Slog - Comments on In Other Gay Reality Show Contestant Gossip http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos I missed this story while I was away on vacation... A contestant on HGTV's Design Star—Michael Verdugo—was outed by Gay Porn Blog for his "nasty porn past." That judgement seems a little harsh, considering the stuff that Gay Porn Blog regularly smiles on. And all Verdugo is alleged to be "guilty" of is appearing in a little gay bondage porn back in the mid-1990s. And, come on, who wasn't making gay bondage porn in the mid-90s? It's unlikely that Verdugo's past would've gotten him booted from Design Star—a porn scandal is always good news for reality show producers—but it did... Copyright 2008 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:19:33 -0800 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:05:19 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Comment by Will in Seattle Who wasn't?

Um. Most of us weren't.

But I don't see what that has to do with the show, even if he did do that, so it is a tad silly.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088399 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088399 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:23:07 -0800 Comment by Chris in Tampa Oh, hey, Will, do you need the joke explained to you?

]]> Chris in Tampa http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088407 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088407 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:27:01 -0800 Comment by Boomer in NYC I suggest you use small words, Chris.

]]> Boomer in NYC http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088415 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088415 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:29:49 -0800 Comment by Ziggity I'm sure I saw you there, Will.

]]> Ziggity http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088416 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088416 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:30:01 -0800 Comment by Vince Sounds like a good law suit.

]]> Vince http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088424 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088424 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:37:04 -0800 Comment by Non Hahaha he did porn and he's facing consequences that he couldn't have imagined when he was desperate enough to try it.

All people considering the option: take notice.

]]> Non http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088428 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088428 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:43:33 -0800 Comment by Village person Cause' he's a hot cop
Hottest cop on the disco scene

People say that i'm a dancing machine

Cause he's a hot cop
Hottest cop that you'll ever see

I bet you never meet a cop
As funky as me

Party, boogie, boogie
boogie, boogie, get on down

]]> Village person http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088430 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088430 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:45:13 -0800 Comment by Gurldoggie Here's an interesting, um, twist.
The Spanish word "Verdugo" means "hangman." As in hung. With a rope. Carry on.

]]> Gurldoggie http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088432 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088432 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:45:43 -0800 Comment by chaosbound I think its really shitty when people who have done porn, are punished for doing porn. If its consensual sex, between people who are of legal age, then it shouldn't matter. Police officers, Senators, and school teachers have sex, and they shouldn't be punished for having consensual sex with people of legal age.


]]> chaosbound http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088438 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088438 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:56:10 -0800 Comment by Non @9

Your integrity is hugely compromised when filmed being paid to have sex. It's highly questionable, and reflects grotesquely on the individual.

If you can argue with that, you're as delusional as those willing to submit to it.

]]> Non http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088441 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088441 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:58:29 -0800 Comment by Dan Savage So, Non, I suppose you have no problem with the folks posting porn they've made at home -- for free, unpaid -- to sites like XTube?

]]> Dan Savage http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088457 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088457 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:11:07 -0800 Comment by jebus h. xst "Hey, what are you going to do with those cuffs, porno-cop? If I continue to resist, will you hog-tie me?"

It doesn't have to be but it isn't hard to imagine that such a background could lead to a loss of respect among the public he serves and, in turn, a loss in his effectiveness as a peace officer.

What if he was a Republican senator, Dan? Would it still be unfair, and crazy, and nuts for him to lose his job? His committee chairmanships?

]]> jebus h. xst http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088458 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088458 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:13:00 -0800 Comment by ADAM PORN = SEWER OF TOO MUCH SEX

YES? DAN

]]> ADAM http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088461 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088461 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:14:56 -0800 Comment by ru shur I agree with Non. Pornographers should be put to death so that they don't further compromise the American Dream.

]]> ru shur http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088464 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088464 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:16:20 -0800 Comment by John the term is "moral turpritude"

(sp)

]]> John http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088466 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088466 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:17:36 -0800 Comment by Will in Seattle Oh, come on, HGTV is not exactly known for attracting hetero guys, my point stands.

]]> Will in Seattle http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088470 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088470 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:18:45 -0800 Comment by Chris in Tampa If he was a Republican Senator, the only reason anyone on the left would call on him to resign or be voted out, would be if he spent a great deal of his time railing against the porn industry.

I can see how selling your sex, while being in a position of power would reflect poorly on someone. But I don't see how cashing in on being young and hot should reflect upon your character over ten years later.

]]> Chris in Tampa http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088475 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088475 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:20:56 -0800 Comment by Dan Savage If he was a GOP senator who railed against gay sex, porn, BDSM, and other perversions, then it would be material, and he could/should lose his job on a hypocrisy charge. As it stands, he's an openly-gay cop in small town who made one porn video more than a decade ago. While he might come in for some ribbing from his peers for having done this, it's highly unlikely that anyone he pulls over in Hollywood, FL, will be aware of this video. Or would have been aware of it, I should say.

And porn can be produced under sewer-esque conditions or not, and appearing in porn can be dangerous and stupid or it can be enjoyable and harmless. Just like sex.

]]> Dan Savage http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088478 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088478 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:21:20 -0800 Comment by Cookie W. Monster "Oh, and nice tits, huh?"

Looks like Dan Savage has now found his very own Natalie Merchant. Next Savage post: Michael Verdugo standing in a cornfield!

]]> Cookie W. Monster http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088479 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088479 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:21:33 -0800 Comment by Non Dan, I'm a contradiction because I'll go right home after work to look at a bunch of porn, homemade and not. But I won't be in it ;)

]]> Non http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088482 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088482 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:22:05 -0800 Comment by Freddy Bondage port is stupid
and
illlogical

by the way, the cop shop can be a dangerous job for a fag

]]> Freddy http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088483 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088483 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:22:22 -0800 Comment by Dan Savage Come on, 19, they're nice tits. How could I avoid commenting?

]]> Dan Savage http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088488 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088488 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:23:37 -0800 Comment by rob The P.D. internal investigation probably involves background-check stuff to see if he might have been witnessed using drugs on- or off-set; whether any of the people involved in the production were convicted felons; or whether he made false statements on his application(s) to the police academy or the force where he is now employed.

I have no problem whatsoever with his having done porn. In the first place, it's not any kind of moral dilemma for me, and secondly, I think it gives him a useful familiarity/understanding of people and situations he might encounter in law enforcement.

What's with all the fundie commenters/trolls on Slog lately? Why don't they go somewhere where they're likely to find camaraderie?

]]> rob http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088490 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088490 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:25:13 -0800 Comment by Jubilation T. Cornball I wish I looked like that guy. I'd be watching the little email number on Manhunt go up like a space shuttle.

]]> Jubilation T. Cornball http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088497 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088497 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:30:06 -0800 Comment by point x point synopsis non @ 10:

I can argue with that, and you can call me delusional for it, fine. But that does not mean that your premise as stated is not far too subjective, and that also does not mean you are not a judgemental, self-important "morals" spewing prick, but hey I don't know you, you may really be a saint sent to warn us of the evils of ever doing porn, good luck with that.

]]> point x point synopsis http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088502 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088502 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:33:16 -0800 Comment by Non I'm not a fundie, and I'm not a troll.

I simply think you're trashie if you've done porn, plain and simple. Maybe I overcomplicated my point before.

YOU'RE TRASH IF YOU'VE DONE PORN*.
(outside of HUMP)

Sorry if that offends you trash, but you're trash.

Nasty, gross, DAMAGED GOODS.

KTHX bai.

]]> Non http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088520 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088520 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 17:50:57 -0800 Comment by Y.F. I studied this film (purely for research purposes!) at great length (o.k. maybe an hour) and I don't think it's him. The tattoos are similar, but not identical.

]]> Y.F. http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088525 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088525 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:02:25 -0800 Comment by chaosbound @ 10

Neither of us can effectivly argue, either for or against, the ridiculous premise of your argument.

Come back when you are able to discuss this matter without making a sweeping statement with such subjective terms.


]]> chaosbound http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088529 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088529 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:04:16 -0800 Comment by Cookie W. Monster @22,

Well, they're not as urban-legendarily "nice" as Natalie Merchant's, but I kinda sorta see your point. Anyway, if a copy of "Rope Rituals" turns up nailed to a tree in North Seattle anytime soon, then we'll know the Stranger blogs have officially overdosed on meta-vitamins.

I'm certain you'll agree, no?

]]> Cookie W. Monster http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088538 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088538 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:22:00 -0800 Comment by Irena Non, didn't you just say that some of the porn you watch is "homemade"? So filming is okay, but being filmed is trashy?

]]> Irena http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088559 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088559 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:59:03 -0800 Comment by Snarky @20 You misspelled contradiction. It's h-y-p-o-c-r-i-t-e.

]]> Snarky http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088565 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088565 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:26:26 -0800 Comment by Non Whatever; I'm not going to extend any more mental effort to assert that I'm better than people who have reduced themselves to being involved with pornography.

]]> Non http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088570 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088570 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:45:18 -0800 Comment by point x point synopsis @ 26:
damaged goods? nice. yeah, it is much easier that way, these really are not humans we're talking about here, right? what with families, emotions, a past, a future, no nothing like that. because they've transgressed and sinned against your moral code they are now banished from the decent society you've built up for yourself. yeah Non, just write them off cause you really are better speciman of humanity, & thanks for your understanding ways.

]]> point x point synopsis http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088573 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088573 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:49:41 -0800 Comment by Mike in MO His name should be Emerson.

As in: Em-erson-nice-tits!

]]> Mike in MO http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088575 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088575 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:50:41 -0800 Comment by Balt-O-Matt Nice tits indeed.

]]> Balt-O-Matt http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088576 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088576 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 19:53:47 -0800 Comment by Jubilation T. Cornball Titties and beer, titties and beer...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KE1CHu0X8w&feature=related

]]> Jubilation T. Cornball http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088639 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088639 Homo Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:21:16 -0800 Comment by Randy Blue I am really surprised about the all the negative response to porn in this thread. Porn is great. Homemade porn is great, Studio porn is great, Bondage porn is hot. Slog parties should have porn just like they do at the cuff.

]]> Randy Blue http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088696 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088696 Homo Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:54:41 -0800 Comment by mikerw McGurk's stuff is hot at first, but there's so stinkin' much of it on his site that even I get bored with it.

The solution to "too much pornography" is too much pornography.

]]> mikerw http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088705 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1088705 Homo Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:27:05 -0800 Comment by inkweary Non, in your post @20 you call yourself a "contradiction", and in @32 you put down people for "being involved in porn", well watching it is *being involved*. You are not a contradiction, you are quite evidently an hypocrite.

]]> inkweary http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1089321 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1089321 Homo Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:55:20 -0800 Comment by Ted I don't understand why this has to be news and gossip. It is very personal and has nothing to do with his having been on Design Star. His design career is now (and he is very talented and can redo my house anytime), his past is his past. We should not throw stones. We all have things in our past that we wish we could change, whether small things or more drastic, ...do you all want someone posting your deep dark secrets all over the internet? Likely not.

]]> Ted http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1092217 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/in_other_gay_reality_show_contestant_gos#c1092217 Homo Sun, 03 Aug 2008 19:05:19 -0800