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 | 10 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 | 13 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.]
Jul
21
Author Talks ‘Cobra Killer’ True Crime Book
July 21, 2011 | Leave a Comment
The Times Leader newspaper in Northeastern Pennsylvania ran an interview earlier this week with Peter Conway, the webmaster who exhaustively chronicled the criminal prosecution of Harlow Cuadra and Joseph Kerekes for the January 2007 murder of Cobra Video producer Bryan Kocis. His blog became a true-crime book, Cobra Killer, co-authored with Andrew E. Stoner. It was to be published by Alyson Books but was cut loose when that company imploded; Magnus Books picked it up for release in February, 2012. As our Constant Readers will recall, I was interviewed for the book (see the link below). Cuadra and Kerekes were neighbors with Mr. Conway in Virginia some years ago. “I never knew them per se. I rode the elevator with them a few times and always wondered why these two young men were driving $50,000 and $75,000 cars,” he recalls. As he began covering the case, Conway realized his blog was “a book in itself. I had all this information and there was a heavy interest about the story… across the country.” The profile notes he “purchased most of the trial transcript and interviewed witnesses, several of the investigators” and others involved in the case. The idea was to provide as much background and context as possible. “It really is a true crime book and it’s not written in a salacious way or anything like that,” he says. “The book features the trial and the people involved in the trial. I still read it every now and then; it keeps you wanting to read more.” CLICK HERE for the full article.
See also:
* “‘Cobra Killer’ Book on Kocis Murder Set for Publication“
Jul
16
Appeals Court Certifies Ruling Against AHF
July 16, 2011 | Leave a Comment
An appeals court has certified for publication its June 16 ruling in a case pitting AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) against the Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health, notes trade publication XBIZ. Last month, the Second District Court of Appeals ruled that county health officials “do not need to require porn industry performers to wear condoms,” reports the Los Angeles Times. In doing so, the court upheld a 2009 ruling dismissing a lawsuit filed by AHF which found that “county officials had broad discretion over how they manage public health matters. The appeals court agreed, saying it could not compel the county health department to implement [AHF]‘s ‘agenda’ to combat sexually transmitted diseases.” The three-judge panel advised AHF to appeal directly to lawmakers “to change the laws and workplace regulations,” notes the Times.
See also:
* “AHF Loses Latest Bid to Mandate Condoms in Porn”
* “Judge Rules for Medical Privacy; Denies Cal/OSHA Subpoena“
[AHF members protest outside XBIZ Awards, February 2011. Image: Francine Orr © Los Angeles Times.]
Jul
8
RIP: Retired Performer Storm
July 8, 2011 | 1 Comment
I’m sorry to report the passing of one of our own, the singly named Storm. He died Wednesday afternoon, July 6, from liver cancer and had been living in Key West, Florida for the past decade. Storm’s friends and family were with him. In fact, his buddy and fellow retired performer, Joe Kent—the ’95 Falcon Studios classic THE RENEGADE, among others—alerted the industry to the news. Storm was “quite proud of his career” in adult filmmaking, Mr. Kent told me today. His career stretched throughout the ’90s and includes many films for helmer Robert Prion. He debuted with a bang in 1990 with the fantastic FRENCH KISS opposite Joey Stefano as well as STIFF COMPETITION for Falcon opposite Danny Brown and Glenn Steers. His dozen or so blue movies for Mr. Prion were released through 1999 or thereabouts. Storm’s work, of course, has also been compiled many times over. “Very sad news about Storm,” wrote Chi Chi LaRue this morning. “I had the pleasure of working with him many times. He did an amazing scene for me with Joey Stefano.” A memorial service and celebration of his life is scheduled for August. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
[Image © Falcon Studios.]
Jun
23
An attempt by Cal/OSHA to obtain access to the AIM Healthcare medical records of an unidentified adult performer has been denied by Alameda Superior Court Judge Winifred Y. Smith. The model, identified as Patient Zero, “contracted HIV in 2009 in Los Angeles County… Cal/OSHA subpoenaed the information from AIM Healthcare, which has since been shut down,” reports industry publication XBIZ. A spokesperson for Cal/OSHA said the goal has always been to identify Patient Zero’s employer in order to “address the HIV exposure.” However, Judge Smith ruled that Patient Zero’s right to privacy overrides the subpoena request, adding that Cal/OSHA “offered no reason why it can’t prove a violation by looking into the records of film producers themselves,” notes XBIZ. The agency is considering whether to file an appeal. CLICK HERE for the full story.
See also:
* “AHF Loses Latest Bid to Mandate Condoms in Porn”
* “AIM Healthcare Closes; Legal Harassment Cited as Cause“
Jun
21
AHF Loses Latest Bid to Mandate Condoms in Porn
June 21, 2011 | Leave a Comment
An appeals court has ruled public health officials for Los Angeles County cannot be forced to “mandate regulations to control sexually transmitted diseases on porn sets,” reports trade publication XBIZ. The ruling is a result of a lawsuit filed by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which had already lost a lower court ruling in the case. A spokesperson for AHF said they would continue their legal battle to bring about legislation in California requiring condoms in all porn production. “Appellate judges, in the unpublished opinion, said the county’s health department has discretion to determine what measures are necessary to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases and could not be forced by the courts to implement the specific means advocated by AHF,” notes XBIZ. CLICK HERE for the full story.
See also:
* “AIM Healthcare Closes; Legal Harassment Cited as Cause”
* “L.A. County Cannot Require Condom Usage in Porn” (Feb. 2, 2010)
Jun
8
Performers Pack ‘Contentious’ Cal/OSHA Meeting
June 8, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Dozens of adult industry performers converged on a Cal/OSHA Advisory Subcommittee hearing on Tuesday to voice concerns over proposed modifications to the state’s health code as it pertains to porn production. XBIZ counted “nearly 70″ actors and notes the meeting was “heated and contentious” and “marked by angry outbursts and personal attacks between various performers and the panel. Deborah Gold, Cal/OSHA’s senior safety engineer, was visibly frustrated and had a difficult time keeping the group on track as she tried to move the five-and-a-half-hour meeting forward.” Attendees argued that a proposed redefinition of what constitutes “adult entertainment” was too broad. Additional concerns were raised over the definition of “barrier protections” and how regulations requiring their use would be enforced, among other agenda items. CLICK HERE for the full story.
See also:
* “FSC Urges Adult Biz to Attend Tues. Cal/OSHA Meeting“
Jun
7
RIP: Performer Ethan Marc
June 7, 2011 | 16 Comments
[Edits 06/15/11.] I’m sorry to confirm the news that performer Ethan Marc died on Tuesday, May 17. Apparently the news has been circulating around the web for several weeks; this morning, I confirmed several details. His obit notes only that his passing was peaceful and that he is survived by his extended family; no COD was given. Mr. Marc was 38 years old. The arc of his career in all-male adult was long and began in the late ’90s with eye-catching performances in such titles as REFORM SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL and DEMOLITION MANN (All Worlds Video, both 1997) and the critically acclaimed TAILSPIN in 1998 for Studio 2000. He worked consistently for several more years, earning a rep for his high-energy sexual mojo as well as much-gossiped-about clashes with directors and costars, and then left the biz. Mr. Marc returned to blue movies for a second run, from 2003-05, with TAKING FLIGHT for Falcon Studios, the WET PALMS series for Jet Set Men and other sexpics, including numerous scenes for Show Guys Productions. (Pictured, left, is the cover of 1999′s LOST EXIT for Channel 1 Releasing.) Marc took a second lengthy hiatus from adult and returned earlier this year, looking essentially the same with his ridged abs and blue eyes, in several hardcore episodes for web studio SouthernStrokes.com. I interviewed and got to know Ethan during his first run through the adult business. He was compact and charming with a genuine interest and facility for performing. He was a dyed-in-the-wool exhibitionist and truly enjoyed a good, sweaty roll in the hay. I know he wrestled with his own demons. But his joyfulness—a certain irrepressible thrill at scratching that particular itch for others to watch and savor—is what should be remembered. And it’s what will stand the test of time, I think. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
Jun
6
RIP: Bel Ami, Hammer Model Evan Cobb
June 6, 2011 | 9 Comments
We have more unhappy news to report today. Performer Evan Cobb, who appeared onscreen in several films for Bel Ami and Hammer Entertainment, died on April 28. He was in his early twenties; the COD was suicide. Bel Ami founder George Duroy confirmed the details. A slender, feline beauty with blue eyes and blond curls, Mr. Cobb appeared on the cover of 2009′s EYE CONTACT (with Julien Hussey) for Bel Ami’s Lukas Ridgeston label. Despite being new on the scene, he was given solo placement on the cover of Hammer Entertainment’s BANANA SHAKE, also in ’09, and anchored LOVE HOUSE (Raw Eyes Productions) a year later. I was introduced to the young man by Mr. Duroy on a trip to Bratislava early last year. He was quiet and reserved with a seductive mien. Our condolences to his family, friends, co-workers and fans.
Jun
6
RIP: Classic AMG Model Forrester Millard
June 6, 2011 | 1 Comment
I’m sorry to confirm the passing, on April 1, of classic physique model and beefcake icon Forrester Millard. In 1946, the slender, sultry teenager became the very first catalogued model for pioneering photographer Bob Mizer‘s Athletic Model Guild, which had been established one year earlier and remains the oldest continually operating company in all-male adult entertainment. Mr. Millard’s photographic layouts, shot over several decades, vaulted him into the erotic imagination of thousands of gay men. I first heard the news and Tweeted about it last week—the news had been making the internet rounds—then spoke with AMG President Dennis Bell over the weekend. Mr. Millard’s wife of more than 30 years was by his side when he died; the COD was apparently heart failure. He was 81 years old. Millard had no idea of his iconic status until relatively late in life. In 2009, he gave a rare on-camera interview to the AMG archivists. Mr. Bell recalled how the still-handsome Millard playfully flexed his biceps to recreate several of his famous poses. Our condolences to his family, friends and many fans, spanning several generations, across the globe.
[Images © Athletic Model Guild.]
