As we've pointed out time and time again (opens in new tab), people have sex! And it's normal, and most of the time fun and great! And sometimes, people want to document that fun and great time they're having for a whole range of reasons. Maybe you and your partner want to watch it later and do some play-by-play review. Maybe just the knowledge that a camera is rolling makes the act hotter than hot (opens in new tab)—even if you never watch the video afterwards. The point is that making a consensual sex tape in the privacy of one's own home is nothing to be ashamed of.
But, when you're a celebrity, things get a little (and in some cases a lot) more complicated. First and most obviously, there's always the possibility that said tape might get leaked, stolen, or sold without your approval. This is why there are so, so *many* celebrity sex tapes lurking on the internet—none of which we will be linking to, btw. Watching a sex tape that you know was released without the informed, enthusiastic consent of all participants is not something anyone should be watching. But the stories of how these sex tapes were released, why they were released, and how the celebs in question dealt with their release is a fascinating chapter in pop culture worth delving into. Shall we begin?
Pamela Anderson and Bret Michaels
(Image credit: Steve.Granitz/INACTIVE)
Obviously, Pam's most famous sex tape is her iconic romp with Tommy Lee, but Anderson also made a sex tape with her ex-boyfriend, Bret Michaels. The Poison musician spoke out about his efforts to stop the film's release in 1998, when he went to court and obtained a temporary restraining order against Internet Entertainment Group (I.E.G.) from releasing the tape, which the company said they were given by a friend of Michaels'.
Michaels reportedly spent at least $100,000 fighting the tape's release and expressed frustration that Anderson wasn't fighting harder alongside him in the crusade.
"What I'm jonesing to find out, and I can not figure out for the life of me, is why Pamela is not A) stopping this tape, or B) writing to these guys to stop the tape," Michaels told MTV News (opens in new tab) at the time. "It makes no sense to me. I can not figure out. I have the original copy. I have it. No one's ever touched it. No one's ever gotten to it. I have it, period, end of story, and it's never gone out, so I'm anxious to find out who gave them this tape or a copy of this tape and now they're forced to disclose it. And no, I've never taken a cent, not a penny. These guys have cost me a lot of money, and they're going to pay for it."
Dustin Diamond
(Image credit: Karwai Tang)
Dustin Diamond, aka Screech from Saved by the Bell, gave the world the sex tape it never asked for in 2006. The, um, film, which Diamond directed and released himself, had the cringiest name: Screeched – Saved by the Smell. The movie felt like a huge stunt when it was released and that's probably because, well, it was. Years later, during an interview for "Where Are They Now?" on the Oprah Winfrey Network (opens in new tab), Diamond even claimed to have used a body double in the film and to have edited his own likeness into the footage after the fact.
"In my stupidity, I thought I could totally fake this. I could get a stunt person to take my place," he explained. "It’s my face but nothing else. Looking back now in my 30s, I realize that was really dumb."
So why make the video? The money, of course. Diamond explained during the interview that the idea came to him when he heard that Paris Hilton earned $14 million off the release of her infamous One Night in Paris sex tape.
"The sex tape is the thing that I’m most embarrassed about," Diamond explained. "And my buddy said, ‘$14 million? Holy smokes, where’s the Screech sex tape? You got to be worth at least a million.' And I thought, ‘Yeah — yeah, maybe.’ And that’s as simple as it was."
Turns out, however, that there wasn't enough of a market for Screech porn to make the whole ordeal worth it, financially.
"I definitely got some money off of it but it definitely wasn’t worth what the fallout was,” he said. "People to this day look down on me. There’s a lot of people [who think] ‘how disgusting of you’ — and I didn’t really do it."
Gene Simmons and Elsa the Energy Drink Model
(Image credit: Frazer Harrison)
In 2008, KISS legend Gene Simmons was the star of a celebrity sex tape (opens in new tab) that made the rounds on the internet. The video featured the musician and an Austrian energy drink spokesmodel named Elsa (her last name is never stated on camera) and was set to the soundtrack of Foreigner's, "I Want To Know What Love Is."
Simmons issued a statement (opens in new tab) about the tape on his personal website at the time, writing, "You may have heard or seen garbage that has sprung up from my past. Rest assured the proper legal team is looking at all ramifications and options."
The timing of the tape's release—just a couple of weeks before the premiere of the third season of Simmons' A&E reality show, Gene Simmons' Family Jewels—led to some speculation that the very NSFW tape wasn't an accidental leak at all, but a planned publicity stunt to generate buzz for the show.
Rob Lowe
In 1988, Rob Lowe was involved in a pre-internet age sex tape scandal that seriously threatened his future in the entertainment industry. During a 2019 interview on SiriusXM's The Jess Cagle Show (opens in new tab), Lowe seemed to have developed a good attitude about the ordeal over the years and even credits the incident—in part, at least—with inspiring his sobriety.
"It's one of the reasons why I got sober," he said. "I, like, woke up one day and was like, 'What am I doing with my life?' People talk about it, I go, 'I think it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.' Honestly, I do, 'cause it got me sober. Sober got me married. I’ve been married 29 years, and I have two great sons. I don’t think any of that happens without going through that scandal. I really don't."
Amy Fisher and Louis Bellera
(Image credit: Joe Kohen)
Amy Fisher, aka the infamous "Long Island Lolita," is still best known for the crime she committed as a teenager (when she was 17, Fisher shot and injured the wife of her lover, Joey Buttafuoco, who was 36 at the time).
(Image credit: Kypros)
In 2007, Fisher embarked on a major rebranding, filming several sex tapes (opens in new tab) with her husband, Louis Bellera. Later that year, several more videos and nude pictures of Fisher were released online and, by the time she was 33, Fisher had launched her own porn site, released a pay-per-view adult film (opens in new tab) called Amy Fisher: Caught On Tape, and planned a strip-tease tour (opens in new tab) of the U.S. In 2011, Fisher announced (opens in new tab) her retirement from adult films.
Farrah Abraham and James Deen
(Image credit: Bryan Steffy)
Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham's sex tape with porn pro James Deen was released in 2013.
“Now that you’re 21, you’ve pretty much been crying every night because you are single and alone. So, you make your own video, celebrate your awesome body (and) get your own sexy shots. So, the person you did this with has the urge to yell it out, when he should be professional and is not. But you have companies that are interested, so why not sell it? And that’s what I did," she said (opens in new tab) in a video statement explaining the deal she inked with Vivid Entertainment after the video hit the web.
Although the video was originally framed as a personal video that had leaked, it quickly became clear (opens in new tab) that it was, in fact, a professional production and that the "leak" was a marketing stunt.
Kim Kardashian and Ray J
(Image credit: Archives)
Kim Kardashian is an accomplished businesswoman who's turned herself and her entire family into a brand. That fact exists separately from her sex tape. However, her career did jump-start from the tape she made with then-boyfriend Ray J in 2002. The video, known as Kim Kardashian, Superstar, was released by porn company Vivid Entertainment in 2007, and while Kim initially sued to stop the release, she settled for a rumored (opens in new tab) $5 million. The film is reported to have made $100 million (opens in new tab) since debuting.
"It was a very difficult time, and ultimately we were able to come to an agreement," says (opens in new tab) Vivid's Steve Hirsch. "It was a very difficult deal to get done. Probably [the hardest deal we’ve done]. [Kim] did not want it to happen. I know people have speculated on [whether she planned the release of the tape from the beginning], but the facts are the facts. A lot of nonsense has been reported over the years."
Kim has talked openly about the tape, telling Oprah, "I think that's how I was definitely introduced to the world, so I like to think that I am, you know, aware, I'm not naive to that fact. That's pretty much how I was introduced to the world. It was a negative way. So I felt like I really had to work ten times harder to get people to see the real me. I felt humiliated."
To this day, Kim experiences sexist backlash from the tape.
The 56 Most Popular Vibrators, Reviewed by Experts
"Puff is a brand new compact suction vibe. Its outer ring rests against your anatomy to create a rhythmic sucking sensation with five intensity settings that allow you to choose the right amount of suction to get you to the place you want to be. It has not failed any users yet, and I recommend it to all of my female bodied clients." —Tammy Nelson
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The Virtually Silent Vibrator
The SKYN Vibes Personal Body Massager Vibrator, $28
"SKYN Vibes is an amazing vibrator as they’re virtually silent and still very powerful. They’re also a great shower sex accessory since it’s totally waterproof and perfect for play that doesn't involve intercourse." —Gigi Engle
"I tell my clients the FemmeFun Ultra Bullet packs the most bang for the buck and size. It looks like a tiny purple flashlight with a hot pink on/off button, and has 20 different powerful vibration modes. It's perfect for travel, especially if noise is a consideration as well. It’s whisper quiet, so vibe away no matter where you are." —Dr. Holly Richmond
(Image credit: Courtesy of K-Y)
The Bullet That's More Powerful Than It Looks
The K-Y Ultimate Pleasure Personal Bullet Vibrator, $10
"For women looking for a discreet option, I highly recommend the K-Y Ultimate Pleasure Personal Bullet Vibrator—small and very quiet—this vibrator is an amazing option and travels very well. Don't be fooled by its size, it delivers ten-fold! Added bonus—it's waterproof, so you can bring it into the bath or shower." —Dr. Jennifer Wider
"This fabulous toy simulates oral sex, which is the ultimate pleasure for many women. It has a very comfortable, smooth nub that moves up and down, rotates, and vibrates. And, you can change the speed and intensity of the “oral sex” you are giving yourself, all without having to tell a partner to do so! Because of this, for many women, this toy isn’t the next-best thing to oral sex—it’s better!" —Laurie Mintz
(Image credit: Courtesy)
Bust on a Budget
Luna Premium Rechargeable Personal Wand Massager, $27
"You don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to get the job done! People love this affordable wand vibrator with many unique vibration patterns. For its small price tag, it’s very powerful. The material is also comfortable, soft and easy to clean." —Christine DeLozier
"Using sonic waves to stimulate the clitoris, rather than direct contact, SILA creates a steady build towards climax without overstimulating. SILA’s wide mouth allows the clitoris to be pleasured from multiple angles, opening the door to a more intense orgasm. Wonderful for anyone looking to explore their body, SILA’s multiple settings facilitate a mindful and mind-blowing sensual experience." —Casey Tanner
"For decades, the pleasure product arena has been dominated by large wands. But plusOne's personal massager, at 5 inches, is tiny yet powerful to get the job done. Whether you’re feeling kinky or have a kink in your neck, the personal massager is perfect for you! It has a rounded tip that is extremely flexible so you can hit “the spot” every time. Plus it’s rechargeable so you never have to worry about running to the store for batteries just to have a little fun." —Stephanie Trachtenberg
"For any couple who wants to start with a product that is small and simple, this is the perfect item. The vibrator has seven vibration patterns, and its discreet look that will make each person more comfortable introducing toys into their bedroom." —S.D.
"Lovelife Rev by OhMiBod is the latest addition to OhMiBod's award-winning Lovelife collection. This vibe was designed with accessibility in mind—pleasure for all. It is a compact, lightweight vibrator that slides over a user’s fingers—a remedy for anyone who may struggle to get a sufficient grip on objects. The Rev’s ergonomic design also ensures that both right- and left-handed people can use it effectively. Additional features include a quiet but powerful motor, five preset pulsations, and a manual printed in larger font for improved readability." —Suki Dunham
"One tool reigns supreme when it comes to tried-and-true results, and that's the Hitachi Magic Wand. This personal massager covers a larger surface than your average disco stick, and demands more power than a battery can deliver. If it plugs into the wall, you're gonna have a ball--and that's why I'm in a long-term relationship with this consistent and intense vibrator." —Dr. Lindsay Byron
"I recommend the Le Wand Pleasure Set. It comes with different attachments and can be used as a full-body personal massager. The different settings and intensity make it a great toy for couples starting out or more advanced toy users. You can pair this pleasure device with K-Y's Yours and Mine Couples Lubricant (opens in new tab) including two different products that provide a tingling and warming sensation for him and her. Use them interchangeably and discover heightened sensations and intensity for a night of sexual fun. This adds novelty to your sex life and permission to have fun with lubricants." —Dr. Shannon Chavez
"Sleeker and sexier than the original award-winning Lora Dicarlo Osé, the Osé 2 is the latest in sex tech and the ultimate when it comes to a luxury rabbit stimulator. The Osé 2 is not for the faint of Vulva and explores more sensation than mere vibration. The internal arm is an adjustable g-spot massager that replicates the come-hither motion of a finger on the g-zone area while the clitoral stimulator is designed to mimic the sensation of oral sex thru its unique rhythmic thrumming over the clitoris. So why this product? Now while it does take patience to find the perfect fit for your body that is exactly what makes the product so invaluable. Its unique features and ability to be customizable to your body allow you not only to discover new ways to enhance your pleasure, but also gives you more agency over your orgasms- and pleasure will be had with this product! Innovation, blended orgasms, and comes with a personal session with a certified Wellness Coach, the Lora Dicarlo Osé 2 is a 10 out of 10 when it comes to best rabbit vibrators." —Kit Richardson
"For those who have never tried a glass dildo. What are you waiting for? You will wonder what took you so long to try it. Modern technology makes them not only beautiful and shiny, like jewelry, they are very durable as well. Glass can take temperature swings in the extreme so it can be run under warm water to bring it close to body temperature or put in the freezer for an interesting sensation as the glass warms against your skin. It has the added feature of being nearly pore less so there is no surface friction to irritate sensitive skin and it is a dream to clean. Vibrations translate well through it too if you pair it with your favorite wand Virtually any pleasure you can dream up is possible with glass." —Tami Rose
"Eva is the lovechild of the dynamic, badass—ahem, female—duo behind Dame Products. Take note that this is the *first* hands-free, strap-free, non-intrusive couples vibrator. Eva is made of the smoothest silicone, with flexible wings that fit snugly under a woman's labia majora, making it possible to experience clitoral stimulation during sex or while playing solo." —Polly Rodriguez
"Our top seller in this category is a vibrator called The Romance. It is powerful (not quiet unrelenting, it is the next level below which is called “intense”). People who like remote control vibes like them to be ultra quiet. This one fits their needs nicely." —Tom Nardone
"For those looking for the best bang for their buck and don’t want to sacrifice quality, the plusOne Dual Vibrating Massager is a product you can be confident that your purchase will leave you satisfied and won’t make your bank account cry. Rechargeable, waterproof, and silky-smooth body safe silicone ensures your pleasure play is a 5-star experience. With its bulbous and curved internal arm and strong vibrating clitoral arm the plusOne Dual Vibrating Massager is ideal for those looking for a fuller sensation internally while receiving a strong vibration externally. — K.R.
"The wearable Bluetooth App-controlled vibrator is perfect for remote play whether you are across the room or across the country. Esca 2's integrated LED lights up and corresponds to the vibrations – letting your partner see exactly what kind of good vibrations they are sending your way." - S.D.
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The Best Vibrator For Getting Sensual Alone & Together
"The Ballerina’s strong motor is perfect for discovering pleasure zones beyond the clitoris that exist on the vulva. Crafted with innovative human touch texture that feels deliciously addictive on the skin to massage over the labia and surrounding areas. As you get lost in the sensation of touch, how else can you awaken your senses?Teasing your tastebuds or turning up your sexy-slow jams playlist. If you’re feeling generous, invite a partner in on the action." - Sinnead TM Ali
"Focus is not your average vibrator. It’s equipped with a sonic motor that operates at a super-high frequency, providing 31,000 vibrations per minute with a reverberating motion vs. the typically fast spin of a traditional vibe. This assures powerful stimulation that’s also gentle and won’t numb you out if you use it for long or use firm pressure. Plus the design is made for a comfy hold! The soft ball-like base is easy to keep in your hand and maneuver around erogenous zones and the convenient attachments let you customize what kind of sensation you want–and what part of the body you want to focus on!" - Anne Hodder-Shipp
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The One That Wraps the Clitoris in Orgasmic Pleasure
"Not only is this vibrator gorgeous, it doesn’t look like a vibrator at all. Even better, it offers sensation and stimulation in multiple spots, giving users more external pleasure. At the same time, for the person who prefers direct clitoral stimulation, the Mimic provides pin-pointed pleasure." - Brian Sanderson
"The Chorus is one of We-Vibe’s newest and most innovative couple’s toys yet. Not only does it include the same 10+ vibration modes, dual g-spot, clitoral and partner stimulation, as well as Bluetooth control capabilities as the older models, but this one now has a wireless remote that responds to hand pressure. The squeeze control increases or decreases the intensity of the vibrations based on how hard you squeeze, allowing for the vibrations to match the energy of the moment." - Amy Baldwin
"A smaller version of the original, Lovelife Cuddle Mini is petite and discreet, with a soft design. It's our vibrator of choice when women come to us for suggestions on an introductory vibrator. Women LOVE this item, and we are constantly getting requests from people for it!" —S.D.
"Our most popular couple's vibe keeps getting better and better. The latest innovation of the C-shaped vibrator that can be worn during sex is more flexible, powerful, and can be operated with an app that also works remotely. That means your partner can control your vibrator even when you're far apart." —Claire Cavanah
"The vibrator you can take anywhere—discreet, wearable, waterproof. Gone are the days of worrying that your vibrator will go off in your carryon while the airport agent is searching your bags…now you can bring your vibrator with you and feel like the sex goddess you are wherever you go. I like to use the Palma as the perfect foreplay…wearing your vibrator out to a fancy dinner and no one is any wiser is a great way to build pleasure and desire." - Dr. Jordin Wiggins
“The prostate is a man’s most direct access point to explosive orgasms. [I recommend exploring] prostate stimulation for psychological and sexual health and wellness, but the biggest reason for exploring the prostate is to unlock higher arousal and levels of pleasure." - Dr. Chris Donaghue
"Dancing with yourself has a new meaning with blueMotion NEX|1 by OhMiBod. This Bluetooth enabled App-controlled panty vibe will vibrate to the beat of the music from your Apple Music or Spotify library. Create the perfect playlist and DJ your own orgasm." - S.D.
"The Melt has just the right amount of suction AND vibration. It’s designed to be slim enough to work for every couple and every position, but I like it just as much for self-pleasure during a solo session. It can be hooked up to an app so your partner can control the intensity while you hold is just where you want it." - J.W.
"This toy is the perfect thing for beginners. Its discreet, bullet-like shape makes it ideal for clitoral pleasure. Not to mention it's rose gold plating makes this vibrator sleek and ultra-chic. The Thrill has three speeds, which is great for a sex toy newbie who doesn't want to be too overwhelmed with settings, is completely waterproof for bath time, and is rechargeable (no batteries required). This is a luxury finger vibe without the price tag of so many similar vibrators. It's only $15. It's a total steal!" - G.E.
"It easily passes for a lipstick you can keep in your purse or makeup bag. Plus it's powerful and functional, so you can actually use and enjoy it. I like to recommend this one to clients in need of something discreet and private." - J.M.
"Yes, this soft, comfortable, powerful vibrator functions as a vibrating cock ring, but it’s more versatile than that. Users can also stimulate nipples and other erogenous zones for a more sensual and full-body experience." - B.S.
"Some toys do transcend this measurement method.Clit Suckers don’t need to be powerful and they are all approximately the same noise level. Our choice in that category is the Shegasm. It's affordable and has a variable speed control many others don’t. It is brand new." —T.N.
"I wasn't kidding when I said I love the entire California Dreaming line. I love the colors, the motors, the silky silicone. But this is another standout from the line—it features a clitoral stimulator (win) and thrusting vaginal stimulator (double win!) that thumps up and down." - J.M.
"Okay, seriously, this one is my favorite of the California Dreaming line I'm obsessed with, because it is like nothing I've ever seen before in a vibrator. It features a pulsating pad that thumps. The motion reminds me of a base speaker on full blast! You can put it on your clitoris for thumping vibes on your clit, or insert it and the thumping pads like up to your g-spot." - J.M.
"This unique toy comes packaged in a keepsake box and includes fine design features like a Swarovski crystal embellishment on the handle. It has a warm-up function as well as dual stimulation: wave vibrations and rumbly vibrations—both of which send pleasure sensations across the body, thanks to the fact that it curves up gently to stimulate the G-Spot. Use a few drops of Astroglide Liquid (opens in new tab)with this one to take the wave vibrations to new heights." —Dr. Jess O’Reilly
"As a longtime Magic Wand devotee, I didn’t think another wand vibrator could live up to such magic. Le Wand Petite is a more compact version (think smaller head and handle) that is purse-sized and perfect for travel." —Charyn Pfeuffer
"At only $36, this powerful vibe is a steal, given all its features. Bean has 6 modes, is waterproof, and can be used for both targeted and broader stimulation. Like all our vibrators, it is made with medical grade silicone so even though it's more affordable, you're not compromising on using body-safe materials." —P.R.
"Perfect for travel, this small but powerful vibrator can go anywhere with you discretely. It’s also a great addition to your bedside table at home because it’s small size doesn’t mean small orgasms! It’s very easy to hold in your hand and get at just the right angle, both during solo- and partner sex—indeed, it’s an ideal fit to use on yourself during intercourse." - L.M.
"This is my go-to toy when I want a lazy orgasm. It requires very little activity, motion, or lube, and can even be used over underwear, if you're feeling REALLY lazy. It's very ergonomic and fits perfectly in your hand, so it's also an excellent choice for providing external clitoral stimulation during intercourse." —Dr. Zhana Vrangalova
"Experiencing sexual pleasure goes far beyond the genitals. The Frenchman allows you to explore and discover erogenous zones from your neck to your toes. Its soft strokes mimic the sensation of being licked all over your body while being totally in control. This super flexible vibrator paired with a water-based lubricant heightens the sensation of being caressed and teased. The body's erogenous zones are totally unique to each person so you may be in for some surprises! It’s fully waterproof for a bath-time date or quickie in the shower." - S.T.M.A.
(Image credit: Courtesy)
The Pulsing One
Fun Factory Stronic Real Realistic Pulsator Thrusting Dildo, $170
"The Stronic Real makes me glad that I’m alive and have a vagina. It’s one of those rare sex toys that I feel the need to keep rigorously testing even after I know I’ve used it enough to write a detailed review. It’s a good thing the Stronics’ battery life is so long (I’ve found mine to last something like an hour and a half), because you may want to spend a while with this toy. I feel like I’m doing myself a disservice if I dedicate less than 45 minutes to the Stronic Real." —Felicity
"When receiving oral sex, some clit-owners prefer licking, others prefer sucking. If you're the latter (like myself), you're going to love the Sona Cruise! It provides that sucking motion experience, in the exact speed and pattern that you want." —Z.V.
"I adore this toy, which was so obviously designed by women. This multi-speed, waterproof vibrator is like the totally sexy-hot version of Gumby. You can bend its pink, flexible body whichever way you choose (which is an extremely satisfying thing to do, separate from its intended use), making it ideal for G-spot, clitoral, or all-over stimulation. It lies pretty flat too, so it's discreet (in case you're not in the mood to show off the outline of your favorite sex toy in your bag." —A.E.
"This toy is just so elegant. Everything from the branding to the design is beautifully executed. Fin is small and unobtrusive: You put it on your fingers (or have your partner put it on his or hers) and it becomes an easy (and very fun) addition to partner or solo play. " —A.E.
"The Noje line by Blush is one of my favorites, and the G Slim is their newest toy. This affordable vibrator has a lot of power! Plus, its shape is ideal for G-spot stimulation or slipping between bodies during partnered sex for some clitoral pleasure. The only thing I’m unsure of about the Noje G Slim is which color I like best!" —Amy Boyajian
"The Nova is an updated twist on the classic rabbit vibrator. There are two powerful motors on each arm, which can be controlled independently, and the external arm is super flexible to contour to the shape of your body. One of my favorite features is that you can control the vibrators and movement via an app on your smartphone, so no fumbling for buttons when you’re using it!" —A.B.
"With the recent advancement of air pressure toys (toys that create suction around the clitoris to mimic oral sex), there has been an influx of this style of vibrator on the market. The Satisfyer Pro Plus Vibration is my favorite of the bunch by far. It combines this new technology with classic vibrations to deliver a variety of different sensations with varying intensities. Plus, it’s waterproof so can accompany you in the shower or bath tub! " —A. Baldwin
"This the perfect first vibrator. About 70 percent of women need clitoral stimulation to reach orgasm, so it's great to start off with a vibe that focuses on just that. The Minna Limon also includes a brilliant squeezable interface—the harder you squeeze, the stronger the vibrations get. On top of that, for a small toy, it harbors an unprecedented degree of strength. Since every body is different, it features customizable memory to allow a completely personalized experience." —P.R.
"Yes, the name is totally cringeworthy, but this waterproof toy is designed to provide touchless stimulation of the clitoris using pulsating pleasure waves that feel both gentle and powerful. There's really nothing else like it. The interchangeable suction heads are made of soft, hygienic silicone and you can easily switch between 8 levels of intensity. Studies showed that women using this vibrator were able to achieve orgasm, on average, in less than 2 minutes." —P. R.
"This massager is so discreet no one will ever know that it’s a sex toy. It fits right between your fingers allowing you, or your partner, to put the vibration right where you want it." —Susan Colvin
"The Jack Rabbit is our #1 top selling product and has been for years, providing a combination of rocking g-spot massage and clitoral stimulation." - S.C.
"Many vibrators are essentially variations on popular and well-designed themes, and at first glance, this is a small twice-as-nice, with a clitoral stimulator and a shaft; but when you start playing with the stretchy silicone loop, it takes you to places other similar vibes simply don't. An ingenious design." —C.Q.
"This lipstick look-alike vibe is super small and discreet, making it ideal for travel or leaving it on your bedside table. Not only is the Stick Vibe really cute, but it is also very practical. It is waterproof up to 20 inches, and will run for 5 hours on a single battery! A dial control allows you to increase or decrease the intensity."— Angela Wells
"Introduce anal play with a Novice Plug, the perfect anal vibrator for newbies with a slim design, smooth silicone, and a remote control from up to 30 feet away." — A.W.
Interviewed: Wild Flower (opens in new tab) founder Amy Boyajian, writer and sexual wellness advocate (opens in new tab) Arielle Egozi, Babeland (opens in new tab) co-founder Claire Cavanah (opens in new tab), Unbound Box (opens in new tab) CEO Polly Rodriguez, Lovehoney (opens in new tab)'s sexpert Jess Wilde, Good Vibrations (opens in new tab)' staff sexologist Carol Queen, Ohmibod (opens in new tab) cofounder and creator of the original Music Vibrator (opens in new tab) Suki Dunham, Astroglide's resident sexologist Dr. Jess O’Reilly (opens in new tab), sex toy blogger Felicity of Phallophile Reviews (opens in new tab), certified sex therapist and Director of Sexual Wellness for Ella Paradis (opens in new tab) Dr. Holly Richmond, sex expert and writer Charyn Pfeuffer (opens in new tab), Kimberly Faubel of Clandestine Devices (opens in new tab), Vibrant (opens in new tab) President and CEO Angela Wells, founder and CEO of CalExotics Susan Colvin (opens in new tab), LELO (opens in new tab) sexpert Dr. Zhana Vrangalova (opens in new tab), CalExotics’ Resident Sexologist Dr. Jill McDevitt (opens in new tab), sexologist Dr. Jordin Wiggins (opens in new tab), Dr. Chris Donaghue, Doctor of Clinical Sexology and Human Sexuality, K-Y Partner Dr. Jennifer Wider, M.D (opens in new tab)., Brian Sanderson (opens in new tab), Director of Operations at Jack and Jill Adult Superstore, Anne Hodder-Shipp (opens in new tab), ACS, sex educator, Amy Baldwin (opens in new tab), Sex Educator, Sex and Relationship Coach, and co-host of the Shameless Sex Podcast (opens in new tab), Sinnead TM Ali (opens in new tab), Smile Makers’ Community and Content Manager, Laurie Mintz (opens in new tab), Ph.D., Author of Becoming Cliterate (opens in new tab) & A Tired Woman’s Guide to Passionate Sex (opens in new tab) and sexpert for sex toy brand LELO, Stephanie Trachtenberg, Sexual Wellness Expert, Official Speaker at Women’s March NYC and Head of Marketing at personal care brand Clio, Tom Nardone (opens in new tab) President of PriveCo, Tammy Nelson (opens in new tab), PhD, sex and relationship therapist, Casey Tanner (opens in new tab), Tami Rose, owner of Romantic Adventures (opens in new tab) adult store, Dr. Lindsay Byron (AKA Lux ATL (opens in new tab)), Lilly Sparks, Founder & CEO of afterglow (opens in new tab), Certified Sex Therapist and expert for LELO, sex expert Kit Richardson (opens in new tab), Sex Therapist Dr. Shannon Chavez (opens in new tab), Christine DeLozier, author of Diet for Great Sex: Food for Male and Female Sexual Health (opens in new tab), and SKYN Condoms Sex & Intimacy Expert (opens in new tab), certified sex coach, sexologist, and author Gigi Engle (opens in new tab).
Colin Farrell and Nicole Narain
(Image credit: Archives)
Colin Farrell dated Playboy model Nicole Narain in 2003, and recorded a 14-minute sex tape with her that is considered relatively infamous. The tape was released a couple years after it was made, and Colin sued—an ordeal that he says was horrifying: "I was deposed for four hours explaining why I didn’t want it to be released," he said (opens in new tab). "God forbid, it’s an on-demand movie in a hotel room and my mother says, 'Oh, I haven’t seen this work of my son's,' and hits purchase."
Things got pretty complicated when Farrell accused Narain of—to quote People (opens in new tab)—"trying to distribute the tape through an intermediary," which she denied. Actually, she claimed to have lost work thanks to the tape. "I try not to let too many things get to me, but this is definitely stressful," she said (opens in new tab) in 2005, explaining that she didnot consent to the tape's potential distribution. "I really would like my name to be cleared. I have nothing to do with this."
Farrell's lawyer Martin Singer claimed that Narain had the opportunity to "join with us in stopping the tape from being exploited…and she refused," so she was named codefendant along with David Hans Schmidt, the person attempting to sell the tape. Schmidt refused to tell People (opens in new tab) how he came to possess the tape, simply saying, "I have a written agreement that authorizes me to procure the sale and distribution of the Colin Farrell-Nicole Narain sex video."
Farrell and Narain eventually settled (opens in new tab) their lawsuit, though the terms were confidential. In 2013, Farrell joked about the tape with Sharon Osbourne, saying, "the worst thing about making a sex tape is you can't blame anyone for the bad dialogue."
Paris Hilton and Rick Salomon
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Paris Hilton's sex tape debuted in 2003—but was not intended for release. The tape was filmed with poker player Rick Salomon, who filed a string of lawsuits, starting with the company that distributed the tape, as well as Hilton's family, whom he sued for $10 million, claiming (per EW (opens in new tab)) that they, "falsely accused him of making the video without her consent."
The impact that this had on Hilton's public image cannot be overstated, and—like Kim Kardashian—she was the victim of slut-shaming as a result. "It's really hurtful, because my whole life I really looked up to Princess Diana, all these elegant, amazing women, and I feel like [Salomon] just took that all away from me," she toldMarie Claire (opens in new tab). "I could have been like that, but because of that tape, I will always be judged and thought of as whatever they say about me because of a private moment between my boyfriend and me.... I wish I had never met him. That is actually the one regret in my life. I wish that I had never met that guy. I could not leave my house for months. I was so depressed, humiliated. I didn't want to be seen in public."
Hilton sued (opens in new tab) the company that distributed the tape for $30 million (this lawsuit was thrown out (opens in new tab))—and in 2004, Salomon went ahead and made the decision to sell the tape himself (opens in new tab) to Red Light District Video, who named it One Night in Paris. The hotel heiress and reality star was reportedly (opens in new tab) given $400,000 and a percentage of profits during lawsuit settlements, which she's said to have donated to charity. Emphasis on "reportedly," because she told GQ (opens in new tab): "I never received a dime from the video. It's just dirty money and [Salomon] should give it all to some charity for the sexually abused or something. To be honest, I don't even think about it any more."
Kanye West (and Maybe Kim Kardashian)
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A Kanye West sex tape allegedly exists out there somewhere, but has not been leaked thus far. ET (opens in new tab) confirmed that an intimate video of the rapper was being shopped around in 2012. And we can't forget that in the song "Real Friends," West rapped the lyrics, "I had a cousin that stole my laptop that I was f*cking bitches on / Paid that n**** $250,000 just to get it from him."
The tape was described in depth (opens in new tab) while being shopped, and reportedly features an unknown woman stating that she is over the age of 18 at the beginning. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian has implied (opens in new tab) that she and Kanye have made their own tape together, which sure, why not:
"My husband Kanye and I have an amazing sex life. So far as the sex tape is concerned, whether or not we’ve made another...if we have, it’s never something I want to go public. I never want to make the same mistake twice. You do these sorts of things with people you trust. When someone says to me, 'sex tape,' it’s a very private thing, not something I would ever want anyone else to see but me and Kanye....I am married to an incredible man and let’s just say we do like to have fun. Have we made another? There’s nothing wrong with being adventurous, having fun and experimenting, but there’s definitely the right sort of person you should surround yourself with. Kanye and I have a very good sex life. What we do privately is private. I think let’s just leave it at that."
Jennifer Lopez and Ojani Noa
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Jennifer Lopez allegedly made a private tape with her first husband Ojani Noa during their honeymoon. His attempt to release it has embroiled Lopez in a legal dispute that appears to be ongoing. Per The Daily Beast (opens in new tab), Lopez and Noa's lawsuit over the tape spans years, and she initially claimed that its release would violate the confidentiality agreement he signed after their split. Apparently, J.Lo's team had a judge order that the tape be locked up (opens in new tab) in a safe-deposit box back in 2011, but in 2013 the former couple were still disputing settlement terms, with Ojani's team asking for (opens in new tab) $3.75 million.
On a lighter note, Andy Cohen asked Lopez about whether or not she'd ever filmed a tape, and her face is priceless.
Tonya Harding and Jeff Gillooly
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Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding made a sex tape on her wedding night with her ex-husband Jeff Gillooly, and—according to him (opens in new tab)—the pair made the decision to sell the tape together to Penthouse. They received $200,000 each as a result, plus royalties.
Chelsea Handler
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News of Chelsea Handler's sex tape being shopped around made headlines in 2010, but she confirmed that the tape itself was filmed as a joke, and is actually cut with footage of her stand-up. "The tape you have is an old tape that was done for a stand-up comedy bit," she said (opens in new tab) during her talk show. "I would like to say to Radar Online, thanks for ruining my surprise Christmas gift to my staff. Number two, it was made as a joke. I put it on an audition tape for a comedy club, because I'm a comedian, and I've been showing it at birthday parties for f*cking years!"
The tape was never released, and Chelsea brushed it off, saying (opens in new tab) "It was not a big deal to anyone, I don't think. I mean, people were talking about it, but if they had shown it, people would see it was a joke, so I think that's why nobody actually saw it."
Eve and Stevie J
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Rapper (and The Talk co-host!) Eve filmed a sex tape with her then-boyfriend Stevie J, which hit the internet in 2005. Stevie J denied leaking the tape, saying (opens in new tab), "I’m a pioneer. I made a tape and gave it to her and she took it on the road, on tour with her, and the rest was history. It wasn’t me, I didn’t leak that joint. I could’ve leaked it. I gave it to her and one of her girlfriends leaked it, thank you very much. I don’t want my beefcake all in the street."
Meanwhile, Eve shut down rumors that the sex tape was leaked on purpose (ugh, what is up with this trend of accusing women of leaking their own sex tapes?): "When that happened, sex tapes weren't 'hot' like that, and I got the FBI involved," Eve said (opens in new tab). "So that’s not something I wanted to happen…I respect my mother and my family and that’s not something I am okay with. And it hurt my heart that anyone who was in my circle—whether it be [Stevie] or anybody else—it hurt my heart that that went out there. That wasn’t my thing."
Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee
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Pamela Anderson and then-husband Tommy Lee's sex tape from their 1998 honeymoon ended up finding its way online after being stolen from their home by an electrician (opens in new tab). Pamela sued the distribution company, but ended up settling, and the tape continued to be available online as a result. She's joked about the incident since, once saying (opens in new tab) during a stand-up set, "Did you see that Hulk Hogan got $115 million for his sex tape? That pissed me off! All I got were some stupid Mötley Crüe tickets."
In 2012, Gawker published a sex tape depicting Hulk Hogan and the wife of his then-best friend, radio DJ Bubba the Love Sponge. Hogan famously sued (opens in new tab) Gawker Media for publishing the tape, which he said was filmed without his knowledge or consent five years prior. In May 2016 (opens in new tab), the jury on the case sided with Hogan, awarding him $115 million in damages and effectively bankrupting the media conglomerate.
John Edwards and Rielle Hunter
The former presidential candidate found himself at the center of a scandal in 2008 when news of his affair with Rielle Hunter was leaked. In 2010 it was reported that a tape of them consummating their affair existed. The video was filmed around September or October of 2007, during Edwards' presidential campaign, according to The Daily Beast (opens in new tab). Hunter was estimated to have been four or five months pregnant with Edwards' child at the time of filming. Critics were particularly upset over the fact that Edwards' wife, Elizabeth Edwards, was battling cancer at the time. She passed away in 2010.
Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart
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In 2009 (opens in new tab), a home movie from Grey's Anatomy alum Eric Dane and his wife, actress Rebecca Gayheart, leaked. It also featured former Miss Teen USA, Kari Ann Peniche. The video shows the three celebrities naked and seemingly intoxicated in a hot tub, but stops short of featuring any actual sex.
Kid Rock and Scott Stapp
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In 2006, a porn company called Red Light District tried to distribute a 1999 sex tape starring Kid Rock, Creed singer Scott Stapp, and an unidentified woman. Both men took legal action to prevent the tape's release, but Kid Rock opened up about the "fiasco" in a 2016 interview with Classic Rock (opens in new tab):
"Euurrrghhhh… [laughs]. That’s a funny story about that whole sex tape fiasco.
It never came out, by the way, I paid the money to quash it through attorneys and things. I remember going on the Howard Stern show and he summed it up the best. He says: 'I’m not surprised you had a sex tape. As a matter of fact we had a pool going in the studio and you were my next person. I understand you being in a sex tape. But what the f*ck were you doing hanging out with Scott Stapp?' I was like: 'I don’t know what I was doing hanging out with Scott Stapp. I am the nicest guy in rock’n’roll, because I hung out with Scott Stapp and got him some p*ssy.
We were playing with Metallica back in the day. They were on stage, and this chick gets wild in my trailer and she’s naked and she’s blowing everyone. I sat there like: 'This is rock’n’roll' [leans back in his chair with a smug look on his face]. There’s a knock at the door and it’s Scott Stapp with a video camera. He’s like: 'What’s going on here?' And I’m like: 'Whaddya mean, what’s going on here?' And he asked if I minded if he got in on it. I’m like: 'Nah, of course I don’t mind, man. Come in, take your pants off. Have a beer.' And then I’m like: 'Aren’t you in a religious band?' But I was just trying to be a friend to him. He just seemed a little lost. I just figured if he hung around with a big dog he wouldn’t piss like a puppy.
I think I said to him: 'What’s with the camera?' And you just know that thing’s coming out one day. The thing is, if it did—and it almost did—I’d be a f*cking hero; it would ruin his career."
Fred Durst and an ex-girlfriend
(Image credit: Jean-Paul Aussenard)
In 2005, not long after Paris Hilton's sex tape left the world shook, Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst had a very private clip of his own leaked on the internet. The musician ended up suing 10 websites (opens in new tab) for publishing the three-minute tape, which Durst and an ex-girlfriend filmed in 2003.
Durst sought more than $70 million in damages in his suit, in which he alleged that hackers broke into his personal computer remotely to steal the footage.
Chyna and X-Pac
(Image credit: David Klein)
Professional wrestlers Joan "Joanie" Laurer (better known as Chyna) and Sean Waltman (a.k.a. X-Pac) made a sex tape together when they were dating, which was released in 2004 by the same company behind Paris Hilton's sex tape. The name of Chyna and X-Pac's tape? 1 Night in China. While it's been reported (opens in new tab) that the couple shared in the tape's profits, Chyna maintains (opens in new tab) she never earned any money from it.
In 2007, Vietnamese actress Hoang Thuy Linh faced backlash when a video of her having sex with her boyfriend was leaked online. Thuy Linh was 19 years old at the time and was starring on a popular teen TV show called Vang Anh's Diaries, which was cancelled by Vietnam Television (VTV) in the wake of the scandal.
"This is the most scandalous and controversial thing that has ever happened in Vietnam's virtual world," journalist Hung Nguyen said in a BBC (opens in new tab) piece at the time.
The leaked tape was reportedly filmed on a cellphone and a five-minute clip was posted anonymously on YouTube. Later, a longer, 20-minute version also made the rounds online.
Nikko Smith and Mimi Faust
(Image credit: Prince Williams)
In 2014, a sex tape starring Nikko Smith and Mimi Faust from VH1's Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta made its way into the hands of Vivid Entertainment founder Steve Hirsch. Hirsch told TMZ (opens in new tab) that he reached out to Smith and Faust for permission before making the tape public, and that they signed off on the move.
"He says Love & Hip Hop producers also gave their blessing...presumably in an effort to spice up the reality show for next season," TMZ wrote (opens in new tab) at the time.
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Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
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