Darren James, born Darren Keith Edwards on February 25, 1964, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American former pornographic actor and director. Standing at 5 ft 10 in, he entered the adult industry in 1997, performing in nearly 400 videos until 2004 and directing eight films until 2006. James gained international notoriety in April 2004 when he tested positive for HIV, which he had contracted during unprotected sex while filming in Rio de Janeiro.
He unknowingly transmitted the virus to three co-stars: Lara Roxx, Mariesa Arroyo, and Jessica Dee. The incident triggered a 60-day moratorium on filming in California, widespread testing, and significant media attention. Devastated, James attempted suicide and later sued the Adult Industry Medical Healthcare Foundation for breaching confidentiality.
He settled out of court and transitioned to roles as a security guard and advocate for condom use in porn. Featured in documentaries like 'The Dark Side of Porn.'