After the banks and the cars, now the U.S. porn industry has gone cap in hand to Washington seeking a multi-billion dollar bailout.

American commentators did not know whether to laugh or cry yesterday at the news that the economic downturn 'has made America's appetite for sex go limp'.

The statement came from Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt and 'Girls Gone Wild' creator Joe Francis yesterday.

In a statement, Larry Flynt said that the economic downturn has been mirrored by a sexual downturn. 'Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex,' he said, adding that this was very 'unhealthy'.

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Entertainment website TMZ.com reported that adult movie DVD sales have plummeted 22 per cent in one year.
And with all the free competition available, it appears the porn industry is not as recession proof as first thought.

TMZ said Joe Francis, hounded by legal troubles, plans to go to Congress to ask for his own stimulus package.

'Francis sees his industry like the big three automakers, only BIGGER,' the website claimed. 'Sounds like someone has a bone to pick.'

American commentators reacted in disbelief.