Why Is This Man Hiding?

Any.
July 18 2007, 12:18AM

The CEO of Pitbull Productions (Tiger Tyson, Castro, etc.) is also White. In fact the majority of black LGBT porn companies are owned by white men. Further, the "black" porn industry in general is run by white people.

I can somewhat understand the point you are trying to make Keith, however to single out Bleicher is irresponsible and misleading. Period.

It's also particularly disgusting that you would choose to do this day's after the VP of the company passed away. I respect your work, however this is pretty tasteless--there is no other way to put it.

luv
July 18 2007, 12:19AM

when will brothers wake up? people are still dying of AIDS and we cloak their deaths under terms such as "pneumonia" and "cancer." our community is basically one big sex party: try at your own risk. if sex were to be removed from the black gay scene, we would be left with nothing. it is so sad. black gay men are so devalued that it seems that sex is our only way of redemption, to say that we matter. i beg to differ. black men have the capability to love. so love yourself and extend that love to your fellow brother. We are waging war against ourselves. Love is the key, so surrender.

Frank León Roberts
July 18 2007, 3:27AM

Keith, you know that I love you, but this post is disappointing. Devin has not been dead for a week---this could not have waited? The friends and family of Devin Wiley (especially his mother) are in a time of deep mourning & this is not the time for them to have to deal with a backlash against the company he worked for. These debates could have waited. I am not convinced that another discussion over the race of Flavawork's CEO needed to take place right NOW, less than five days after Devin died. There was no new information that emerged that made it necessary for us to bring this back up again. Regardless of our personal opinions, the fact remains that Devin Wiley did in fact enjoy & willfully chose to work for Flavaworks.

Devin Wiley died on Saturday. His life & death should not be overshadowed by discussions over the race of the man he worked with. Whats next, are we going to crash Devin's memorial service with picket signs? I understand the impulse here, however the timing is woefully inappropriate.

nahtan serious
July 18 2007, 5:43AM

Keith I do not understnad the above criticisms. The man is dead so he cant read now so why not talk about this situation. Is it possible that his work contributed to his death???? I think so! Why do black people become so scared of the dead??? Some of us need to see the BIG PICTURE. Too many of us are dying from AIDSbecause we are not speaking up about victimisation and exploitation which describes FLAVA works and several other porn companies!

Dele Alade
July 18 2007, 8:30AM

I have never heard of Devin. But please name one gay porn video's that make latin/black films that is not owned by a white man. NEVER BE FOOLED THAT THESE COMPANY'S HAVE BEEN AIMING THESE FILMS AT US.NO....BUT AT WHITE MEN WHO ARE EXCLUSIVELY INTO LATIN'S/BLACK'S....................WAKE UP BLACK/LATIN AMERICA & SMELL THE COFFEE.

Peace from London Uk

Blue
July 18 2007, 9:37AM

I'm not really surprised that a white dude is behind it. Most black companies have some white influence behind them. Record companies (Stax), big broadway productions (Dreamgirls) and all that stuff have huge white backing, though we are often led to believe otherwise. I'm sad to hear of the death of that young man. I don't know the models by name, but I'm sure he is just one of many over the years who have met that fate. I wish his family peace.

And I have to say, Luv is correct on some level. What he said is part of the reason why I do not frequent bars at all anymore. It's a hazardous meat market. I am in DC, the STD captial of the world, and I am amazed at how careless black men continue to be with their lives. I went on a date with a guy about a year ago, and he got pissed because I wouldn't fuck him that night! I'm like do we think that little of ourselves? I'm starting to think if black gay men didn't need sex they wouldn't deal with each other at all. Call me jaded, but that's how I feel.

Ronnie
July 18 2007, 9:53AM

We need to stop blaming white people and white corporations for exploiting us. In Hip-Hop, the people exploiting black women and men are black men because they're actually rapping the words, and putting those negative images forward.
If we want our brotha's to be healthy, we need to stop exploiting them by desiring their bodies as we do. They should stop exploiting themselves aswell because they're the one's dying of AIDS. This is like speaking to the choir because you all know what I'm saying. White people don't give a damn about our minds, so they do what they please by sweating over our bodies. They sell us to their people, and make a profit as we die away.
With Hip-Hop and black gay porn (do we need it?), we should control our interests in order to stay alive. They don't care for us, so we must care for one another.

Kenneth Winfrey
July 18 2007, 9:53AM

There is no disrespect to Wiley here. The fact that he died of pneumonia in 2007 tells me that he didn't receive adequate medical care--something that most people expect from their employers. Whether it was bacterial pneumonia or the kind that people with HIV get (which is not like the one people with healthy immune systems get), there are ways to treat it. Above that, there are ways to prevent it with inexpensive medication.

Wiley's family and friends should be glad that someone called attention to his untimely death. They should also be glad that attention has been called to the exploitative nature of his former employer.

Furthermore, based on what is known about FlavaWorks, this is slavery in the 21st century. If these young men are going to put their health on the line for a living, it ought to be worth it! However, I guess we can't blame him altogether. What happened to these young men that deprived them of better opportunities? What happened in our community that left them with this option

Mourner
July 18 2007, 11:10AM

You have either no conscience or no human decency, to use the death of a wonderful man ,brother, son and friend as some sort catalyst to once again attack a company that is currently mourning the loss of their v.p.(SHAMELESS) So your getting sued big fucking deal(welcome to America) Your a "journalist" it comes with the territory suck it up and move on. Why if your major concern is the exploitation of black youths do you focus on one company are there no other companies to attack? Honestly, if you Google black porn the first result page would give access to multiple companies in the same genre. Dekenric (Devin) Wiley 's death was unfortunate as well as sudden and is not grounds for accusations and assumptions. His friends and family are using this time to reflect on his life and accomplishments. So we ask that you get your SOAPBOX OFF HIS GRAVE and let us mourn, take this time to go after the thousands of other companies working right now.

dan
July 18 2007, 11:35AM

I think it's so sad that a young black man dies and everyone is assuming he was HIV positive and died of AIDS. Make sure you know what your talking about before you diagnose someone you don't even know.

JJ
July 18 2007, 11:37AM

Let's be very clear,"Any," about this criticism about Phillip Bleicher. It is not simply because he is a white person who owns a porn company primarily featuring Black models. As you point out, the majority of porn companies are owned by white individuals. For the record, most consumers of Black gay porn already know this fact and are unconcerned about it; they just want their get-off and fantasy.

What makes Phillip Bleicher's situation as a white man unique in the industry is that he and he alone allegedly has run Flavaworks like a sharecropper from the days of Reconstruction. There are simply too many accounts (mostly from former Coco-whatever models themselves) of Bleicher's practices, from near indentured servitutde to intimidation of critics through phony lawsuits. If one is to believe the allegations, Bleicher literally acts like he owns not just his models, but the Black gay community at large. That's not "hating" on Bleicher it's because he's white, but rather because he's a modern Willie Lynch.

O.K. W
July 18 2007, 11:47AM

Keith, I'm with you.
This story is about the exploitation of young gay latino and black men by Phillip Bleicher.
The unfortunate passing of Mr. Wiley was not the focus of your story, so I do not understand why you are being attacked as if you are somehow speaking ill of the dead.
My heart goes out to Mr. Wiley's friends and family.
But Mr. Bleicher still needs to account for his crimes.
That's the bottom line.

'dre
July 18 2007, 11:53AM

Well, I must be the only one who can say this is a non-story other than the fact that he has the nerve to throw out threats for bloggers exposing the truth, which must be hitting him in his bank account. I have not one shred of sympathy for anyone foolish enough to get involved in porn. And, I don't know why it comes as a surprise to anyone that they are white men making the money off the backs and fronts of those poor, pathetic men who engage in this ridiculous activity. And, some of the most gross, disgusting, tacky, poorly done porn out there next to that weird fetish stuff. Sorry, Mandingo, "thug" sex is of not appeal to this black gay man, and unsafe sex on film or in person.

And for those who are "appalled" that the post was done after the man died, get over it, he chose is lifestyle and knew the consequences. This thing that black men, gay or straight, are somehow immune from criticism about how they CHOOSE to live their lives is a joke.

emylpmis
July 18 2007, 12:15PM

I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Devin Wiley's death. I understand some of the hurt that this particular article may bring to certain individuals. On the other hand, I think the purpose of the article is very usefull. Fact is that much of the news concerning black people, especially black gay people does not make it to the airways. Whether the industry is ran by black or white people is really beside the point. It is the performers in the porn that I am concerned about. They're young and I pray that they wake up. Dre, I do not think that these young men are pathetic. I think they simply need a little guidance and an alternative. Who's going to give it to them?

Cocoa Rican
July 18 2007, 12:17PM

Sad, but...
There are no children in the films - so I would have to believe that it isn't equivalent to slavery when you "choose" to work in porn.
We (as the Black and Latino community) still purchase these films.
Outside of threatening the bloggers, everyone needs to go to their corners and recognize that adults have free-will and choices to make - even poor ones.

Charles
July 18 2007, 12:20PM

Mr. Bliecher is not exploiting anything or anyone. The compliants that the performers had came after they were released and cashed their checks. He has a good thing going and wants to protect it in order to line his pockets. He is no different than other men in business in America. The comparison to slavery is childish and reaps of reverse racism.

Shall we talk about how the hip hop community has shackled millions of black men. Like the slaves on the plantation too many black men today feel that this is their destiny. Now that is slavery: mental and physical.

The question arises what brought them to porn, why didn't the black community save them from this horrid life: it was a choice that they made as adults.

He should be allowed to continue filming in the private residence in Florida. The lawmakers are making a moral stand that has no bearing on the laws. It is apparent in the video footage that they are biased against the acts and do not have a law to back them.

algie
July 18 2007, 1:03PM

porn is the work of the devil no if ands or buts about it.so trust and know that if these black men are doing it that god ain't pleased and if he ain't pleased its time to step away because he wakes us up every morning so pleasing him should be our only goal. i am so glad that i woke up and quit watching something that degrades us as black gay men

Anonymous
July 18 2007, 1:36PM

A much more virulent, non-black owned porn website than features black men and that celebrates the nastiest unsafe bareback sex as well as perpetuating stereotypes (like they all do) is machofucker.com.

If we are going to be critical of unsafe gay sex practices and bad depictions of black men in porn than we need to be critical of all bareback sites and all of the industry that makes money off of the depiction of black men as criminals ("thugs") and other surly guises.

But it is impossible to be critical of everything.

Some black men are going to make horrible decisions that work against their own welfare regardless of the reams of safe sex information out there and the reams of positive images of upstanding black men.

And many, many black men celebrate the gay thug aesthetic and have been doing so since the late 60s and 70s when it was called bangee (as it still is sometimes today in the ballroom community.

Do we critique bad choices?

Or do we leave people alone?

Don Pierre
July 18 2007, 2:13PM

Thank you very much for your posting and updating on this issue. There are a great number of people who do not know mush about not only about the CocoBoys issue, but many of its members, models and porn actors.

It amazes me that people are attacking you for the NEWS that you are presenting. I had the opportunity of meeting and knowing Dekenric Wiley, when he lived in Chicago and e-mailed him occasionally about details about his business. I was shocked and surprised of his death.

You are 100% correct when you exposed the true players behind the scenes and how much they make at the expense of the participants (Black, White, Asian, Latin, male and female). Its all about accountability. I know people are hurt because of Dekenric Wiley's death but the reality is that part of his legacy is to realistically look at the path he traveled and learn from all aspects -- Good and Bad. Question is, what is the Big Picture/Agenda for porn and Black and Latin Men?

Andre Allen
July 18 2007, 2:59PM

It saddens me that the madness is still going on months later. Get over ir and move on, living here in south fla and knowing exactly where the "house" is you would never know that an adult porn shop is going on. Please for the sake of Devin memory sop the madness for a while. Thanks

cmoney
July 18 2007, 3:12PM

It's always sad to hear of another brother passing. I hope that this article and the responses to it will DISCOURAGE any other young men from going down this path. Maybe someone reading this article is a young man considering doing porn for a few bucks who doesn't realize that he is just going to be exploited and that his life will be endangered. Maybe he will decide that he doesn't want to die in his early 30's. Maybe he will do it anyway, but refuse to engage in unsafe sex. Maybe somebody's brother, cousin, son or uncle will decide he wants something better in his life. Just maybe. I hope.

J
July 18 2007, 3:35PM

I'm sorry, but I fail to see how this man or his company is responsible for the behavior of these young men.

Is he holding a gun to their heads while they slob?

The only issue here is the age of the "actors," but no one seems to be worried about that. People want to pin all of the community's problems on this one random clear man. That's ridiculous, and the same people calling him satan are abusing themselves to his product.

Jerry
July 18 2007, 4:58PM

Keith, you really have been out of law school for a long time. Simply repeating "facts" that other media outlets is not a defense to libel or even good journalism. Rather it seems like the mindless repetition of information in the mainstream media that blogging was supposed to be helping to solve. And then you say that the "truth" as you have deemed it is "unflattering" but, apparently, based on your very next paragraph not "harmful." And the evidence you cite to show a lack of harm is not even directly relevant. Weak. It is a good thing you have devoted your time to posting naked pictures of Shemar Moore instead of practicing law.

Instead of lazily repeating information, as you seem to be doing more and more of, why don't you do some independent analysis. Otherwise, the next libel suit might just be against you.

Ostend Street
July 18 2007, 5:22PM

Keith, keep reporting your information as you see it and how you feel it. You will never please everyone, but those of us who enjoy your site look forward to your information. If I had not read some of the information about the porn industry on your site, I would not have known about some of the exploitive situations in place to further damage young black males.

verse
July 18 2007, 6:27PM

Despite the heartless, spiteful comments it inspires in people like dre, I'm really glad Keith is addressing this issue. The best salute to Delvin is for someone to look into this - wherever it leads. It's not enough just to decry porn or "bareback": we have to answer Kenneth's question - "What happened in our community that left them with this option?".Otherwise, we're either just smug "moralists", fatuously wagging our finger while people die; or swimming blind in the sea of our own raw libido while others are eaten by sharks.

Troy
July 18 2007, 8:10PM

Should the next article be on the life and times of ole Delvin and those that hated and loved him? Or should it be about the endless demand and appetite for all kinds of porn??
Let us pray the movie of the week on this one doesn't star Izzy Washington being a versatile bottom. Almost forgot wheres the t-shirt and baseball hat for Flav on this I bet its value is way up.

MethodMann
July 18 2007, 8:18PM

Keith Boykin's website used to be filled with stories of leadership, bravery, insightful hope, and inspiring examples.

Now it's gotten to the point that he is just like Fox News - broadcasting anything sensational to make an obscure, slanted, biased and often untruthful point.

Now he's playing the "exploitation card" blaming the white guy for the actions of a group of adults who were capable of making their own decisions. What if the guy had been latino, asian or black?

Next thing Keith Boykin will claim is that this guy held a gun to their heads and forced them into risky porn.

Keith Boykin is just as guilty of exploitation, in that he dupes his impressionable readers into believing his smut is newsworthy. This is just blatent irresponsible blogging.

My clock is ticking, Mr. Boykin - and in just a few more minutes I will give up on you if things don't change.

Jory
July 18 2007, 8:38PM

Keep up the good work and this issue needs to be kept in the limelight. I am not into his porn, or any porn as its too low class for my tastes, but, he and the ummm, "models" need to be utilizing safe sex practices, since it may be a "choice" not to, but, I doubt if the owner is providing health insurance for the treatment of any thing they may get or spread It would be fine and dandy if they were getting their freak on only with each other, but, somehow, I doubt that's the case when the cameras aren't rolling.

Those men are not the victims that some think they are, they are grown men, who know that unsafe sex is playing Russian roulette, and for what, a few coins he's giving them? Its not as if they are getting the money that the white guys et who do the same thing. Its hard to have any sympathy for them, but, I do, they are being used and are too foolish to realize it, and after 25 years of so many trying to educate people, this whole thing is amazing.

Self esteem young men, self esteem.

Banger
July 19 2007, 1:28AM

HOW IN THE HELL DID THAT 32 YEAR OLD MAN DIE FROM PNUEMONIA?

That's the question! With all the new medications and coctails out nowdays - I'm sure he could have been salvaged.........OH!!!! I'm sorry, He didn't have medical insurance from THAT company. Figures. Now folks thinks its inappropriate to discuss this issue at this time. PLEASE!!!! Devin was 32 and didn't take care of himself. What do you think those 18-25 year olds in the house are doing?

They will end up like Devin. Dead at a young age.

brucito10
July 19 2007, 8:18AM

A few years ago I went to the annual porn convention here in NYC. The boys from Flava were there as was Pitbull Productions and Tyson Cane. This was the first time I had ever been close to these people and I left feeling sorry for them. Not only are these men poorly educated but many of them have criminal records that more or less keep them in a position that they have to do what they can to survive on a day to day basis. Very few of them are getting more that $500 per pic. What does that tell you. You can go down in the village and catch a few of the one pic only stars sitting in the bars peddling their services for $150 at best. To make porn nowadays the only thing required is a camera and 2 people who are willing to be filmed. It is sad that young man died but I think out of fairness more should be written about his life and what led him to porn. Like it or not he was a damn good porn star and did not give the impression that he was only there for the money.

Terrence
July 19 2007, 8:32AM

Keith, I stand behind you 1000%.

While it is unfortunate that the VP of Flava Works has passed, the struggle to encourage black gay men (and the black community) to protect ourselves from the deadly disease known as HIV/AIDS continues. As I see it, it's now or never. There should never be a moratorium when it comes to discussing a deadly sexually-transmitted disease that puts our community at continuous risk. This time is more perfect than any other.

Furthermore, Flava Works needs to leave Jasmyne and other Black gay and lesbians alone. If Phil Bleicher's "company" wasn't so unscrupulous perhaps the media and those in the black gay blogosphere wouldn't have to write about his exploitive company.

Additionally, I have no sympathy for people - whether they are dead or alive - who exploit young people - particularly black gay men (or women) - for profit.

Nathan James
July 19 2007, 9:11AM

I daresay this issue is unlikely to reach a satisfactory resolution anytime soon. I think BOTH sides in this ongoing saga have something to answer for in their conduct. Bleicher & Co. are shady, there seems little doubt about that. Yet those who made the media aware of the activities in the FlavaWorks house are also a bit underhanded in their tactics. In reporting the dispute, Keith highlights an interesting quandary, too: There will always be a demand for porn. In meeting that demand, how should film companies (like FlavaWorks) manage their affairs?

The other very interesting question (suitable for a separate posting by Keith) was raised by Banger: How, indeed, does a 32 year old man die of pneumonia in this day and age?

Derrick from Philly
July 19 2007, 10:02AM

For God's sake. What court in this country would ever sympathize with some sleezy pornographer. I'm a consumer of porn also, but I could never feel the obligation to defend the producers of that silly shit I consume. For many pornography is a necessity, not a joy-filled, satisfying choice. But some of y'all defend the pornographer as though he's some sort of savior or Great White Father. It puzzles me...this peculiar devotion.

Dan
July 19 2007, 10:37AM

DEVIN DID NOT DIE OF AIDS OR ANY HIV RELATED CAUSES!!!! THIS IS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THESE BLOGS, YOU MAKE ASSUMPTIONS WITHOUT CHECKING THE FACTS AND THEN POST THEM AS FACT!

DNile
July 19 2007, 11:08AM

Here are two "denial" quotes,

"The first step in the risk management process is to acknowledge the reality of risk. Denial is a common tactic that substitutes deliberate ignorance for thoughtful planning." - Charles Tremper

and............

"It's not denial. I'm just selective about the reality I accept." - Bill Watterson

Banger
July 19 2007, 11:13AM

O.K. Dan.

Then what did he die of??????

It's no secret he was apart of a filthy house exchanging bodily fluids with many men. In this age of SERIOUS sexually transmitted diseases - what else can we believe?

Brucito10
July 19 2007, 12:13PM

For those of you who have any doubts about him dying of AIDS you might Google his name (Dekenric Wiley) and click on images. He looks very emaciated in recent photos. There is no doubt in my mind that he did die of AIDS. As I have said before he was a damn good performer and may his soul rest in peace. If that is what he chose to do then he was in his right to do it. Like it or not. I personally find it very hard to believe that many of you do not question if these young men have anything else going for them other than sex and drugs. If Mr. Boykin has any interest in helping those who might not know how to help themselves then why not devote an article or better yet why not devote a segement of his TV show as to how this fall they might look into enrolling in the local community college in their area and try getting job skills. All of this preaching about this sex site is getting very old. It is really starting to sound like Eddie Long and his B/S only from a different angle.

Fed up
July 19 2007, 1:30PM

You clicked on a photo and determined he died of AIDS. I can't read anymore of this crap. Uneducated people giving their opinion. When did AIDS become the only disease affecting young black men? Please show me where you saw Devin exchange body fluids. Bunch of idiots

luv
July 19 2007, 1:58PM

i shake my head in utter disbelief. the fact that in 2007, years after the AIDS epidemic began, black people are still ignoring the disease and its consequences. The fact is that AIDS is the #1 killer of black gay men. This code of silence, where we seem to not acknowledge the truth, is killing black gay men. If you brothers really feel that you have Wiley's best interest, you would use his death as lightning rod for discussion and change. He is gone. We are still here.

JOHN T. JOHNSON
July 19 2007, 2:03PM

I AM SORRY, BUT I AM WITH JASMINE ON THIS....WHY SHOULD ANYONE WAIT FOR A FAMILY TO GRIEVE (WHICH THEY ARE GONNA DO ANYWAYS)BEFORE CONTINUING THE FIGHT AGAINST THE SPREAD OF H.I.V AMONGST LGBT PEOPLE OF COLOR...FRANK YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF...I KNOW AINT NOBDY GONNA SAY IT BUT WE ALL KNOW ABOUT PNUEMONIA DEATHS IT IS USUALLY A RESULT FROM A.I.D.S...SO LET'S BE REAL HERE PEOPLE..TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE..WE DONT HAVE TIME TO BE PLAYING AROUND WITH THE SPREAD OF H.I.V..AND ALTHOUGH I SEND MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO THE FAMILY ON THIER LOSS..HIS DEATH SHOULD ACTUALLY CAUSE US TO REALLY GET BUSY...KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK JASMINE AND KEITH....WHILE MR. ROBERTS IS PLAYING DEVIL'S ADVOCATE AND FLAVAWORK'S MEDIATOR HE SHOULD LOG ON TO THE C.D.C'S WEBSITE AND CHECK OUT THE RECENT STATISTICS ON H.I.V INFECTIONS AMONGST PEOPLE OF ALL RACES WHO WORK IN THE SEX INDUSTRY ESPECIALLY BLACK GAY MEN

JOHN T. JOHNSON
CAN BE REACHED AT:
JJ22762003@YAHOO.COM

P.S. I WONDER WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPEND IF ROSA PARKS, DR. K

tron
July 19 2007, 3:35PM

Amen Brucito!

More than anything, we as LGBT bloggers and people who are concerned about "our people" should be held more accountable. It has been pointed out that many of the porn models whether they are with FlavaWorks or another porn company are "at-risk youths, runaways, homeless, and easy targets" for porn companies to make money. AND then some are not! But my challenge to myself and other bloggers would be to create a program, give guidance, take an initiative to do more for these at-risk youths. Many of younger people (more now than years ago) come out to their family at an early age and their family abandon them leaving them to fight for their own.

If we all took a little less time writing about allegations and spent a little more time trying to find solutions and ways to help these younger gay men and women to a better life and give them more resources (maybe a Big brother Big Sister Program) we would not have to talk so much about or worry so much about Porn companies and their operations bec

brucito
July 19 2007, 4:47PM

Thank you for your comment tron. It really would be nice to see these people with these blogs try reaching out just a little further to the youth at risk with suggestions as to how to better themselves than just preach about exploitation. There are currently 60 job professions that an ex-felon can not hold. I have never been arrested before but there are plenty of kids who hang out on the pier in NYC that have been and still don't understand fully the consequences of what they did and how they are going to pay for it. I went to a community college in inner city Baltimore to learn spanish because it is obvious that nowadays you are going to have to know two languages to get anywhere in the job market. Black Americans are slowly being replaced with Dominicans here in NYC. It is time to start waking up our young gay brothers and sisters.

Kyle B
July 19 2007, 4:57PM

The mere speculation about what exactly caused Wiley's pneumonia is tired and tacky...

I had the experience of an associate dying "suddenly" of pneumonia and the first thing that EVERYONE thought was that it had to be because of complications from HIV/AIDS...Turned out that he was HIV NEGATIVE...To Keith's credit he did not make that "passively aggressive" assumption as Ms. Cannick did...What she did was tasteless. period.

Regarding the race of the CEO of FLAVAWORKS....We can't cherry pick this situation without broadening our scope and talking about race and the gay porn industry in general...And believe me the racial hierarchy in the porn industry pretty much mirrors that of most institutions in our society...Are we spurised? So we work the "field" and "they" make the "money." We all know this. But when you don't contextualize an argument as such it comes off more like a "soapbox sermon" rather than legitimate concern. Surely we can be more sophistcated than that...Or can we?

cward
July 19 2007, 6:23PM

The Black community has a large problem in my opinion: it tries to "save" too many people because once upon a time we were very similar and our struggle was universal. These conditions, realities and opportunities have changed and that is not true any longer. The Black community tends to see a hole in the boat and start to panic. They rush to one side of the boat causing more water to spill inside due to the weight change. We tend to stand there too long examining a problem that is not really one to begin and we drown in despair without direction or hope. We become jaded that there is nothing we can do; sometimes the best thing to do is nothing. Not realizing if you go about what you are doing and periodically mop up the water that comes in when a wave crests all will be alright. It will take care of itself because you can not control the ocean of life on which everyone has been cast upon.

Please read more of from the link provided.

Steven
July 19 2007, 9:40PM

Is it not true that the suit is about posting copyrights images of some of the recent models next to headlines claiming they had AIDS? I know several of the guys and they were very hurt by those posts.

It seems that this issue has strayed far from the original 2005 issues and become a personal issue. I hope that all involved will regain focus on keeping people healthy and aware instead of chasing the homophobic and racist reports of a local NBC reporter.

There are companies all over this country that specialize in videos depicting men of all races practicing unsafe sex with great abandon. I really don't see why so much attention is being paid to a company who has not allowed any non condom penetrative sex in any of their videos since 2005.

No other company is as restrictive about safe sex issues or as supportive of their models then Flava seems to be. What reason could there be for for the constant attacks by bloggers and conservative local news?

When will we finally be done attacking these people?

P. Johnson
July 20 2007, 1:50AM

Some of the comments here are simply amazing. Some individual's comments seem to keep justifying the actions of FlavaWorks so that they can keep getting their regular dose of good ol' FlavaWorks porn.

Perverts.

Antwan
July 20 2007, 10:06AM

Some of you make many valid points, and while I find the "actors" to be quite vulgar and pathetic since they are risking their lives for a few coins, but, its their choice. As is mine not to feel sorry for them when they die at a young age since they chose to play with their lives for whatever reason in 2007. Its all about choice, and, you can't put your morals onto anyone, gay or straight. And, I for one am not mad at Keith or Jasmyne for standing their ground at this exploitation, and since that's what it is. Just like the rest of black America, we are all entitled to and have a different point of view on issues that affect us.

And, for me porn is whack, especially the low class stuff put out by "flavaworks."

Jaye
July 20 2007, 10:18AM

JOHN T. JOHNSON, you hit the nail directly on the head with ALL of you comments! I couldn't have put it better. Thanks for keeping it real on here.

Keith, I didn't see anything wrong with your article. Something this serious needs to be addressed, period! There is NEVER as bad time to get out the message when it comes to saving someones life. Your timing was right on point. Keep up the great work you do my brotha!

Jaye
July 20 2007, 1:45PM

Oh yeah, one more thing...Jasmyne, you are AWESOME! I read your response to Frank on your site, and I couldn't agree with you more! You have earned yourself another fan. Keep on educating our people my Sista! Great job!!

Gordon
July 20 2007, 3:45PM

What ever happened to free speeech. I commend you once again Keith for bringing this issue to the forefront. And as for Frank Leon Roberts, he is the biggest hypocrite to ever blog. Even though his response was in good taste, he is affiliated with Flavaworks. And he needs to get over himself. We respect the deceased, but at the same time, this issue with un safe sex practices really have to hit home before the black gay community gets it. We see people die all the time from AIDS in the black gay community, and with the attitudes of some people making comments, the funeral home will continue to be big business. The black gay community are destroyers of themselves. Brother against brother, blogger against blogger...Its a dam shame. Stop sweeping stuff under the rug people, and call things to the carpet about this epidemic hurting our communities. When I hear or think about AIDS, I think of a black face. Its horrible, and white folk benefit from it alllllllllll the time. My..... how things do not change.

MethodMann
July 20 2007, 5:07PM

"When I hear or think about AIDS, I think of a black face. Its horrible, and white folk benefit from it alllllllllll the time. My..... how things do not change."

White people benefit from black people dying of AIDS...ummm...yeah...right...LMAO! News flash - they don't give a rat's ass about yo black ass.

Speaking as a person of color who has been living with HIV for almost 20 years now, if it wasn't for "white people", there'd be no drugs to extend my life, no hope for a life, and no hope for a cure. Put credit where credit is due. And unless you are someone who is living with HIV, you need to shut up and stop projecting your bullsh*t on to others.

That pie-in-the-sky-please-blame-the-white-man-for-my-decisions is really old, man. With information available today that didn't exist 20 years ago, there's no excuse. People make their own decisions.

Terrence
July 20 2007, 9:33PM

Ummm. MethodMann, while I understand the nature of your response, do you really believe that "white people" are solely responsible for researching and creating HIV/AIDS medications? Are you serious?

Hello!!!! All good discoveries in the world are not solely because of white people. Ever heard of Dr. Boyd "Ed" Graves? There are countless others like him.

Some of the biggest researchers for HIV/AIDS cures and medications have been people of color.

Gordon
July 21 2007, 12:06PM

Excuse me Method Man...When I say that whites benefit from many of the youth dying from AIDS, I was referring to the "porn industry" such as Flavorworks and others ran by whites who allow these boys to perform in an unsafe inadequate environment.

Now you may think that you owe your life to white people because you are infected and need medication. But I doubt that you would feel this way if you were healthy....STOP BEING ANGRY. And though I respect your opinion, people like you in the black gay community are typical, and I want waste precious words trying to reflect any further.

P.S. I am 100% healthy, and thats because I chose to take precautions during sexual practices that would not put me at risk. I think that if you would have done the same thing and would have been healthy, you would not be so angry. Considering all whites to be god like beings over you, the reason for sustaining your life....

elg
July 21 2007, 6:11PM

terrence, who is Dr. Boyd "Ed" Graves and which of the FDA approved hiv/aids medications did he develop?

Gordon, MethodMann was not angry. You, on the other hand, are angry with him as well as with white people who, according to you, benefit (?) from blacks being disproportionately effected by hiv/aids. Your P.S. to him reeks of 'you got what you deserved'. One reason why black gay men don't tell each other about their hiv positive status is because if you tell a black gay man you are hiv positive (generally speaking) he will throw it back in your face in some vicious, hurtful way. The only black person I've ever confided my hiv positive status to is my ex-lover. Everyone else I've ever confided my status to has been white. I find it very hard to trust black gay men (as a group) because of bitches like you, Gordon. Is that what you tell your hiv positive friends, Gordon, that they got what they deserved.

J
July 21 2007, 6:19PM

"whites who allow these boys to"

Sorry, but they don't allow them to go raw in strangers. They are not children or completely unaware of the risks.

Every single day adults sign contracts and happily gamble with their health. Regardless of what standards exist in the industry, there will always be people who take this risk because there will always be those who like watching.

If you're going to attack that man don't forget all of the people buying his smut or every other person involved in the industry.

This is as silly as blaming Snoop for the women wiggling their body parts in his videos.

Zee
July 21 2007, 7:56PM

I have to agree J, why blame the man for peddling that trash? There must be a market for it, and he must be making quite some bank from it if he is threatening to sue and running boo at any sort of criticism. That said, I have no sympathy for anyone in 2007 who tests positive from having unsafe sex especially sex workers. 25 years ago, folks didn't know all that much about the transmission, not, they know and are willing to risk their health and lives, oh well. Sounds harsh, but, in this day and age, if you want to play with your life, you need to be man or woman enough to deal with the consequences. If you are "trade" or porno "star" use a condom.

And this is why education is still needed as well, way too many silly people who don't understand. When the disease started years ago, all the men I knew who had the "gay cancer" as they called it then were white, now that has changed, and black people need a wake up call, its as if some are mute to it, have attached this silly stigma to it, which is just wrong

Jonathan David Jackson
July 21 2007, 9:34PM

Boyd E. Graves, JD, is an important, yet controversial figure in AIDS treatment.

An attorney by training (not an MD, PhD, research scientist, or medical doctor), he is one of the first (if not the first) African American HIV-positive persons in the U.S. to receive a problematic “cure” for AIDS. To date, no “cure” for AIDS has been effective in clinical trails.

Graves also claims that, to quote from his website (boydgravesDOTcom), “[The] AIDS Virus is a designer bi-product of the U.S. Special Virus program.”

Graves’ beliefs are as controversial (and often discredited) as Dr. Peter Duesberg who says that the HIV virus has not been proven to cause AIDS.

If you want to celebrate an African American who has done much for AIDS research, then may I suggest Dr. David J. Malebranche. With statistical evidence and strong epidemiological research, Dr. Malebranche debunked the myth that “down low” men are responsible for high infection rates among blacks.

Facts, not rumor, and accurate research, light our way.

BabyBoomer
July 22 2007, 1:55AM

We all need to pray for our communities, support education and stop being foolish! Wake up America. If you die before your time, because of an STD or complications thereof it's your fault! Not yo mama's or da white man, but yours. However, exploitation of our black male youth is only an avenue by which death seeks them. KEITH -you are right! Keep up the good work and finish the course! Oh by the way, the person that made the remark regarding the "pneumonia" medication? You told the truth. There are many "Public Health" Programs one can enroll in to get treatment! I work in the health industry and it's true. With the meds/technology available now, it should be unheard of our black men dying of AIDS...oops, pneumonia. Stop! I'm bout to kill my own damn self cause this was too funny! STOP BEING TOO PROUD TO SEEK TREATMENT DAMMIT! IF SOMEONE SEES YOU THERE, SO WHAT? HELL, THEY THERE FA THA SAME REASON.

BITTER
July 22 2007, 11:09PM

These boyz are GROWN.....this white man, however reprehensible, is NOT forcing them to go into porn and practice unsafe sex. When I am broke, and that's more times than I care to admit, I don't do PORN to make extra money!!!!! The white dude is total trash, but he's not twisting arms....

MethodMann
July 23 2007, 12:47AM

Gordon: You holier-than-thou bitch, I referred to white people in quotes, meaning that a good number of people that worked their asses off in research labs to get me the drugs I need to sustain my life were white people. I said nothing that this was a racially exclusive group.

You make it sound as if there is some sort of white-run slave trade in porn. No one twisted these men's arms to do what they do. The biggest profiteer in gay porn is a latino drag queen, Chi Chi LaRue - if you want a to racially profile people. So what is your point? The white man is forcing poor little black boys into porn? Wake up.

And for your information, - I contracted HIV through the blood blank from a transfusion following a car accident. I'm not angry at all - this is the lot that life has given me.

Anything else you'd like to shove in your mouth along with your foot?

TIGER TYSON
July 23 2007, 4:42AM

We at Pitbull Productions extend our condolences to Devin's family. I met Devin several times in person the past 2 + years and spoke with him at length about life, love and happiness, among other things. I had his personal cell phone number, his email and communicated with him from time to time. In fact, I thought so much of him, I offered him the job of CEO of Pitbull at one time. Devin will truly be missed.
The rest of my post is addressed to the ignorant Frankie Boy (Leon Roberts)...excuse me, but who the hell do you think you are? You don't know me, or Pitbull and are sorely misinformed and I'd wish you'd just go back into your fake as hell intellectual world which my sources tell me is a complete fraud. Anyway, I am the co-owner with Jalin Fuentes(our Director)of Pitbull and also the COO and Jalin is the CEO/President. So where do you get off saying that Pitbull is owned by a white person is an insult..we are proud minorities who own Pitbull and you should mind your business, you don't even know me.

Sed
July 23 2007, 7:13AM

All porn is about exploitation. THe owners of these companies exploit there models. The models sometimes exploit the owners and everybody exploits the paying customers. Everytime some twink movie is made you can get a dozen people to go on a message board like Atkol and talk about how the poor young twinks were exploited. It's all the same.

Anonymous
July 23 2007, 10:08AM

Tiger Tyson fairly corrected Frank Leon Roberts' misstatements.

But, gentlemen and ladies, please: it profits us nothing to attack each other personally.

And it profits us nothing to attack intellectual reasoning.

Intellectual reasoning helps us correct others.

A judicious, fair critique is stronger than an insult.

So many relations between gay men of color are filled with competition and acrimony.

While we bicker, race-bait, and levy ad hominem attacks, the younger generations learn from our embarrassing behavior.

Keith was right to critique a company who once showcased bare-backing; but wrong for not probing the views of the black men inside the industry who see erotica as a grassroots art and a means to make money; further, Keith was insensitive to mourners and he race-baited.

Frank was right to admonish Keith for insensitivity to the dead; but wrong to defend those who make poor health decisions; and Frank misstated some facts.

No one has the upper hand.

Please: peace in our valley.

James Jackson
July 23 2007, 10:37AM

Pitbull Productions? I can just imagine how scary those "models" must be, LOL! Why is it that black porn is so low class on every level? From the set to the bad music which is werid since all porn music is bad, but, they sem to find the worse of all. The interracial stuff just as low class, so, for the rare occassion that I look at it, I guess the white boiz who make bank and have a real director half way decnet faces will be the only thing to look at.

But the guy hass a point, if smeone is going to throw shade with misinformation, he should correct them, no matter how bad a product they are putting out with young men without a clue.

Gordon
July 23 2007, 12:13PM

"Method Man", no tee, no shade. The name calling was un-necessary and classless. And for the person that said I was angry, none of the facts and assumptions affect or effect me personally, so there was no need for me to be angry. My point was just mis-taken(as usual).

While we Americans still enjoy free speech(while it still exist)still I say, just because no one forces these young men to perform in these conditions, the franchise of black gay porn is still ran by whites who benefit from the ill decisions made by informed/uninformed.

It was a point made not out of prejudice and dislike for whites, its a valid point....so opinionate all you want. Like I stated, we still practice free speech for now...

And the last I checked, it was perfectly O.K. to make a statement about the loss and gain of other people outside of my race without being a bigot.

Deacon
July 24 2007, 12:26PM

For you brotha's attacking Keith you ned to wake the fuck up, stop thinking with the head on your dicks and start thinking with the head on your shoulders!!!!! It seems that it's more important for you to give your money to a white guy who's making money of off the backs of black & brown brotha's than to be informed that these same men are doing nothing to protect our black & brown brotha's from speading HIV. WAKE THE FUCK UP, Keith and Jasmyne are providing a service and information, it's too bad the guy died when he did but that doesn't change the fact of his actions, how many more our young brotha's have to die for you to get the point!!!!! GOOD GOING KEITH KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK!!!!!!!

Brucito
July 24 2007, 5:30PM

Am I the only one who noticed that when you click on Tiger Tysons name in the article he supposedly wrote about Devin you are sent directly to his site where black guys are once again being shown screwing each other in the ass abd taking cum in their mouths.Even though they are wearing a condom where is the opinion of the black intellectual queens regarding this? It states as plain as day these dvd's are also for sale. Talk about taking advantage of a gullible audience. Has anyone seen him present at any AIDS benefits for black or latino gay men? Has anyone seen tax forms proving that he really is the owner of pitbull productions? Did anyone see the dvd Take'm Down part 1 where he is threatening to put his foot in Supreme's ass for calling him by his real name? Yes it is all in the DVD. So much for your editor's and cameraman's skill. (yawn) You can even see them standing in the background in a lot of that other trash coming out of there too.

Quinn
August 7 2007, 12:25PM

Although it's a sad day when somebody dies oh ""pneumonia", We all have to realize that life is about choices... do i feel sorry for the young man? No i don't because he made a choice just as those young men are in the films. We really need to Stop making excuses for people and hold them accountable for there OWN ACTIONS. He knew exactly what he was getting into and all the risks involved. I appreciate keith for putting me in the know.However to blame a white man for other peoples decisions is wrong. I have a Question though... Are you all going after str8 porno owners??? besides there are young black sisters involved and are being "exploited" as well....

Isaiah
August 8 2007, 7:52PM

No to be insensitive to the death of Devin, who I knew as a wonderful person, but life must go on. We cannot stop the attacks on a social injustice just because of a persons death. People die everyday, we would never get anything done. I do believe that to single out Phillip Bleicher is unfair but someone has to be the example. The industry should be held accountable but not more than the pornstars themselves. We as a race need to take into accountability out own actions. What has made us get to the point where this would be an option? What are we missing from our lives? The industry would not exist if it did not have young black boys to star in the films and if the customers were not buying the films. The industry is not all to blame but also ourselves for not challenging a society where our young black brothers do not value themselves enough to know that this is not my only option.