August Ames dead: 23-year-old adult entertainment actor's body found after homophobia row
While the exact cause of death currently remains unknown police say there is no indication of foul play
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An adult film star who starred in almost 290 movies has died at the age of 23.
August Ames, who was from Nova Scotia in Canada, 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, according to the Evening Standard.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Ames, whose real name is Mercedes Grabowski, had passed away but did not give a cause.
It is feared Ames may have taken her own life.
Her husband, Kevin Moore, is said to have expressed his sadness and asked for privacy.
He reportedly said: “She was the kindest person I ever knew and she meant the world to me. Please leave this as a private family matter in this difficult time."
Ames' death took place just days after she came under heavy criticism for saying she refused to work with men who have also appeared in gay pornography, someone she described as a “crossover” performer.
Ames was accused of homophobia on Twitter but sought to defend herself, saying she needed to have 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.
She posted her last tweet the next day which simply read "f*** y'all."
Ames has amassed more than 270 film credits since 2013 and was a nominee for this year's female performer of the year for the forthcoming 2018 Adult Video News Awards in January.
Fellow adult entertainers have expressed their sadness at the news of her death on social media.
Abella Danger said: "I can honestly say I loved her so much. She was the most genuinely kind hearted girl I had the pleasure of becoming friends with."
Nikki Benz said: “Another beautiful soul taken too soon. RIP @AugustAmesxxx I’m still in disbelief.”
Producer and director Jules Jordan said: “Rest In Peace to August Ames, one of the best, nicest people I ever knew in the business.”
Brazzers, a porn production based in Montreal in Canada, also paid tribute to her and chose to postpone a previously planned Ames scene.
“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.”
For confidential support on mental health call the Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or attend a local Samaritans branch
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