Feb
1
Sechrest on Porn’s ‘Inconvenient Truth’
February 1, 2012 | 3 Comments
Promoter-publicist Jason Sechrest has worked in adult entertainment for 14 years and the death this month of performer Damon Audigier compelled him to pen an essay reflecting on what he terms an “inconvenient truth,” a “void” that exists inside many actors. “Every single porn star I’ve ever met, though each with their own unique (and usually fascinating) story to tell, has one thing in common: An emptiness they seek desperately to fill,” he writes. “With all those things that feel good — the money, the fame, the sex — you’d think it’d fill the void but it never does. That moment is a crushing disappointment to performers but it sneaks in so quietly most of them don’t even know they are in the midst of a life-changing moment. It might just seem like a ‘down day.’ But upon the realization they still aren’t fulfilled, knowingly or not they arrive at a fork in the road.” Mr. Sechrest doesn’t believe — and I agree — that working in porn is the problem. “You can live a long and happy life working in porn if that’s what you’re meant to do, but you can’t if you’re constantly running from your emptiness and trying to find the next quick fix to feel good. Know your void exists and choose to work more toward finding a path of lasting fulfillment than on finding what will make you feel good in the ‘right now.’ The things that feel good and last are never the quick fixes.” CLICK HERE to read the whole thing.
[Image © Channel 1 Releasing.]
Jan
31
RIP: Sergio Real, Damon Audigier
January 31, 2012 | 5 Comments
Obits: I’m working on confirming details on the apparent passing of several performers. Michael Brandon and Will Clark conveyed the news that Sergio Real passed from liver cancer earlier this month in New York. Mr. Real was a tall, brawny and hirsute utility player with an active career throughout most of the previous decade. His early titles date back to 1998 and included sexpics for All Worlds Video, Catalina Video and Men of Odyssey, while in later years he filmed primarily for Bacchus Releasing, Hot Desert Knights and other smaller, boutique labels. He’s seen here, at left, on a 2001 DVD insert. CLICK HERE for a short remembrance from Mr. Clark. And then last night, word spread via Austin Wilde that Damon Audigier had died. Mr. Audigier has been active on the scene for several years with a handful of titles for Buckshot Productions, Jocks Studios and CitiBoyz. He’s pictured, left, on the CitiBoyz DVD insert here. CLICK HERE for a remembrance from Chronicles of Pornia. I haven’t fully verified some details, but I’ve been getting a fair number of notes about both men today, so I decided to post a small update. My condolences to their families, friends and fans.
Jan
25
New Condoms Law Signed by Los Angeles Mayor
January 25, 2012 | 1 Comment
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has signed into law a new ordinance that ties film permits for adult shoots within city limits to the requirement that all actors on the shoots wear condoms. A fee attached to the permit is expected to pay for enforcement of the new law. Exempted are shoots on soundstages, which carry their own permits. Coverage of the issue in the Los Angeles Times has been overwhelmingly favorable towards AIDS Healthcare Foundation, the organization leading the efforts to legally mandate condom usage in porn. But an op-ed on the new L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson penned by Jim Newton and published Monday was less enthused. “In his first week,” he writes, “[Wesson] guided the council through a puerile debate over what to do with a citizens initiative to require porn actors to wear condoms. (Of all the troubles this country faces, it surely must amaze those looking at this city that this is what we concern ourselves with.) Wesson engineered a compromise that had the council approve the requirement by ordinance and avoid a costly ballot measure on the question. It’s not exactly an achievement that ranks with peace in our time, but at least it saves a bit of money and avoids a season of debate over ejaculation.” Stay tuned for updates. CLICK HERE for Mr. Newton’s op-ed.
See also:
* “L.A. City Council Approves Condom Law for Adult Films“
[Image source.]
Jan
18
L.A. City Council Approves Condom Law for Adult Films
January 18, 2012 | Leave a Comment
In a 9-1 vote of affirmation this week, the Los Angeles City Council voted to approve a law that requires adult filmmakers who seek a permit to shoot within city limits to have their male performers wear condoms. A fee attached to the permit is expected to pay for surprise inspections. The move by the L.A. City council means the ordinance will become law in 90 days, pending any court challenges. The new law directly impacts the hetero porn business, which requires testing for HIV and other STIs of all performers but not condoms for its male actors. On the all-male side, virtually all major condomless companies operate outside city limits. Nevertheless, the straight industry is up in arms. CLICK HERE for more details on this developing story…
Jan
11
L.A. City Council Votes to Approve Condoms in Porn
January 11, 2012 | 2 Comments
The adult industry was abuzz last night following a vote by the Los Angeles City Council–with the prompting of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and its advocates–to require that condoms be worn by models employed by adult filmmakers seeking to shoot within city limits. The law “will not apply to studio shoots and will only affect off-site and ‘location’ production,” reports the L.A. Weekly. A fee attached to the new adult-industry permit is intended to pay for enforcement measures. A second vote of approval next week will certify the new law, which would then take effect 90 days later. Only one of fourteen current councilmembers voted no on the measure. The straight-porn industry requires testing for HIV and other STIs but most do not require condoms. Only a handful of all-male studios now operate within L.A. city limits; most major bareback producers, including Treasure Island Media, Dark Alley Media, Hot Desert Knights and SX Video, operate elsewhere. Most of the straight industry is occupied this week with the XBIZ Awards and several conferences. CLICK HERE for more details and a statement from the Free Speech Coalition…
Jan
3
AHF Launches Second Ballot Push for Condoms in Porn
January 3, 2012 | 2 Comments
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation led by its president Michael Weinstein has launched a second ballot initiative whose ultimate goal is to legislate the use of condoms in all adult film production in Los Angeles County. A petition drive has kicked off this week, reports the Los Angeles Times. Enough signatures were gathered to qualify a similar City of Los Angeles measure for the June ballot that would tie the use of condoms to the issuance of film permits; it is currently being challenged in court by the L.A. city attorney’s office. The second initiative aims for the November ballot and casts a wider net. “The ballot measure would ‘require producers of adult films to obtain a public health permit from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and pay a permit fee’ to fund enforcement,” notes the Times. “The measure is modeled on health permit requirements for tattoo shops, massage parlors and bathhouses. The county would be authorized to revoke permits of film producers violating the ordinance, and violations could result in civil fines or misdemeanor charges.” More than 200,000 signatures are needed by June 5. The adult industry, led by trade organization the Free Speech Coalition, has vociferously opposed the AHF in its yearslong, often fractious campaign to legally mandate condoms in porn. See the link below for background. This latest news has been picked up by the gay-media blogosphere. “The measure wouldn’t change the way the city of L.A. permits shoots, but it might make things more difficult for producers who want to avoid condoms on their L.A. county sets. The industry has argued that mandatory condoms would force the multi-billion-dollar porn business to abandon L.A. and even head out-of-state and underground, where on-set sex would be even less safe,” observes the L.A. Weekly blog, while popular gay blog Joe.My.God notes the AHF and Mr. Weinstein have been endorsed by hatemonger Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association.
See also:
* “City of Los Angeles Sues AHF Over Adult-Biz Ballot Proposal“
Dec
31
In Memoriam: Passings, 2011
December 31, 2011 | 6 Comments
[Edits: 1/1/12.] In Memoriam: As we head into a brand-new year with all of its possibilities, we take a few moments to memorialize seven of our colleagues and friends from the adult industry who left us in 2011. You’ll always be in our thoughts:
* Amateur performer Andrew Embiricos: December 4 (CLICK HERE for our April ’07 post about him).
* Singly named performer Storm: July 6.
* Performer Robert Elephante: late May.
* Performer Ethan Marc: May 17.
* Performer Evan Cobb: April 28.
* Classic AMG physique model Forrester Millard: April 1.
* Performer Joshua Berlin: January 26.
See also:
* “In Memoriam: Passings, 2010”
* “In Memoriam: Passings, 2009“
Dec
12
City of Los Angeles Sues AHF Over Adult-Biz Ballot Proposal
December 12, 2011 | 1 Comment
Press Release Roundup: The City of Los Angeles has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of a ballot initiative sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) that would tie the issuance of filming permits to condom usage. “The initiative, if passed, would require local officials to enforce mandatory condom regulations on adult production sets. Named as defendants in the suit are various AHD personnel, including AHF President Michael Weinstein,” said adult industry trade organization Free Speech Coalition (FSC) in a press release. “Clearly AF has chosen to squander its donors sources by filing frivolous lawsuits and ballot initiatives instead of providing valuable resources towards the prevention and treatment of HIV,” said FSC Executive Director Diane Duke. “It is heartening to know that the City of Los Angeles will draw the line on AHF’s political grandstanding. History has shown that regulating sexual behavior between consenting adults does not work. The best way to prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs is by providing quality information and sexual health services,” Ms. Duke said, “all of which are successfully provided through adult industry protocols and best practices.” Among other arguments, the City in its complaint notes the ballot initiative is “potentially unconstiutional” and represents a waste of taxpayer dollars as it is “preempted by state regulations that require barrier protection on adult sets and that enforcement of those regulations falls under state jurisdiction.” AHF has waged a years-long, often contentious battle in courtrooms and the media to force city and state governments to require condoms on all adult sets. CLICK HERE for another recap at LAWeekly.com and CLICK HERE for the FSC’s Twitter feed.
[Image source.]
Dec
1
World AIDS Day: In Remembrance
December 1, 2011 | 6 Comments
Today is World AIDS Day. It’s become a tradition here to briefly suspend blogging for part of the day in remembrance of the male performers and other adult-biz members we’ve lost to AIDS and related causes over the past quarter-century. CLICK HERE to visit the World AIDS Day website for more information about ways you can stay aware and informed. As well, please consider donating a few coins to an HIV/AIDS service organization. Your financial assistance is more crucially important than ever in this Great Recession era of austerity. After the jump, a roll call of the 100 or so friends, performers, coworkers and others we’ve lost. CLICK HERE for their names…
Nov
30
Radar Online Outs Jake Cruise, Partner for Beauty Pageant Hobby
November 30, 2011 | Leave a Comment
In addition to a Boston Fox News affiliate hounding an acclaimed schoolteacher who had filmed several porn films (see the previous story), there is another sensationalized story related to all-male adult that is making the rounds of the gay-gossip blogosphere. It involves performer, director and mogul Jake Cruise and the Miss America pageant. A story by Amber Goodhand posted to Radar Online, which has subsequently been picked up by other media outlets, notes “the Miss America pageant stands for the empowerment of women, traditional values and wholesome entertainment, but RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned that one of the main sponsors for the California preliminaries moonlights as a porn star and runs gay porn websites.” The story noted Mr. Cruise and his partner “are both highly involved in the Southern California Scholarship Association—a nonprofit that produces the Miss Hollywood pageant, which is an official preliminary to Miss California and Miss America.” I spoke to Jake Cruise today. His partner has now resigned from what Mr. Cruise called “a hobby,” and explains that his name was in the mix as a sponsor due to their joint finances. “I don’t even go to the pageants. Just not my thing,” he said. “But of course it wouldn’t be such a big deal if only my partner were involved, so they sensationalized it all.” Cruise isn’t sure how the story got to Radar in the first place. “The reporter sent an email to my partner the day before, but he didn’t have time to respond to it before the story broke. No one contacted me and they could easily have done that through my website,” he said. “This was done to get at my partner and get him to resign. It was made about me because it’s more sensational. We’re sure it was another person in the pageant system who wanted him out of the competition.” Jake Cruise Media manages its flagship site as well as Cocksure Men and Straight Guys for Gay Eyes. Mr. Cruise also spoke to The Sword about the faux scandal.
[Zeb Atlas, Jake Cruise © Jake Cruise Media.]
Nov
30
Acclaimed Teacher Outed by Fox News Affiliate
November 30, 2011 | 9 Comments
[Edits 11:20 a.m.] If you follow the blogs and news media, you’ll have seen the story of Kevin Hogan, a Boston public school teacher and crew coach with a sterling record who was ambushed and outed by a Fox News affiliate as a porn actor. “Hogan has worked at the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in Malden since September,” reads the Fox story. “In addition to his coaching and teaching duties, he also chairs the high school’s English department.” He also appeared in three films in 2010—FETISH WORLD by Dominant Male; JUST GONE GAY 8 by Top Dog; ASS-FUCKED BY A DILF 2 by Epic Distribution—under the name Hytch Cawke. Fox’s own story notes Mr. Hogan did nothing illegal and passed a background check and that he was well-liked by students and staff with excellent references. However, as a result of the Fox news expose, he has now been placed on administrative leave. Many of the comments to the story are in defense of Hogan. You’ll recall news broke over the summer that performer-mogul Collin O’Neal was suspended from his job as a substitute teacher by Miami-Dade County Public Schools when news of his adult career came to light. CLICK HERE for the Fox story. There is already a Facebook page calling for the Fox reporter who outed Hogan to be fired: CLICK HERE.
See also:
* “Coverage of O’Neal Teaching Suspension Keeps Rolling”
* “Collin O’Neal Teaching Suspension Hits Blogosphere“
Sep
21
Ryan Idol Found Guilty of Attempted Murder
September 21, 2011 | 11 Comments
A jury in Sacramento has found erotica legend Ryan Idol guilty on four felony charges, including attempted murder, against an ex-girlfriend. Idol, whose real name is Marc Anthony Donais, was acquitted on one other felony charge. He is being held without bail and awaits a sentencing hearing currently scheduled for December 9. In addition to attempted murder, Idol was found guilty of battery, assault with a deadly weapon and “corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant.” A local media report notes Idol “went to his then girlfriend’s home in 2009 to confront her over his suspicions of her cheating on him. During the encounter, he punched her repeatedly [and] beat her in the head with a toilet seat. The force of the beating shattered the toilet seat and caused severe cuts to the woman’s head.” Just a few months ago, Idol, 45, headlined Cocktails with the Stars at Micky’s nightclub in West Hollywood. His appearance drew the attention of the blogosphere and I interviewed him for my book. Stay tuned for further details. Talent manager David Forest alerted the industry to the news; no word, as yet, about whether Idol plans to appeal. He is facing a maximum 15 years in prison. Click the images to enlarge.
See also:
* “Planet Porn: Idol, Pacifico, LaRue at ‘Cocktails’”
* “Erotica Legend Ryan Idol Pouring ‘Cocktails’ Tonight“
[News source: News10.net; left image © Broadway World.]
Sep
5
FSC: Model at Center of HIV Scare Retests Negative
September 5, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Over the weekend, reps for the Free Speech Coalition (FSC) announced the performer at the center of last week’s HIV scare in adult entertainment had retested negative. The individual will receive follow-up testing as a precaution; their name, gender and age has not been made public. In the meantime, the group recommended that a voluntary moratorium on production be lifted. “This is good news for the primary patient,” said FSC Executive Director Diane Duke. “The industry will continue to be abundantly cautious as we try to nail down the reasons for what now appears to have been a false-positive result on a previous test. FSC will narrow the circle of caution to focus our concern on the group of people who worked with the performer. Our prayers and utmost empathy go out to the performer in what has been a very difficult period.” The initial testing had apparently been conducted at a facility outside the APHSS program recently launched by FSC. “Industry self-regulation and best practices are alive and well in the adult entertainment industry—and they work,” Ms. Duke said. “We fully understand that it is vitally important for the adult performers to have a place to go that is safe, trusted and transparent.” CLICK HERE for the FSC blog and CLICK HERE for their Twitter feed.
See also
* “Bits and Bobs: HIV Scare in Adult Biz”
* “FSC: Possible New HIV Exposure Not in Calif.”
* “Report: Possible New HIV-Poz Model; FSC Calls for Porn Shutdown“
Aug
30
FSC: Possible New HIV Exposure Not in Calif.
August 30, 2011 | Leave a Comment
New of a potential new HIV-positve model in adult entertainment has led a number of hetero studios and film companies to halt production this week. The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) called for a temporary moratorium until more details about the possible new Patient Zero could be gathered (see the link below for background). In the meantime, the FSC has released an updated statement. “In order to err on the side of caution, FSC called for an industrywide moratorium,” the statement reads. “This moratorium should remain in place until primary reports of any exposure are confirmed. In the event of the necessity for first- and second-generational testing, a list of any individuals that may have been exposed will be compiled and the moratorium will then be evaluated by our medical and legal advisors, as well as industry stakeholders. At this point, there is nothing to suggest that any individuals that may have been affected have performed in California.” News of the shutdown has quickly gone mainstream following reports by the Los Angeles Times and a posting to the front page of AOL‘s news browser. CLICK HERE for the full statement at the FSC blog and CLICK HERE for their Twitter feed.
See also:
* “Report: Possible New HIV-Poz Model; FSC Calls for Porn Shutdown“
Aug
29
Report: Possible New HIV-Poz Model; FSC Calls for Porn Shutdown
August 29, 2011 | 9 Comments
The Free Speech Coalition (FSC) is recommending a temporary shutdown for adult entertainment following unconfirmed reports that a performer has tested positive for HIV. The FSC recently launched APHSS, the Adult Production Health & Safety Services program, following the abrupt closure earlier this year of AIM Healthcare, the medical clinic that managed most of adult entertainment’s HIV and other STI testing. An FSC rep cites “a reliable industry source” about the new Patient Zero and notes they apparently did not use an APHSS testing facility. “This fact has limited the information gathered by FSC/APHSS and we can neither confirm nor deny specific facts,” the rep said. “Due to legal issues concerning patient privacy, we, as yet, are unable to implement exposure protocols and procedures.” As such, the group is recommending “an industry-wide moratorium on production” until certain details are confirmed and potential first- and second-generation exposures are identified. “FSC/APHSS cannot act on behalf of any testing facilities outside the APHSS system until we are requested to do so by the performer or any medical advisor authorized by the performer,” said the rep, adding the group has been in contact with “concerned parties” and has offered any assistance necessary. The group is also advising any performers with concerns to be tested ASAP. Industry publications AVN and XBIZ have echoed FSC’s call for a moratorium on production. CLICK HERE for the FSC Twitter feed.
See also:
* “Cruz, Scarborough Join APHSS Advisory Board”
* “FSC Rolls Out New Performer Med Testing Database
Aug
16
AHF Petition Drive to Mandate Condoms: FSC Responds
August 16, 2011 | 1 Comment
I wrote yesterday about the ongoing campaign by Michael Weinstein, president of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), to bring about legislation requiring the use of condoms in all porn production. A lawsuit and other attempts at legal solutions have recently been rebuffed by the courts. Yesterday, Mr. Weinstein told the Los Angeles Times (scroll down or see the link below) he plans to gather enough signatures by a December deadline to put the issue to voters in June 2012. The Times also interviewed several male performers who are HIV positive and have joined AHF in this ongoing battle against adult film production; no one from the industry was cited to offer an opposing point of view or to provide context and background. A press conference was also scheduled by AHF for today. Today adult industry trade organization Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has issued a response. CLICK HERE for their statements…
Aug
15
AHF to Attempt Ballot Initiative Mandating Condoms in Porn
August 15, 2011 | 2 Comments
Advocates calling for the legally mandated use of condoms in all porn production in California have adopted a new tactic. Michael Weinstein, president of AIDS Healthcare Foundation, told the Los Angeles Times that his group seeks to gather enough signatures by Dec. 23 to qualify for a ballot measure that would be put to vote in June 2012. If it should pass muster with voters, studios and producers who receive a filming permit would be required to have their performers wear condoms. Mr. Weinstein’s long-running, often fractious campaign has been rebuffed by the courts this year (see the links below). In the Times Q&A, ex-performers Darren James and Derrick Burts are also interviewed; both men learned they were HIV positive during routine STI testing. Mr. Burts, who also worked briefly in gay adult last year, claims his agent at the time encouraged him to keep filming despite learning Burts had contracted herpes. In filming all-male scenes, he used condoms. Mr. James is believed to have tested positive in 2004 when he filmed condomless scenes, without pre-testing, in South America. No legal or industry experts, such as from adult industry trade organization Free Speech Coalition, are cited to provide context to claims made by the men. CLICK HERE for the Times story.
See also:
* “Appeals Court Certifies Ruling Against AHF
* “CDC Report on Poz Diagnosis Slams Adult Biz“
Aug
9
Cruz, Scarborough Join APHSS Advisory Board
August 9, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Press Release Roundup: Free Speech Coalition (FSC), the adult industry advocacy organization, has announced its inaugural APHSS Advisory Committee. APHSS stands for Adult Production Health & Safety Services, a program recently launched to fill the void left by the abrupt closure, due to legal harassment, of AIM Healthcare (see the links below for background details). Representing models are Jessica Drake, Bobby Starr, Danny Wylde and from the all-male side, performer-director Steve Cruz. Repping producers are Dan O’Connell of Girlfriends Films and Steven Scarborough of Hot House Entertainment. Performer, activist and erotic icon Nina Hartley will serve as Educational Advisory; attorney Karen Tynan has been tapped as Legal Advisor. All appointees will serve an initial six-month term. “The responsibilities of committee members are to provide insight and feedback on APHSS policies,” said FSC Membership and Communications Director Joanne Cachapero. “This committee is the first of its kind and allows industry members to have a part in creating a system of self-regulation to uphold health and safety standards for adult productions. The committee members are well-known in the adult community and active in production. We could not hope for a better start to APHSS.” CLICK HERE for more details at the program website.
See also:
* “FSC Announces New Performer Med Testing Database”
* “FSC Rolls Out New Performer Testing Program“
Aug
2
FSC Announces New Performer Med Testing Database
August 2, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Press Release Roundup: Free Speech Coalition (FSC), adult entertainment’s trade organization, has formally rolled out a performer’s medical database in conjunction with its Adult Production Health & Safety Services (APHSS) program. APHSS was undertaken to carry on the services provided by AIM Healthcare, which abruptly shuttered earlier this year under the weight of ongoing legal harassment. FSC notes APHSS was developed with the assistance of “legal and medical experts, industry members and internet technology consultants.” Hetero studios require regular testing for STIs of all male and female performers and relied on the FSC medical database to verify the availability of performers to work. All-male producers currently operate under a patchwork protocol: some require both testing and condoms; some are condoms-only with testing done by request of the model; others don’t require condoms but test their performers and sero-sort by HIV status; still others require testing for a clean bill of health and allow models the option of using condoms. Performers and producers on the all-male side are encouraged to sign up with the APHSS program. CLICK HERE for more details…
Jul
22
Retired Model Manu Maltes Stages Hunger Strike
July 22, 2011 | 5 Comments
This unusual story took a bit of research and appears to be authentic. Emanuel Cini, a resident of Cospicua on the island of Malta, is nearly a week into a hunger strike in protest of the country’s prime minister and other government officials. “Malta must come in line with other European democracies because so far it is not, and no one is accountable for anything,” he told a reporter. Mr. Cini is better known to fans of all-male adult as Manu Maltes. He has nine or ten DVDs on his c.v. for such companies as Lucas Entertainment, Men at Play and Catalina Video, filmed between 2005 and ’08. Shortly after his hunger strike made the local news, he was outed as a porn actor by a local blogger. The newspaper report notes he is “disabled following a condition that affected his brain three years ago” and is confined to his home due to inadequate public transportation. He is “living on liquids only. He drinks sparkling water and a glass of light cola every day.” Malta’s prime minister apparently contacted him to “try and persuade him to stop his actions. An individual has also offered Mr. Cini transportation by means of a van, but he has declined the offer explaining he does not want to be arrogant because he knew there are many other people like him.” He has struggled to regain his health over the past several years. If his conditions are not met, he will maintain his hunger strike. “If I am to die, I will die, even though I enjoy life,” he said. CLICK HERE for the newspaper report and CLICK HERE for his YouTube page.
[Image © Men at Play.]
