If you haven’t heard about this mini-soap opera drama, let me share a tale with you. Last week, it was reported from the gay blog, Queerty, that Jonathan Crutchley, one of the founders of the online pimp site, MANHUNT donated $2300 to John McCain campaign.

Johnathan Crutchley founder of MANHUNT and his new match John McCain

Within days, gay folks got upset with this info and canceled their memberships instantly. A popular gay blog, Towleroad posted the an automatic follow up to a former member:

Dear Sir, We are always happy to hear from our members, thank you for taking the time to express your concerns. The subject that you have brought to our attention is a personal matter and is not representative of MANHUNT. We thank you for your understanding,

“Not representative of MANHUNT?” Oh yes it is. It's more than being “representative”. It's the owner who’s supporting the very person that does not support us. Yes, Obama doesn't support gay marriage, but he's still reaching out to us. A far cry from what McCain is doing. In fact, over the weekend in the civil forum on CNN, he stated that he would entertain the idea of a constitutional amendment. (Something that he said he would never do, BTW)

But back to Crutchley; he should have known this would cause a stir. To know that he supports McCain sends a strong message out to the gay community. I feel that this is a huge slap in the face. To create a site that support gay liaisons and then sponsor a candidate and party that would leave us to burn just doesn't make sense.

And it didn’t make sense for the stakeholders at MANHUNT either. Later in the week, the board of MANHUNT (I find it a little funny they have a board) has pressured Crutchley to resign! The other half of the MANHUNT empire, Larry Basile, responded with this letter provided by Towleroad.

"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." Then, the cherry of the pie came this weekend when Crutchley’s donations were refunded to him by the McCain camp. Queerty reported that Crutchley was upset and apparently told Basile he's going to back Obama.  “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.
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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.” So the moral of this story is simple: Don’t bite the hand that feeds you. Crutchley learned a lesson; however he will still receive funds from MANHUNT.