August Ames dead: Who was the adult actor labelled 'homophobic' for comments about male star?
Adult film actor appeared in more than 270 films
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Your support makes all the difference.August Ames’ death has sent shock waves through the adult entertainment industry.
The 23-year-old, who wracked up hundreds of film credits throughout her career reportedly died in Camarillo, California on Tuesday morning.
The exact cause of death currently remains unknown but police have said there is no indication of foul play.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Ames had passed away but did not give a cause.
It is feared Ames may have taken her own life.
Who was Ames?
Ames, whose real name was Mercedes Grabowski, was something of a rising star in the adult industry.
The adult actor, who had amassed a following of 584,000 on Twitter, had appeared in more than 270 adult films since her debut in 2013.
She had also won two Adult Video News industry awards, including cutest newcomer in 2015. She was also nominated for the female performer of the year award at January's AVN Awards.
Prior to embarking on a career in the porn industry, she worked in a bar, as a nanny and in a tanning salon. She was born in the Canadian town of Antigonish in Nova Scotia, but grew up in Colorado.
Her husband Kevin, who has said her death is a private family matter, described his wife as "the kindest person I ever knew" and said "she meant the world".
Why was she accused of homophobia in the days leading up to her death?
Ames was subject to a barrage of abuse on Twitter over the weekend after saying she would not work with “crossover” gay porn actors.
She was accused of homophobia but sought to defend herself and insisted it was important she had autonomy over her body.
“I don’t have anything to apologise for! Apologising for taking extra steps to ensue that my body stays safe? F*** you guys attacking me when none of my intentions were malicious. I f**king love the gay community! What the f*** ever! I CHOOSE who I have inside my body. No hate,” she tweeted.
Ames posted her last tweet the next day which simply read "f*** y'all."
How has the adult industry reacted to news of her death?
Fellow adult actors have reacted with sadness on Twitter to the news of her death.
Brazzers, a pornography production based in Montreal in Canada, announced they would postpone a previously planned scene featuring Ames.
“In light of today's tragic news Brazzers has decided to postpone the release of tonight's scheduled August Ames scene,” it said.
"The scene will be posted at a more appropriate time, as we come to terms with this devastating loss. Thank you for your understanding.”
Anna Lee, a film writer, producer and director, said: “August Ames - one of the first women I had the pleasure of shooting and a beautiful Canadian. You will be very missed on this saddest of days. #RIP My condolences to her family and friends.”
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