Shocking news from the world of adult film today, as beloved performer-turned-controversial figure August Ames has been found dead.
The actress was just 23 years old.
Though no official cause of death has been given, it’s being widely reported that Ames (real name Mercedes Grabowski) took her own life.
The news comes on the heels of a controversy involving statements made by Ames about her refusal to film a scene with an actor who had previously starred in gay pornography films.
“Whichever (lady) performer is replacing me tomorrow for @EroticaXNews, you’re shooting with a guy who has shot gay porn, just to let cha know,” Ames tweeted on December 3.
“BS is all I can say. Do agents really not care about who they’re representing? #LAdirect I do my homework for my body.”
Ames later clarified that she did not intend for her statement to be construed as homophobic.
The performer in question, Jaxton Wheeler, has come under fire for a tweet in which he seemed to encourage Ames to commit suicide.
“The world is awaiting your apology or for you to take a cyanide pill. Either or we’ll take it,” Wheeler wrote.
Today, he’s posted several tweets clarifying that he had no intention of encouraging any bullying or online harassment:
“Emotions will be high today, I think it’s best to reflect and take away from this, I’m not asking for prior not to come at me, i know that will happen. But I’m gutted by this too,” Wheeler tweeted.
Ames’ final tweets reflect the increasingly hostile reaction to her original statement:
“F–k you guys for attacking me when none my intentions were malicious. I f–king love the gay community! What the f–k ever! I CHOOSE who I have inside my body. No hate,” she wrote on Monday.
Ames death was first reported by the trade magazine Adult Video News.
“She was the kindest person I ever knew and she meant the world to me,” her husband, director Kevin Moore, told AVN.
“Please leave this as a private family matter in this difficult time.”
Ames worked as a bartender prior to entering the adult film world in 2014.
In just under four years, she starred in more than 270 titles and took home many of the industry’s top prizes.
Many of her colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to the beloved performer:
“A beautiful life is GONE because people like to use their ‘fan base’ to bully others because THEIR opinion doesn’t agree with YOURS,” wrote Brett Rossi, a porn star and former girlfriend of Charlie Sheen’s.
“RIP to a sweet, kind, soul…I’m so sad & so angry. A life wasted simply because HER opinion didn’t mesh with YOURS.”
Our thoughts go out to Ames’ loved ones during this difficult time.
