The ManHunt/McCain Scandal takes a new turn this fine, sticky Saturday!
For those of you not paying attention, ManHunt co-founder Jonathan Crutchley came under fire this week for contributing the maximum donation to Republican presidential hopeful John McCain’s campaign.
Incensed by the businessman’s conservative connections, several ManHunt members canceled their subscriptions and, fearing more backlash, fellow co-founder Larry Basile asked Crutchley to step down as Chairman of the Board. Crutchley agreed..
Which brings us to today…
Not eager to associate itself with a gay hookup site, the McCain campaign has remained completely mum on the ManHunt matter and are planning on returning Crutchley’s donation.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Offended by this political diss, Crutchley apparently told Basile he’s going to back Obama, although it’s unlikely Obama will embrace the man love.
McCain spokesman Jeff Grappone didn’t return multiple phone calls on the subject, and Crutchley has apparently been informed that his $2,300 will be returned.
“He said, ‘If John is too good for my money, I’ll give it to (presumptive Democratic nominee) Barack (Obama),’ ” Basile said yesterday.
Crutchley, who originally defended his donation in an online post, did not return a call for comment.
…
Crutchley has since written a “touching” letter to the employees at Manhunt, according to Basile, and is now committed to supporting Obama.“Someone had a reality check,” Basile said.
Basile, who described himself as a “staunch Democrat,” said Crutchley has given the maximum amount to Obama. The Manhunt co-founder said he wouldn’t be surprised, considering the subject matter of the Web site, if Obama returns the $2,300 as well.
“Barack can’t endorse this kind of adult content. It’s sort of like a third rail,” Basile said. “I would imagine if it’s tough for one, it’s tough for the other.”
Also, Obama definitely doesn’t do sloppy seconds.
An Other Greek
uhm, gross!
Much more offensive than McKain’s snub, is idiot Crutchley’s support of the Repugs!
I mean really!
In 2008, the man that has made a fortune from gay men, gives money to the gay-hating Repug candidate, and why?
Because saving on taxes, money and greed, are obviously more important to Crutchely than HUMAN RIGHTS, BROTHERHOOD, and INTEGRITY! (not to mention loyalty to his brothers’/customers’ interests)
To Manhunt’s Crutchely, self-worth is obviously measured in blood money, not integrity and brotherhood…
Glad to know…
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Charley
These guys could pay the hotel and travel expenses for LGBT bloggers invited to the DNC Convention in Denver. Give back to the community that made them rich. I remember how Basile took over Outweek magazine and stole it from Kendal Morrison while he was dying of AIDS. These sleazeballs have a lot of dirty laundry that needs to be aired.
liberal
Shocking! The homophobic Republican candidate is refusing money from the self-loathing business man who runs a multi-million dollar gay sex cruising site? Wow, I better sit down.
And now with people leaving in droves they are saying:
“Oh no! We’re sorry, it’s OK, we made a mistake please don’t take away our $300 million in revenue from us! We’ll give it to Barack if that’s what you want, just please, I need that $300 million!
The other question I have is why are gay men so ready to defend Mr. Crutchley and continue to use his site?
These guys don’t deserve our business.
Do we hate ourselves so much we feel we have to buy into our own oppression?
Come on guys, time to log off Manhunt and find a more supportive place to cruise.
stopmanhunt.net
CitizenGeek
ManHunt’s reputation as the epitome of sleaze and disgrace is now fully cemented. Well done Crutchley and co.!
mark
I’d laugh my queer a$$ off if Obama sent back the check with a note,
“I don’t want your sloppy seconds”
Then Manhunt would have LOST their members for absolutely NOTHING.
Who says the Creator doesn’t have a sense of humor….HA!
Charles J. Mueller
I’ve just gone to stopmanhunt.net and submitted my comments. I am also canceling my membership with Manhunt, along with a sharp letter of recrimination to Mr. Crutchley.
I hope that this incident send out a strong message to the Gay Log Cabin Republican set who love licking boots and kissing the ass of those who would just as soon seem them dead.
seitan-on-a-stick
The site sucks anyway. Talk about SPAM! With Homocons like these, who needs (fr)enemies.
Rob Moore
I think it’s time we brought down Manhunt. I stopped buying from Home Depot just because their former CEO went out of his way to raise millions for the Shrub in 2004 even though gay people have been amongst the highest spending when it comes to DIY. I go the extra three miles to Lowes, which at least doesn’t take a public position to support those who hate us. I am especially tired of the Jews-for-Hitler mentality of Log Cabin Republicans. They are collaborators and enablers of our enemies. Besides, history has shown the economy does better under Democrats than Republicans, probably because Democrats are willing to invest in infrastructure that helps the economy expand like roads, education, healthcare, technology, and the social safety net.
Norm!
” Crotchley apparently told Basile he’s going to back Obama”
‘Crotchley’? [Insert witty man sex pun here]
Psychofag
McCain is hot!
Charles J. Mueller
>Psychofag: McCain is hot!
The name says it all. No need for further explanation.
L. Kallop
Crutchley stepped down from the board, but he still owns all his stock and gets his share of the mega profits to do with what he will on behalf of REPUBLICANS EVERYWHERE. Giving to Obama is just a whitewash attempt at damage control.
But even worse than this hateful act is what Manhunt is doing to the Gay community. Personally I think casual sex or “recreational sex” is fine PROVIDED it does not become an obsession that causes one to curtail other normal social and business activities. I mean I’m only 25, it’s normal to be sexually active, even somewhat horny to the point of distraction sometime. But Manhunt is a mantrap—it turns normal male sexual drive into an obsessive form of anti-social behavior. Why? Because Manhunt makes money not only from member fees but from advertising posted on the site and the more you are on the site the more it can earn in advertising revenues. It’s in their economic interest for you to be a site addict. If they only earned monthly membership fees, they won’t care how little you showed up as long as your membership auto renewed. Member behavior on Manhunt bears lille resemblance to what I thought meeting guys was going to be all about once I left home. To me guys on there often seem like sexual zombies even if physically beautiful. The site is the cyber version of a bar, where the owner keeps serving inebriated customers more liquor to make more $$$ and then hands them their car keys. See August Out Magazine article http://www.out.com/detail.asp?id=24005.
And no I am not anti-sex. At 25 I can’t get enough but you can get it and be socially responsible and not sexually obsessed all and not hurt the gay community all at the same time. There are hookup sites like m4m-world.com that give to gay rights advocacy groups, and encourage members to plan ahead and get off line if it doesn’t happen for you that night. Yes the crowd is much smaller, but it is also a lot more normal in its behavior. Well at least it seems that way to me.
Todd
I really like M4M-World.com. They’re also donating 20% of memberships to Human Rights Campaign and the Free Speech Coalition in response to all this. I advise everyone to close their Manhunt accounts in response to this and never look back.
Jack E. Jett
Last night, the white old wrinkley faced bald man said when asked that, “live begins at conception”…he forgot to add..”only in America”
because I am sure there are a few hundred thousand
Iraqis who would disagree with his view.
Protect the unborn, kill the living if they look different than us.
gay as life
Oh please – could it be more obvious that some of the commenters here are connected to sites that compete with Manhunt. I’m not saying that Manhunt is a wonderland, but it sure as heck does donate back to the gay community, and also tries to get members to behave responsibly regarding drugs and safer sex, unlike some sites listed above.
Take issue with Crutchley. He’s CLEARLY an idiot – donating to a Repug in the first place, and then changing his vote NOT based on issues but because he felt snubbed, poor baby.
But to extrapolate this incident out into a reason to get rid of Manhunt altogether simply because you don’t like the site… well, you have some personal issues to deal with. Let’s not forget that this is about one idiot heading a company which employs many many people who are most likely liberal. Even his business partner is liberal!
Mr C
OH WAIT Girls here’s an update on this SHIT:
As per Towerload.com
As a response earlier this week to revelations that Manhunt Chairman and founder Jonathan Crutchley (above, right) had maxed out his individual personal contributions to vocal gay rights opponent Senator John McCain ($2300) which we reported on Wednesday, Crutchley has apparently been pressured by the board of the company to step down as Chairman.
I received this statement made by founder Larry Basile (above, left) in my inbox late yesterday from an anonymous source at Manhunt and called Manhunt which confirmed its legitimacy. Please read the statement below:
***STATEMENT from LARRY BASILE
“There has been a depiction this week of MANHUNT being Republican. All my life, I have never voted to the right, and have always been generous to 20th Century Democrats, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, HRC, and the NGLTF.
“I was arrested at the Supreme Court and FDA in Act-Up actions, and was the founder of the Grass Roots Gay Rights Fund, which over the years has raised more than $800K. I was the Treasurer of Out Week magazine, which was a powerful force in its time. I began giving Obama donations in March 2007, and I have sent several checks that have yet to be reported. The hat and t-shirt I wear say ‘Obama for President’, as does the sign in front of my house. I refuse to live in a country that is so marred by war and hate. To me, Barak (sic) is by far the best candidate, probably better than we deserve.
“It should be known that Jonathan Crutchley’s donation to McCain left the entire Board in disbelief. I am disappointed that we have lost some customers, and I understand the anger. It is too bad for the web site if we lose customers, but PLEASE never refer to me as a Republican. I consider it an offense.
“Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan has stepped down as Chairman. Sincerely, Larry Basile.”
***END***
GOOD FOR THE C0CKSUCKER!
L. Kallop
Regarding the last comment and Larry’s statement that he was “treasurer of Outweek”– I know two of the former editors of Outweek and Basile never worked there as an employee or working corporate officer like the Publisher. He was a corporate officer because he invested money to have a magazine where he could advertise is phone sex business. Sure he showed up once in a while—after an all nighter at some clubs so he could sleep it off on some sofa or under a table before returning home to his boyfriend in Boston–the publisher would return from lunch and throw water on his face to get him up before a prospective advertiser showed up . . .and the one time he was left to oversee finances because the Publisher was on vacation for the first time in 2 years, he allowed the place to be padlocked and shut down because as he said at the time to the editors “he was tired of losing money” It’s always about the money first Larry . . . the gay community is an afterthought . . .we get the crumbs from your table because you think it makes you look good and somehow redeems you. It’s your Catholic guilt that haunts you and pushes the pennies from your hand not a liberal spirit or a generosity of heart.
And so what if you forced Crutchly from his chairmanship. What does that mean to the gay community. You didn’t buy his stock back, he still gets the same profits you do and he can now take those profits and in his own name give to The National Republican Party and they can give it to McCain and isn’t he lucky there is no $2300 cap if he does it that way.
Cam
#8 Rob Moore, You wrote “”I am especially tired of the Jews-for-Hitler mentality of Log Cabin Republicans. They are collaborators and enablers of our enemies.””
________________________________________________
That is way over the top considering that the Log Cabin group refused to endorse Bush for president because of his anti-gay positions. They were saying that they support the supposedly older republican positions of lower spending cutting the deficeit etc…. and before you freak out and go all Linda Blair on me, i’m an Obama Supporter but was just shocked at how freakishly out there your post was.
Cam
The thing I think is funny about this is that Crutchly was all holier than thou and acting oh so smart when he was stating his opninion, then not only do the other board members get pissed at him, but the candidate he supports sends back his check. What a douche!
pickles
Uh, writer for Queerty.. “SEVERAL ManHunt members canceled their subscriptions”. Huh..
SEVERAL????
What kind of reporting is that? Obviously a significant number of paying ManHunt loyals have discontinued membership. ‘Several’ sounds like 4 or 5. Is Queerty trying to downplay the significance of this action?
Charles
This guy is a scumbag, the site promotes crystal meth use and he’s a “repugnatcan”there is a reason that we get such bad press. It’s because of queers like this guy who support the opposition of rights for anybody but his bottom line.
Shutdown the site and cut the flow of gay dollars. Take a stand, he’s not one of you.
Pickles
What gets me about this incident is even if Crutchley was refused his donation, why change tunes? He reportedly gave the money to Obama instead. So what are your beliefs, Crutchley? Or are you like most of the low-life queers on your website that will bend over for popular opinion, with poppers in-hand.
You’d think that with the thousands of photos of balls, he’d have enough balls to stand up for what he believes is right; even if people disagree.
It’s about time he stepped down. Frankly, I think that company should go under and be done with it.
I had the unfortunate experience of working at MH; you’d not believe the bullshit that goes on in that place. From political discourse to severely competitive egos and mistreated Customer Service; and a dysfunctional IT department.
I’m told that since my leaving, it’s only gotten worse (which is really difficult to imagine).
I encourage everyone to stand up and cancel their accounts at Manhunt and TELL Customer Service WHY.
Log Cabin Man
Why is it that liberals claim to love diversity yet get so upset by diversity in thought? Perhaps Crutchley, having created a service that a large number of people apparently want enough to pay for, would like to keep and reinvest more of his profits instead of sending it to the government. Perhaps he sees winning the war against Islamic radicals–the most gay-intolerant people on the planet–as a good way to advance gay rights. Perhaps he realizes that privatizing social security and ending the death-tax allows people far more freedom to organize their lives and relationships as they please than govt-sanctioned gay marriage (which Obama doesn’t support either).
Perhaps Crutchley thinks drug companies’ “evil profits” are far more likely to fund the R&D necessary to find a cure for HIV than government-run health care. Perhaps he sees a double standard in the way Republicans who are imperfect on gay issues are treated, and Democrats like Bill Clinton, who tell us we’re “party of the family” but then sign the Defense of Marriage Act and “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” because it’s politically expedient (yeah I know…the Republicans made him do it, right?). Or maybe he just thinks that a smaller government not running every aspect of our lives is the most pro-freedom, for gays and for everyone else.
As a member of Log Cabin Republicans, I find it ironic (but not surprising) that here in NYC we are FAR more welcome in Republican circles as gay people than we are welcome in gay circles as Republicans. So go ahead, post replies calling me stupid, self-loathing, a “jew-for-Hitler” type, but you’ll only prove my point: liberals hate diversity of thought, and they certainly won’t bother to debate on merits. Name-calling is so much easier.
Opinion on this topic is running almost exclusively anti-Republican. But a brutal lesson of history, and especially markets, is that whenever everyone in the crowd is convinced of something, they’re usually wrong. I, for one, am keeping my Manhunt subscription, even if the remaining co-founder and the board of directors don’t share my choice for President.
Pickles2
Um, you give Crutchley far more credit than he deserves. He doesn’t think in those ways, trust me. At the end of the day, the bottom line is $ and whatever he can do to ensure that continues to flow.
Yes, it really is that simple.
Screw it, I’ll vote for Margaret Cho!
PickMe
Haha. That’s just a joke, that someone like Crutchley, who runs a website that utterly PROMOTES and markets promiscuity (um “Get on, get off.”), would give a shit about HIV or anything else.
I agree, they just want your money.
Sure, they do things because the advocacy groups ask, but that doesn’t equate to caring, just politics and keeping them at bay (read: public relations).
The entire site is a rest area on TCP/IP.