Recent observations indicate a shift in the professional status of Digital Playground contract stars Shay Jordan and Gabriella Fox. Both performers were absent from the Pirates II premiere gala, despite their co-starring roles in the film, and were also not featured on the movie's box cover.
Contract Status and Public Statements
The absence of Shay Jordan and Gabriella Fox from the Pirates II premiere was noted in October. Gram Ponante was informed by Digital Playground’s publicist at the end of October that "it’s not like we send out a press release when we terminate someone’s contract." This statement followed inquiries regarding the performers' status after their non-attendance at the event and their omission from the Pirates II box cover.
Digital Playground had previously announced the signing of Gabriella Fox as its newest contract girl on March 18, 2008. The company stated that the 19-year-old brunette came to Digital Playground via Shy Love's agency Adult Talent Managers. Fox had performed two scenes for the company before signing her exclusive contract and was set to star as a belly dancer in Pirates II: Stagnetti’s Revenge. Digital Playground CEO Samantha Lewis stated that Fox had "clear cut and defined goals" and was "ambitious, a planner, and has no qualms about all that it takes to succeed in this business." Joone, Digital Playground co-founder and Pirates director, described Fox as "a truly unexpected find," noting her as "smart, sexy, overflows with self-confidence, and takes direction well." Fox joined Riley Steele as the second performer to sign with Digital Playground in recent weeks, adding to a roster that included Jesse Jane, Katsuni, Sophia Santi, Stoya, and Shay Jordan.
Shay Jordan was also listed as a contract star for Digital Playground, appearing in titles such as Nurses alongside Jesse Jane, Stoya, Riley Steele, Katsuni, and Gabriella Fox. The film Nurses also featured Sasha Grey, Jenna Haze, Shawna Lenee, and Shyla Stylez.
New Identities and Appearances
Shay Jordan is now known as Jasmine Jinn. This change was reported on December 29, 2008. Despite the change in name and the earlier observations, it was stated on November 5, 2008, that Shay Jordan was not leaving porn.
Gabriella Fox has also been observed under a new name. On January 8, 2009, Gabriella Fox was spotted on Playboy.com, where she is now listed as Karlee. This observation was made after she showed up for Playboy Casting Calls in San Diego. There was no official word from Digital Playground regarding this development.
In May 2009, a May Dance Schedule for Galaxy Girls was released, which included a full press release.
Industry Context
The adult industry often sees performers transition or adopt new professional identities. The publicist's comment to Gram Ponante regarding contract terminations suggests that such changes are not typically announced via press release. The individual career paths of performers like Shay Jordan and Gabriella Fox, including name changes and appearances with other entities, reflect these dynamics within the industry.
Digital Playground continued to release new content, such as "Katsuni: Sexual Freak 10," which was presented by the company on November 25, 2008.
Key Facts
- Shay Jordan and Gabriella Fox were absent from the Pirates II premiere gala.
- Neither Shay Jordan nor Gabriella Fox appeared on the Pirates II box cover.
- Digital Playground's publicist stated that the company does not issue press releases for contract terminations.
- Shay Jordan is now known as Jasmine Jinn.
- Gabriella Fox is now listed as Karlee on Playboy.com after attending casting calls in San Diego.
- Gabriella Fox signed an exclusive contract with Digital Playground on March 18, 2008, after performing two scenes for the company.