Alex Gonz Hep C Statement

(LOS ANGELES, CA) — Adult entertainment performer Alex Gonz, also known as Daniel Sayago, has come forward to put to rest rumors that surfaced last month alleging he was intentionally performing while contagious with a known Hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Alex, a well-known adult filming industry veteran, has starred in hundreds of productions for various studios, including Hustler, Vivid, Pure Play Media, Score Group Entertainment, and Digital Sin, since 2003.

Since the first year of his entertainment career, Alex has consistently submitted to routine periodic testing to ensure the health and safety of all performers involved in the productions in which he is cast, as well as his own. As a veteran performer, Alex is completely committed to the principles of the Free Speech Coalition and the health and safety of the adult entertainment industry as a whole. In all of his years of testing, Alex has never been told he cannot perform by FSC/APHSS/Pass tests, nor has he ever been told he cannot or should not perform due to a failed test.

In August 2013, rumors surfaced accusing Alex of performing with a known HCV infection. Upon hearing the accusations, Alex did not immediately respond. “It is never easy to wake up and see your name in the news, with people making accusations about you,” Alex said. “It was hard to stay calm, but I knew that instead of reacting on the spot, the most responsible thing was for me to go to a specialist and get a full examination.” Alex had previously been told in a routine lab test taken in June 2013 that he tested positive for HCV antibodies, but was never told by the testing facilities that he had an HCV infection or that he could not perform.

In September and October 2013, Alex took a series of blood tests and exams with his physicians, including an HCV specialist. In the past few days, Alex has been informed that he does have trace levels of HCV in his system. Because of the low viral load, his doctors are not recommending treatment. Alex has been told that any treatment would probably not be approved by his health insurance because it is not deemed necessary. It is unknown when Alex may have first contracted HCV or how.

Alex is speaking out on his test results to set the record straight on the accusations that he lied or tampered with his test results, or knew he had an active HCV infection and performed anyway. “There is nothing more important to me than this industry,” Alex said. “I have never lied on or tampered with any test result, nor have I ever concealed or deceived the industry with any test result that could negatively impact the thousands of talented performers I am proud to call my colleagues. I have consistently been cleared to perform by all of the testing facilities I have ever been tested at, and never been given any reason to believe otherwise.”

As to the source of the accusations, Alex’s reaction is mixed. “What most people may not know is that I was always completely cleared to perform by the same testing facilities that I tested at for years. I am not a doctor — I rely on the same testing facilities that thousands of performers in our community use to tell me whether I am Ok to perform or not. When a professional testing company for the adult industry specifically clears me and tells me I am Ok to perform, I don’t have any reason not to believe them. I have never, ever been told I cannot perform on set for any reason, by anyone.”

Alex is presently under the care of his doctors, who are monitoring his health to determine if his HCV levels decrease or rise to the point where treatment becomes necessary. “I want every performer I work with to feel totally comfortable working with me. Issues like these are very serious, and need to be dealt with responsibly. I am committed to doing my part.”