Its symptoms are often mild and difficult to spot.

Key Facts

  • Talent Testing Service Europe advised a Europe-wide production hold on July 31, 2026.
  • A male performer in Spain tested positive for syphilis on July 14.
  • Nikki's Models, Jul Models, and Brill Babes support the production hold.
  • UK adult film actors have halted work due to syphilis concerns in Europe.
  • PASS reported multiple positive syphilis tests among European porn stars in September 2022.
  • Syphilis is a bacterial infection treatable with antibiotics, but can cause severe issues if untreated.