Tuesday, July 13th, 1999
Frey, Garfinkle Pursue Bone, Ross, AVN
Lawyer for stripper agent Charley Frey and Impressive Productions owner Jerry Garfinkle, Steven T. Lowe, sent the following letter to AVN publisher Paul Fishbein.
Paul shelters his lead editorial writer Gene Ross, who's been convicted by the Kangaroo Court of l-keford.com of taking bribes from Cream Entertainment owner John Bone (Frey and Garfinkle were partners with Bone in the setting up of Cream):
Dear Mr. Fishbein:
My office represents GSC Impressive Productions..Jerry Garfinkle...and Charley Frey...
Enclosed please find a copy of the Complaint filed on June 1, 1999.
We have also enclosed a copy of a "cease and desist" notice sent to Mr. Bowen on July 1, 1999, and a notice that we will be sending to third parties who aid (or intend to aid) Mr. Bowen in breaching his fiduciary duty to the partnership.
Finally, I note that Gene Ross has publicly admitted a close personal friendship with Mr. Bowen. This is obviously the reason taht articles written by Mr. Ross about my clients have been heavily slanted in Mr. Bowen's favor. Please do not publish any more articles about my clients that are authored by Mr. Ross.
Attorney Steven Lowe wrote John Bone July 1:
By now you have been served with the Summons and Complaint in the above-referenced matter.
As set forth therein, you have misappropriated partnership assets and breached your fiduciary duty to the partnership, among other wrongful acts and omissions. Unless and until the partnership is dissolved, which has not occurred, the partnership known as "Cream" continues to exist. Even if Cream were to be dissolved, there would have to be an equitable distribution of partnership assets, including the trade name "Cream" (and all obvious derivatives thereof) as well as the fruits of partnership opportunities taht were independently usurped by you. One partner cannot independently exploit said partnership assets and/or opportunities.
Based upon the foregoing, we hereby demand that you:
(a) Immediately cease and desist utilizing the trade name "Cream"...
(b) hold all revenues from all videos which (i) were copyrighted in the name of Cream...or (ii) were financed in whole or part by Cream; or (iii) utilize bar codes owned by Impressive Productions, in "constructive trust" pending the outcome of this litigation...
Michelle Goldberg of Salon Magazine Scoops Luke
Scoop Luke appears in the forthcoming "Hot" issue of Rolling Stone. Former Hustler entertainment editor Evan Wright cuts Luke up.
Fred writes Luke: I just finished the Salon article. It seems like a good article. It reflects what you convey in your own web site, namely a fascination with pornography combined with a philosophical dislike of pornography. (You're probably not the first person to have these two characteristics.) I'd say it's a fairly positive article. It doesn't say anything bad about you--no accusations of misdeeds or major character flaws. It says that you're good looking and charming. It certainly gets your name out in the press. All things considered, it sounds like good publicity, and in your line of work, that's pretty important. I'd give it a thumbs up.
BTW--part of the article deals with your view of academics who write on porn. Another theory as to why "academics" are writing more and more on porn: It simply reflects their own prurient interest in pornography, and represents an effort on their part to become "insiders". It's voyeurism masquerading as academia. If you were lusting after porn actresses, what better way to get an hour of their time than to say, gee, I'm Prof. so-and-so, and I'd like to interview for my research. (Not that this would be an effective way to "score", I suppose, but it would be an effective way to get an unusual type of access. I believe that actresses, like anyone else, kind of like it when somebody is paying attention to them. They probably get off on some professor type paying attention to them, and validating their existence. And the prof gets to gratify his or her prurient curiosity.) In short, academics seek to achieve what you have achieved through other means. They are Luke wannabees.
BTW, a second theory. Research papers are probably hard work. Writing about porn is probably an easy way of getting published without having to think or work. It's an easy way of getting by in a "publish or perish" environment.
From the Salon article: "He's [Luke] essentially an unhappy person based on the work that he does," [Brandy] Alexandre continues. "In one breath he embraces the industry because it supports him, and in the other breath he shuns it. He hates it but he needs it, and whatever the need is based on only he and his psychiatrist know. But he is nice, soft-spoken and friendly." Adds Paul Fishbein, the publisher of the industry trade magazine Adult Video News, "He's a really charming, nice guy when you meet him and talk to him, but he's not trustworthy." At one point, Fishbein considered hiring Ford. Now he's considering suing him. "He'll print anything, anything anyone tells him. He says things like, 'I heard that Metro Home Video threatened to pull all their advertising' -- if we didn't put all their girls on stage [at the Adult Video News Awards] and give their videos better reviews -- 'so Paul Fishbein acquiesced.' I had to threaten him with a libel suit. Luke F-rd is interesting, but he screwed me."
Luke writes AVN publisher Paul Fishbein: "I'm sorry that you think that I've f---ed you and that I can not be trusted. I don't know anything confidential that you've shared with me that I've betrayed you on. When I was talking to you, I was heading in the direction of more responsible journalism. Now I'm experimenting with lots of stuff...cause I find the porn beat boring. I think you are a legitimate target of silliness or satire... I am not aware of betraying you or your confidence. I never assured you that I would be nice to you or AVN or Gene Ross. I think you're the glue that keeps the industry together and I dislike the industry... What did you think of the LA Times piece? I thought it was fair... It looks like the VSDA is going downhill."
Ginger Lynn advises Fishbein: "Work on developing a love for accepting criticism from Luke F-rd. When you have a sincere desire to grow and develop, you will appreciate the opportunities that arise for further growth and development. Criticism expressed with the profound love and concern that Luke displays is easier to handle than criticism expressed with anger or condescension. But if what is said to you is beneficial for you, accept it regardless of how it is said."
Ramsey writes: Marc Star would be a perfect candidate to work for Extreme Associates. I mean he has little talent, can't take criticism and threatens people who write something about him or his family (his brother is this case). Well Marc Star has gone a little further than just threatening people, he also takes cheap shots like he did with Luke F-rd. I'm really surprised that Marc Star didn't threaten any RAME-ers after he got bashed in 1998 after his query concerning "Homosexuality in the gangbang". Marc Star did write a piece in his column for EFG (Februari 1999) about his experience with Luke F-rd and RAME and this time it was Luke F-rd and RAME who we're being bashed by him. I myself think Luke F-rd should write whatever he wants, it's up to the reader to believe it or not. At least Luke F-rd isn't a messenger like Gene Ross is, I mean how many times has Rob Black used Gene Ross to spread hate and lies but i guess that's ok. Talking about Rob Black, I read he won't hire Brick Majors again because he "helped" Luke F-rd after he got punched. Well Rob Black can always hire someone like Marc Star, I bet he will get along with Luis Cypher after his own (RAME) encounter with Torris. It's time for these thugs to accept criticism. I mean they are NOT God even though they think they are.
Luke can no longer say that pornography does not influence behavior. This morning, for the first time in his life, Luke trimmed his pubic hair. And you can buy it, for just $25. Or a pair of Luke F-rd's shorts. The briefs that Luke wore Friday when Marc punched him come with a little extra, and are available for $35. Quantities limited and going fast.
Mark H. Kreloff, Chairman & CEO New Frontier Media, writes: "Dear Mr. Ford: I am a big fan of your site and enjoy reading your comments about the industry."
Luke: "Give Luke the Scoop about NOOF and screw Gene Ross! It's an honor to hear from you."
Kreloff: "The honor is all mine. New Frontier (NASDAQ: NOOF) is having a great year. We will be closing on the acquisition of IGallery.net in about amonth from now and the subscription and Pay TV business is growing dramatically with over 7.8 million addressable households now reached with our five networks: TeN, Pleasure, Extasy, GonzoX and True Blue. Best regards to you. I am thankful that there is another voice in the adult biz other than those of AVN/GeneRoss."
Luke: "Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise him all ye creatures here below..."
Mark Gallo: "I am told Ginger Lynn will start shooting her 2nd new adult video this week [for VCA]. They have finished cutting her other video [Torn] so it should be released any time now."
Hustler Erotic Video Guide editor Michael Louis Albo writes Gene Ross.com: "Dear Gene: Just read on another, less-informative site [l-keford.com] that the company for which I work, Larry Flynt Publications actively "censors and restricts" its writers. Like most of the "facts" coming from this increasingly bizarre website, there is absolutely no basis in truth to this assertion. I'm assuming it's just a case of sour grapes considering that the smarmy little cretin who posts this nonsense has been banned from all our companies events and doesn't have the minimal talent requirements necessary to write for us.
"I have been associated with LFP, Inc., since 1987 as a freelance writer and since 1993 as a full-time editor. Never, in all that time, have I ever received a directive from this company to censor or restrict anything. Once again, this internet moron is merely spewing out falsehoods to bolster his own flagging credibility. I would suggest that he take whatever salary he might be drawing from fantasticonline.com and invest in a journalism course at the community college of his choice. Maybe then he may start to learn the basics of his chosen occupation and stop looking like such a jackass.
"P.S. Marc Star deserves a round of applause. Marc, if you're reading this, I just want you to know that the drinks are me."
Also from www.geneross.com:
Subject: When the facts are few and far between, use them sparingly
"Max Cantor" writes about yesterday's postings first quoting geneross.com: "...Darren Star is never mentioned in any of these clips, and the 10-31-95 Staten Island Advance story identifies a ... from California as accompanying the late Ms. Zurmuhlen to her hotel room. Am I just dense or am I missing something? [geneross]
Cantor: "Answer: Yes. When Marc "Star"'s grandfather debarked at Ellis Island, what name do you think he gave: "Star" or....Scheu? This is where the journalism part comes in, Rosso, and the truth of the matter is that Luke F-rd is kicking your butt on this one.
Gene sez: "Hey, 'Canto,' You know, you're right. I missed that whole Ellis Island-connection. How could I have been so stupid. And the fact that Darren is actually the Americanized version of Dean. Man, I deserve to have my butt kicked on that one, too. That's what I get when I try to do stories that have absolutely no bearing whatsoever on the adult business, in which case, when Luke wins the Pulitzer for this expose I'll be the first one applauding him."
Max Cantor strikes again on Subject: "The Dead Blond in Darren Star's Room at The Mayflower Hotel"
Cantor: "You're mistaken in your charge that Luke F-rd accused Darren Star of "murder". The first use of the word "murder" with respect to the dead teenager in Darren Star's hotel room occurred in geneross.com. I think what Luke's investigation is getting at is more on the order of "reckless homicide". Obviously Marc Star has been feeding you a line of s--- that comes directly from his drugged-out, gender-confused brother Darren and the toadying gossipists who lick his loafers. Perhaps, as pornographers, fatally narcotized teenaged girls dumped in hotel rooms are just a normal part of landscape you and Marc Star inhabit. Kudos to Scoop Luke for exposing your reckless degeneracy! And if you think the whole world isn't watching--you are sadly mistaken..."
Gene sez: "I think you better read the language again. I didn't say Luke F-rd was accusing Star of murder. The word used was 'link'. As far as the landscape I inhabit, I can't speak for Marc's, but mine consists of spectacular views, rolling hills, bubbling crude, swimming pools...movie stars. In fact, I'm going to load up my truck and move to Beverly.. Hills that is, where reckless homicides and narcotized blonds are served on the daily menu with ratatouille. By the way, how did Darren Star allegedly f--- you over, that you have such a bug up your ass about all this?"
Are You Addicted to Porno?
JC writes: This is the text of a track from the new Chris Rock album, "Bigger and Blacker." The title is "Porno PSA."
[Female voice] Do you ever walk in and find your husband quickly zipping up his pants? Does your husband suffer from chapped dick? Then he may be addicted to porno. Mine was, and he left me to go be number 73 in 'The World's Biggest Gangbang.' Did you know that one out of three marriages are ruined by excessive porno? Mine was. I mean, I like sex, but I'm no match for Janet Jackme. If you think your husband has a porno habit, help that nasty bastard before it goes too far. The early warning signs are there. Ask him to do a self-exam.
[Male voice] If you watch porno before 10 a.m.; if you know the name of any guy in porno besides Ron Jeremy; if you can't get aroused unless you hear this [sound efx: cheesy music and man saying, 'Oh yeah, baby']; you may be addicted to porno.
[Female voice] But there's more.
[Male voice] If you're willing to donate your spine to Larry Flynt; if your woman has thrown away all of your porno tapes, and you masturbate to 'The View'; if you like your woman to shower in five-inch pumps; if you think the only way to get your woman pregnant is by shooting sperm in her eye; you might be addicted to porno.
[Female voice] Maybe I'm old-fashioned, but double-anal penetration is just not my cup of tea. So if you think your husband is addicted to porno, please call 1-800-I-SEE-YOUR-ASS today.
[Male voice] That's 1-800-I-SEE-YOUR-ASS. Call today.
Nice Jewish Girl writes Luke
"So the porn stars all look "enhanced", not just their bodies, but their faces. In fact, Jenna doesn't look as good as she used to, is she enhanced too? Of course, she's older, but I know that this porn life is really difficult on the actors and actresses.
"And the men in your pictures, these are the "fans" right? And the bigwigs? Boy they are horrible to look at! I feel sorry for those girls that "have" to do those old decrepit ugly guys. I hope they get paid well! Max Harcore has the most punk rawkin' name but jeez I can't believe he actually gets any women to work for him, he must pay them a lot. He really looks awful, not like a cute young punk rock guy at all! Well, I guess a cute young punk rock guy wouldn't make women do such extreme stuff that land them in the hospital either. Obviously his imagination comes from the way the guy looks. In fact, IMHO, I think all the men need more enhancing than the women do! And I mean complete makeovers, face lifts, nose jobs, etc.
"Now Luke, I have to get on your case with this gay stuff. It is just ridiculous how you feel. I mean, who cares, really where guys put it? So, if they like each other, fine. Really, plus gay men are so much nicer to women, in general than str8 guys. Gay guys will dance with fat chix. Gay guys will gossip with women, and say the funniest comments. Gay men don't say stuff to us walking down the street, gay men will be our friends, our best friends, and will tell us we look beautiful no matter what weight we are. Gay men are sweet and will hug us and there won't be that weird tension, gay men will be our friends just because they like us, not because they want to do us. Gay men understand how men are pigs and will tell us so, and tell us that they agree with us.
"Gay men love us (women) unconditionally and you can tell a gay guy who you think is cute and it won't be a big deal to them, like it is to a str8 guy. Gay men dress better, smell better, and take better care of themselves, gay men love to gossip and we can dish and dish for hours! Gay men love art and music and ballet and don't go to ballet or opera just to scam on women or ballerinas. Gay men are not afraid of strong diva-types (like yours truly), in fact, just the opposite, they LOVE them. Str8 guys are afraid of women who come on strong and intense and obsessively. Str8 guys need to learn sensitivity, not being afraid of strong women, art lessons, clothing lessons from gay men. This is just my opinion, but I know I'm right. Ask any girl.
"You know all this stuff that you like, like Anal (I know you like that), well that's gay, A2M, and fisting, fisting comes out of the gay sexual underground. It's not that I don't agree that there is a gay mafia, I think there is and I have been the brunt of it, but don't paint all gay guys as being terrible (see my other post). And all the stuff that supposedly straight guys like (see above) is really gay, especially that fisting stuff and anal stuff. BTW anal is the BEST way for a bottom to catch HIV. And there are theories floating around out there that gangbangs, strip clubs, sports bars are all latent gay and especially Anal, Luke.
"I shared our IM [AOL's Immediate Message] last night with Ann. Baby, hope you're not offended! But I want their opinions of boys I like :), I know you understand you gossip-hound you! :), Plus you get some names of some of my exes, it's all good baby! Plus you'll love what she says about you! You know, I would NEVER be this open with any other boy on the PLANET, consider yourself blessed that I feel uninhibited. I would be doing some weird trips for sure. I certainly wouldn't send them my friend's reactions to them. It's a good thing baby. Love you mucho sweetie.
> Hi there, > well thanks for sending me your last conversation with Luke. > So did he pick you up at the airport or didn t he ? I m that curious. > He does sound rather neutral and kind of "down to facts" TO ME: i DON T > FIND HIM REALLY WARM AND CONCERNED. > then again I don t hear you sounding honest either: I don t find you that > authentically or did you chnage that much...I don t know. I ve never really > witnessed you with the boys....except fpor this one thing with wind...and > >Jerremy of course...well and others, too....ok....maybe it s just not > possible to be honest through e mial at all. > ound s like it s some kind of game you re both playing around that Jewsh > inheritage and background...I don t know of there s anything else you could > have in common. > I like the way you talk about the porn stuff. Does he take his job > serious? Is he all into it? > I know a girlfriend of mine once fell for a guy who had to watch a porn > movie to be tunred on ...she found it so desperate and yuckie,,,seh sent him > to hell after a few weeks of trying to save his soul. > Good for her soul! Frist things first!! > Anyway, you take cyre now: > Curious...and hope you enjoyed the family reunion. >
Nice Jewish Girl flies to LA this weekend and I get to meet her for the first time. I will take pictures for the site. You can let me know if she makes the grade.
Ron Miller writes: "EROTICA LA '2000 has been booked at the Los Angeles Convention Center, June 2 - 4, 2000! This year the fans, and all attendees, will be permitted to bring their own cameras. EROTICA LA's Halloween Costume Ball will be offering some real surprises which, when confirmed, I will notify you of."
Porn Chat
K: where the f--- is Luke :) i wanted to tell him that he was lookin rather sleazy in the last photo i saw of him..he's getting that housand mile stare hehehehe jus like a porn boy
Luke: Mixed feelings.
JMT: ask Marc Star to hit it, Luke
i've heard bad things about kylie pr
My weekend experience with her was the worst in a long time
JMT, went to Adult Expo and tried to do some pre-arranged interviews with VCA... Kept blowing me off, putting things off. Very strange
she must have heard about your "topless-only" interview policy
Whatever. I guess I didn't give VCA positive enough reviews to be allowed to review her girls... I'd like to hear from her why she blew me off when Excalibur had pre-arranged the interviews and she told them they were set up
what is she, Rog, the den-mother for the contract girls now?
She is in charge of their PR over there. I'm obviously not important enough for her to bother :-)
i was at the beach past 2 weeks
Yeah Luke...we *all* saw the tan lines :-)
Luke looked quite tanned at Adult Expo...
Also starring Rob Spallone as Otto von Zipper
Marc Star as the Devil's brother?
Luke: Why didn't you press charges?. You certainly should if it comes close to happening again.
cause the witnesses did not want to witness to the cops
Oh and Luke, thanks for intro to Mila. I think the room dropped 20
degrees in that instant
Luke: Figures...what a surprise :)
Luke: Take it to Scott Harris. You know, porners attacking journos...you'll have the mainstream media on your side.
No Asia this time, so everyone buy Kylie was quite nice.
Asia's most recent diary entry is rather pathetic: "I'm so much better
at memorizing bumpers for the Playboy channel than the other girls"
Do companies see you as 'one of those internet deviants' because you work is mostly on the net, rog?
Roger Pipe: Most companies are very cool to me. Extreme is very cool even though I rip them sometimes, so is Wicked... VCA, All Good Video, Evil Angel and Vivid are really the only ones who treat me like riff raff
I figured out a way to make Luke's site come up without the picture
of Luke. Do you think I should post instructions on RAME?
I know Randy West is pissed that I dissed his stuff
Randy West looked like his life was being interrupted by being at the show.
Luke: Have you noticed a general reticence by porn folks to provide
"witness"?
Someone in porn must have the 3 Monkeys on the desk and tell the talent
"Learn it, know it, live it" :)
I'm about ready to feed strychnine hamburgers to my neighbors' dogs
I felt bad that Starr hit him....Luke gives everyone a chance to bang him on his site!
what I'd like to know is, did Darren and Mark independently adopt the same fake surname, or was it a group decision?
Diablo, you need to look at Luke's site the way a friend of mine does: He sees that Luke's shirt cuff is unbuttoned in his picture and it bugs the crap out of him to the extent that he can't stay there.
Luke was very nice at first, of course he blew me off as soon as Mila started posing