Playboy Entertainment Group has settled a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by a former producer of its “Night Calls” radio show rather than let a jury decide whether bawdy behavior in the context of a sex-themed show is illegal.

Christy Canyon (left) and Terri Hughes

The settlement averts a trial that would have focused on the behavior of porn star Christy Canyon, who, while acting as host of “Night Calls,” allegedly exposed herself to guests and co-workers and even demanded an “ass-waxing” from producer Terri Hughes.

Canyon “demanded that Plaintiff enter the studio to 'wax' Christy Canyon's 'ass,'” Hughes said in her complaint. “Christy Canyon repeatedly made this demand throughout the three hour show, forcing Plaintiff to repeatedly refuse.”

In June, Playboy filed a motion for summary judgment in which it argued that Canyon “made 'no demand' at all” for an ass-waxing and none of her behavior amounted to sexual harassment. “Night Calls is a show about sex. It is hosted by former adult film stars who talk vividly about sex, and it is designed to appeal to listeners' sexual fantasies,” it said.

But court records show Playboy withdrew the motion from the court calendar in August and plaintiff's counsel filed dismissal papers Sept. 25. "The settlement agreement prevents either side from discussing any details," a Playboy spokeswoman said.

Hughes worked on “Night Calls” from January 2008 until her resignation in August 2008. According to Playboy, she took part in at least one “Wax My Ass” segment with Canyon and was a “knowing and active participant” in the show's raunch, demonstrating sexual positions with the hosts, describing her panties, commenting on photographs of listeners' genitals, and adopting the persona “Sexy Terri.”

By Matthew Heller
10/6/09