Book Preview: Inside the Velvet Lie
Don “Magic” Juan entering the Player’s Ball, flanked by women and dripping in gold. This was the world I infiltrated—undercover, alone, and armed only with a camera. It became the cover for Teenage $ex 4 $ale, a documentary that exposed the glamorized lie of modern-day pimp culture and helped ignite a federal investigation. Some stories you chase. Others chase you back.
It started with a stat on Facebook.
Twelve to fourteen—the average age a girl is first trafficked for sex in the U.S.
My daughter walked past me at that exact moment. And just like that, the story stopped being abstract.
That moment lit a fire that led me to one of the darkest, most surreal experiences of my filmmaking life: infiltrating the infamous Player’s Ball—where men are crowned “Pimp of the Year” and women are treated like currency.
No crew. No backup. Just a camera, a cover story, and a resolve to document the truth behind the lie.
This chapter isn’t just about what I saw. It’s about what it cost to film it—and what happened after the footage was released.
“She looked at me. I looked back.
We both knew—she didn’t belong there. And neither did I.That moment haunted me. Still does.”
This is just one story from the pages of my upcoming book—a collection of moments like these, where the weight of the work met the purpose behind the lens. I’m looking forward to sharing more soon. Stay tuned for updates on the release, behind-the-scenes photos, and the stories that shaped the storyteller I’ve become.
READ MORE: Film by San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office receives Emmy nomination
VIEW FILM: Teenage $ex 4 $ale: Human Trafficking in San Bernardino County is a short documentary produced by the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office that delves into the problem of sexual exploitation in the nation's largest county. From boastful pimps preying on young women to one woman's quest to open a home for female victims, the film highlights a unique coalition of government agencies and how they are reaching deep into the community to eradicate human trafficking.
COMING SOON
The Story Comes First will soon be available for digital download on Apple Books. This is more than a book—it’s a call to storytellers who give a damn. Whether you’re behind the camera, behind the mic, or behind the scenes, this guide was made for you.
For the latest updates, follow along on Instagram @ctopherlee or check back here. The story’s just getting started.
