TVT covered the sad and shocking news that former porn star, Jenni Lee, is currently living “under an overpass” right here in Las Vegas.Shapiro put the word out to listeners, to call with information on how to locate Jenni (whose actual legal name is Stephanie Saddora). He pointed out that just three or four years ago, he saw Lee in attendance at the AVN awards. Shapiro said at that time, she looked great and was one of the “more popular porn stars of our generation.”The discovery that Jenni Lee was living in the storm drains under the LV strip was stumbled upon by a Dutch crew filming a documentary on the homeless.Ms. Lee, once on “top 100 porn lists” and star of films like “My Daddy’s Hot Girlfriend” was completely unrecognizable. The former star, now age 38, looked gaunt and pale, with blackened teeth and a short hairstyle. Sharp pointed out: “If you see the video, it’s clear she’s been through some drugs.” Back in her heyday in porn, Ms. Lee was a fan favorite with her gorgeous, fit body and long brunette hair. “I actually got really successful. Maybe a little too successful,” Lee stated, about her former career. “I used to be so hot.”But the transformation of her look was not the only shocking part of this story. As the film crew interviewed her on camera, many may have expected Lee to beg fans for money or sympathy. Instead, she went the completely opposite direction and touted the benefits of her current situation. The implication was that she’s happier now in this lifestyle than she ever was as a porn superstar.Lee spoke in a very meek and soft-spoken tone, which sprinkled even more sad onto this already concerning situation. “Everybody is good to each other, which I don’t think you find much. I’m happy. I have everything I need here. People are much more accepting (underground).”Sharp stated this story was a terrible endorsement for the adult film industry, considering that Ms. Lee is seemingly embracing homelessness as a fulfilling “alternative lifestyle.”Shapiro looked for parallels in other famous folks who had it all and then ended up on the streets, like Delonte West of the Boston Celtics. Chris Winn brought up former NHL draft pick Joe Murphy, who was discovered living in a tent in front of a convenience store in Canada.The consensus of the TVT crew was that mental illness and drugs (which are often co-occurring) were the primary factors for the downfall of these once super successful people. Winn pointed out it must’ve been extremely difficult for Lee to adjust to a “regular 9 to 5 job” after retiring from porn. Shapiro opined that by putting a positive spin on her situation, Ms. Lee was living in a state of denial, because there’s no possible way she could actually enjoy being homeless.The tunnels in Vegas were created to protect the city from flash floods. The hundreds who live in this vast underground world are at risk for disease from rodents and other general unsanitary conditions (there’s obviously no running water). There’s also a serious risk of drowning, since rain waters can fill them up with more than a foot of water per minute. Ms. Lee asserted that life in the storm drain is worth forgoing nicer amenities: “The hardships build camaraderie. You end up making more genuine friends.”One site pointed out that Jenni Lee’s Pornhub profile still has 45,000 subscribers. If each fan pledged a little over a dollar, a check for 50k could motivate Ms. Lee to get back on her feet. But it appears there are no imminent plans for her to leave the underworld. When asked if she feels she could adjust back to life above ground, Lee said: “Yeah, I do. But why?”Shapiro pointed out that if help were offered to Ms. Lee, she could perhaps clean herself up and reclaim her title as a “top 100 porn chick.” It’s true that a makeover and gym membership could get Lee back to fighting form, but the sad reality seems to be much more complex than what a makeup artist can fix. Her proud proclamation of homelessness may actually be a rebellion against the industry and her former porn persona.While porn stars (like TVT favorite Richelle Ryan) have bought lavish homes and been “smart with money,” not everyone can leave the porn business wealthier and without emotional wounds. Lee’s experience may be a cautionary tale - sensitive souls prone to addiction may never be able to reintegrate back into the world, post-porn.For those who may know Jenni, please encourage her to call into TVT or give us an update on how she’s doing. Just call us Forest Gump because we consider Jenni to be “our girl” and the Vegas community needs to rally to help her.
Even as a California resident, Melissa was always a Sin City super fan. Five years ago, she finally made the move out to Las Vegas, and the rest is history. Melissa provides coverage on Entertainment, Celebrities, and all things Vegas.
When she’s not writing for TVT, you can find her blogging, watching True Crime documentaries, or making art out of empty wine boxes.
Even as a California resident, Melissa was always a Sin City super fan. Five years ago, she finally made the move out to Las Vegas, and the rest is history. Melissa provides coverage on Entertainment, Celebrities, and all things Vegas. When she’s not writing for TVT, you can find her blogging, watching True Crime documentaries, or making art out of empty wine boxes.
ALL AUTHOR POSTS