Last week, we celebrated the life of the fabulous Leslie Jordan on Billy Masters LIVE.  It coincided with the airing of his last episode of Call Me Kat.  Joining in the fun were former West Hollywood mayor John Duran, writer and raconteur Bruce Vilanch, and the outrageous Varla Jean Merman.  But what was most special to me was when we were joined by Leslie’s on-screen love interest, John Griffin.  In addition to being a talented actor, he appears to be a lovely person.  At one point, he emotionally recounted working with Jordan on one of their last scenes – which made it even more special when I saw the final episode.  Check out the show on our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV, or on BillyMasters.com/TV.

Someone else embracing the holidays is David Archuleta.  He’s in the midst of a tour across Utah called The More The Merrier – which also happens to be the title of my Grindr profile!  During one stop, he talked about his journey to self-acceptance and coming out.  After the show, his manager was informed that several people walked out of the concert during the speech.  Archie had this to say on the subject: “Two years ago I was thinking ending my life was better than admitting this openly.  If you are more offended that I say I like guys than you are that someone has felt it was better to end their life for that very same reason, I want you to think about why that makes you uncomfortable.  I wanted to have uncomfortable conversations.  That’s how you gain understanding.”  I think we have a future guest for Billy Masters LIVE.

Since we mentioned the popular hookup app, Grindr stock just went public and surged to 400% in the first few hours of the offering.  Once the dust settled, it stabilized at about a 214% increase – which ain’t nothing to sneeze at.  Pundits say that the stock might not do well in the current bear market – which is ironic because there are loads of bears on the app!  What?  Different kinds of bears?  Look, a bear’s a bear!

“Thank you, Lord!  Congrats to all the other Queen of Christmases
around the world, living and whom have passed!”
– Darlene Love celebrates Mariah losing her bid to trademark the term Queen of Christmas.

Did you know that Billy’s hometown gave birth to not one but two holiday ditties?  Most evidence points to Jingle Bells being written by James Lord Pierpont in Medford, Massachusetts.  We’ll just skim over the fact that it was first performed in a minstrel show and, instead, tell you this little-known fact – it was written for Thanksgiving.  And that leads us to the second holiday song to come from my modest hamlet.  I don’t know how popular it is around the country, but I grew up with Over the River and Through the Woods, written by Lydia Maria Child.  In school, we sang all four stanzas.  It wasn’t until the pandemic that I actually walked the roughly five-block route Miss Child describes to her grandparents’ house.  She writes, “The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh, through the white and drifted snow”.  I’m not convinced that horse actually knew the way, because I walked that route in only two stanzas!  And here’s another fun fact – I have certain attributes that have been compared to a horse.

Attention, everyone – Mariah Carey is NOT the Queen of Christmas.  Although Mimi filed to trademark the term, her application was, as Suze Orman used to say, “Denied”.  She also attempted to trademark the phrases Princess of Christmas and Christmas Princess.  Those were also (say it with me) “Denied”!  This, of course, is good news to the longest-reigning Queen of Christmas – Darlene Love!  The Queen is dead, long live the Queen!

While promoting her rather curious NBC special Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas, the superstar took umbrage when someone called her the Queen of Christmas.  “Now, don’t you say that.  I’m not going to compete with Mariah,” said Dolly.  “I love her.  You think of Christmas, you think of Mariah.  I’m happy to be second in line to her.”  Carey returned the compliment via social media.  “Dolly, let’s settle this one…You are the Queen of Everything!  The Queen of the World, The Queen of Christmas, The Queen of Mine!!  Love you!!!!”  Parton, who obviously enjoys having the last word, responded with, “I will always love you”.

By the by, Carey has joined the producing team of the new Broadway musical based on the film Some Like It Hot.  “To see how this show continues to expand on the film’s legacy – pushing boundaries, promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity – I’m proud to help bring Some Like It Hot for today’s world to new audiences.”  This stage version of the classic film (not to be confused with the 1972 musical version, Sugar), has been written by the talented twosome behind the hit Broadway musical Hairspray – Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.   It opens on Broadway next week, and is poised to be the event of the season.

Our Ask Billy question comes from Randy in Providence: “What do you know about the new guy in Take Me Out?  I saw it on Broadway last summer.  Is it worth going back again?”

That depends if you can’t get enough of Jesse Williams’ semi-fluffed dick bobbing about (to say nothing of the fact that he can act, too).  If you’re going just to see that, you can look at the exclusive footage on BillyMasters.com.  If you need some fresh meat, a return trip might be in order.  The person taking over for Patrick J. Adams is Bill Heck – who has a heck of a body…of work.  Heck, his body’s pretty fantastic too.  And wait till you see his ass…also on our website.

When we’re recommending anything related to a sport, we’ve definitely come to the end of yet another column.  Of course, I do have a penchant for balls, which you can always find on www.BillyMasters.com – the site for pitchers and catchers alike.  If you’re looking to slide into home, drop a line to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before Peppermint Bark goes on sale!  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

I thought I knew everything there was to know about Greg Louganis.  We’ve known each other for years, and he’s been on Billy Masters LIVE before.  But our hour-long chat turned into a 90-minute in-depth interview about everything from ancestry to auctions, diving to dogs.  If you missed it, head on over to our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV, or on BillyMasters.com/TV.

I’ve wanted to do something special to pay tribute to Leslie Jordan.  His final episode of Call Me Kat will air on December 1^st.  So at 3PM Eastern on November 30^th, Billy Masters LIVE will chat with Leslie’s on-screen love interest, John Griffin, as well as a few other special friends.  As always, you can join in the fun on our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV, or on BillyMasters.com/TV.

As of this writing, Leslie’s character on Call Me Kat will not be killed off.  He’ll go on vacation – a long one.  Filling his shoes for at least one episode will be his mother, played by Vicki Lawrence (Schultz).  Of course, Vicki and Leslie appeared together on the short-lived sitcom The Cool Kids.  Whether she returns remains to be seen.

Kevin Spacey is about to be charged with seven additional sexual assault charges by the Crown Prosecution Service in the UK.  One of the victims claims to have been assaulted repeatedly between 2001 and 2004.  But it was another charge which caught our eye: “The CPS has also authorized one charge of causing a person to engage in penetrative sexual activity without consent.”  The actor is scheduled to appear in person at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on December 16^th.  On the positive side, this is likely the first thing Kevin’s had on his calendar since beating that Rapp rap.  Speaking of which…

Anthony Rapp is returning to his off-Broadway roots.  Without You is a one-man musical based on Anthony’s memoir.  Previews will begin at the New World Stages on January 14^th, and opening night will be on January 25^th – which just happens to be 27 years to the day from the first public performance of Rent.

Broadway history is about to be made.  Jinkx Monsoon – a Drag Race alum – will be making her Broadway debut in Chicago.  Well, that’s no big surprise – several cocks in frocks have trod the boards as Mary Sunshine.  But Jinkx will not be taking on the role of the gender-bending reporter.  She’ll play Matron “Mama” Morton, making her the first drag queen to assume that role on Broadway (I’m sure it was played by some men in various prison productions).  “I cannot stress enough that this has been a lifelong dream of mine.  To be making my Broadway debut, as my favorite role, in one of my favorite shows – that lifelong dream is coming true and then some.”  Her eight-week run begins January 16^th.

Everyone knows that Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season – well, everyone except for CVS and the Hallmark Channel, where Christmas starts around July 4^th!  But what kicks off Thanksgiving?  The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, naturally.  The parade often features a variety of Broadway performances – well, performances whose audio tracks were pre-recorded under studio conditions.  If there’s one thing Lea Michele can do, it’s lip-sync!  Her number even featured some less-than-compelling drum-syncing with drumsticks a foot from banging anything.  If there’s one thing I know about, it’s banging!

While Michele has received critical praise, one of her former Glee co-stars has made it clear he ain’t going.  When asked if he’s seen Funny Girl, Chris Colfer said, “No, I can be triggered at home.”  Enough said.

Another “Gleek” made a bit of news last week.  Kevin McHale – who has developed into quite a looker – has stated he will not be part of any Glee sequels or reboots.  But it’s not over any cast issues.  “Knowing what we know now, I don’t think I should be playing a character that’s in a wheelchair,” said McHale.  I have a feeling if he came out against Lea, it wouldn’t take long before he landed in a wheelchair!!

We have time for a very brief Ask Billy question.  Calvin in Detroit writes, “What do you know about the Pritchard twins?  I was in London and saw one of them on a reality show – and then found some hot pics of them on the web.  What’s their story?”

First off, they aren’t twins – but they are brothers.  AJ is the elder, while Curtis is two years younger.  You probably saw AJ on SAS: Who Dares Wins, a British reality show set in the Jordanian desert and emulates basic training for UK special forces (kinda like our SEAL team).  Both of them are dancer/choreographers.  AJ appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, and was a pro on Strictly Come Dancing (their version of Dancing with the Stars), while Curtis appeared on DWTS in Ireland and on the UK dating show Love Island.  And they were both guest choreographers on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.  Given their physiques, they’re not shy about showing some skin in photo sessions – both separately and together.  You’ll see what I mean on BillyMasters.com.

When we’re keeping the nudity all in the family, we’ve definitely come to the end of yet another column.  Talk about your family values!  Of course, the best value on the web is at www.BillyMasters.com – the site that always delivers a healthy assortment of white meat, dark meat, and everything in between.  If you’d like to get to know me in the Biblical sense, dash a note off to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to fulfill your request before you get your bird stuffed.  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

So let’s talk about families.  They come in all shapes, sizes, and guises.  We’ll start by telling you that Rebel Wilson just had a daughter via surrogate.  Not to be outdone, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and his hubby Justin Mikita welcomed a second child to their family, also via surrogate.  And then there’s Queer Eye star Antoni Porowski, who recently announced his engagement to Kevin Harrington.  Congrats to all.

Sexy Luke Evans announced that he’s interested in starting a family.  “I’d like to slow down.  I want to get a dog and start a family, and you can’t do that if you’re on the road 10 months a year.” If Luke is interested in starting a family, he’s got my number (don’t ask).  And, as it happens, I’m more than willing to try it doggie style.

As you all know, diver Tom Daley has become a devotee of knitting – who would have thought he’d have more in common with Nana Masters than moi!  And, like nana, he’s always knitting things for his loved ones.  “I love making stuff for my son Robbie,” gushed Tom.  Alas, his efforts aren’t completely appreciated.  “It has gotten to a point where I sometimes get the needles out and he’s like, ‘Papa, no more knitting.’”  Out of the mouth of babes…

You all know that Candace Cameron Bure left the Hallmark Channel when the network became more “diverse” and “inclusive” – and we all know what that means.  She joined forces with the Great American Family network, which will focus on “traditional families” – and we all know what that means.  Lest there be any doubt, Bure was asked specifically if the new network would include any same-sex couples.  “I think that Great American Family will keep traditional marriage at the core,” said Candi.  And that ruffled lots of feathers.  First to comment was JoJo Siwa, who previously said Candace was the rudest celebrity she ever met – clearly she’s never met Faye Dunaway!  JoJo now calls Candace “rude and hurtful to a whole community of people.”  The nail in the coffin was hammered in by Bure’s Full House sister, Jodie Sweetin.  She responded to JoJo’s post, “You know I love you.”  So there.

Here’s the part that may surprise you – I have no problem with Candace’s network.  I won’t watch it.  But if the gays can have a network and the blacks can have a network and everyone else can have a network, then there’s a place for “traditional families”.  I don’t like that they call it Great American Family, but that’s my problem.  Good luck to her.  My feelings are best summed up by Hilarie Burton – even though I’m not entirely sure who she is.  “I don’t remember Jesus liking hypocrites like Candy.  But sure.  Make your money, honey.  You ride that prejudice wave all the way to the bank.”

“I will be dating Pete Davidson next.”
– Dionne Warwick Tweets she’ll be the next woman in Davidson’s long list of ex-paramours. 
Davidson’s former SNL co-star Jay Pharoah says Pete told him the secret of his success. 
“Bro, it’s like nine inches.”  I don’t know what’s more shocking – the alleged size,
or that we finally found someone who uses the term “Bro”!

I don’t think anyone will be surprised to hear that I had no interest in purchasing Taylor Swift tickets.  In fact, I’d swiftly change the channel if I saw her on my television!  But, I do have nieces, and they wanted to see Swifty.  So, being a good guncle, I gave them my Citibank card so that they could access the advance sale.  Several frustrating hours on Ticketmaster only led to disappointment.  And, Taylor felt their pain.  “Well, it goes without saying that I’m extremely protective of my fans,” she said, unconvincingly.  “I’m not going to make excuses for anyone…” she said, before making numerous excuses.  “It’s truly amazing that 2.4 million people got tickets, but it really pisses me off that a lot of them feel like they went through several bear attacks to get them.”  I thought the only people who felt like they went through bear attacks for Taylor Swift are people who’ve dated her!

Just a few hours before I began writing this week’s column, I was bragging that I have never once been accosted on the street – despite stumbling home in the wee small hours of the morning down deserted thruways in numerous large and small cities around the world.  Then I heard about Frankie Grande’s harrowing experience in the Big Apple.  He was attacked by two teenagers brandishing what turned out to be a fake gun.  He was reportedly strolling down Eighth Avenue when they punched him in the back of the head and stole his Louis Vuitton handbag.  Well, there you have it – I am rarely strolling, and almost never with a handbag.  Not that I’m making fun of him – nobody deserves to be assaulted or mugged.  That it happened around dusk on a Wednesday afternoon near Times Square is curious, to say the least.  The assailants were later apprehended when they attempted to use Frankie’s credit card at an arcade.  Turns out, they are 13 and 17.  Let that be a lesson to all of you – muggers aren’t always hot Nigerian bodybuilders!

Several people sent in the same Ask Billy question.  But the earliest postmarked query came from Richie in Dallas:  “Who is the guy playing Big Daddy on American Horror Story?”

Everybody has been drooling over the leather-clad hunk on AHS.  We can reveal he is Matthew William Bishop, who is no stranger to being photographed in leather…or out.   While he’s an avid bodybuilder (he calls himself “a mover and a protein shaker”), this is his first acting gig.  Prior to that, the New York-based babe was working in public relations.  He decided to give acting a shot and was discovered by Ryan Murphy – under circumstances best left unsaid.  Oh, in case you’re interested, he’s gay.  On Valentine’s Day 2021, he posted a photo with restaurateur George Mokbel and their two dogs with the caption: “Happy Valentines Day…this past year has been an absolute shitshow and there’s no one I’d rather share it with.”  To see more of Big Daddy, check out BillyMasters.com.

When I’m not letting anyone near me with a poll, we’ve definitely come to the end of yet another column.  Now, Poles (capitalized and lower case) are another story.  You can see a variety of ‘em on www.BillyMasters.com – the site where Ryan Murphy gets all of his casting ideas.  If you have a question, or want to submit a “head” shot, shoot a note to me at Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before I get my hands on Big Daddy’s pole.  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

Speaking of oldsters in sex scandals, Warren Beatty is being sued for allegedly coercing sex with a minor – and I ain’t talking about fracking!  The lawsuit claims that back in 1973, Kristina Charlotte Hirsch was abused by someone who had “acted in television and several Hollywood films, including portraying Clyde in Bonnie and Clyde”.  Well, that rules out Faye Dunaway!  Kristina was 14 and the actor, who was 35, offered to help her with her homework…and with losing her virginity.  In another interview, she states, “In 1973 I was a 14-year-old virgin and brought and introduced to Warren Beatty on the set of The Parallax View for the purposes of sexual pandering by an adult.”  I don’t know what’s more disturbing – the claims of sexual pandering, or that anyone is talking about The Parallax View!  Due to her youth, Kristina claims she didn’t know there was anything wrong with this – she believed it was “something that was special”.  She adds, “Although it was a crime that Beatty was committing by raping me…having oral sex with me…and emotionally damaging me for the past 44 years.”

I’m not exactly sure who votes for People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive”.  But I don’t mind that this year the plaudit goes to Chris Evans, another Boston boy.  Here’s a fun fact – Chris and I often frequented the same pizza joint in Somerville.  That he became Captain America and I became the World’s Most Beloved Columnist might be due to the mozzarella.  Chris was modest as ever when he said, “It’s something that as I become old and saggy I can look back on and say, ‘I remember then…’”  Trust me, Chris, it ain’t so bad.  Plus, we can eat all the pizza we want!

North of the border, Justin Trudeau will make an appearance on Canada’s Drag Race – the Mounties’ version of RuPaul’s Drag Race.  This makes him the first world leader to appear on the show.  Well, you didn’t expect Angela Merkel or Benjamin Netanyahu to lip sync for their lives, did you?  The show debuts next week in a special season entitled Canada vs. the World.  And I thought Canada was only competitive in ice hockey and curling!

Speaking of world leaders, I’m troubled to discover that Queen Elizabeth II was a fan of Tom Cruise.  Reportedly, QEII was upset that she didn’t get to meet Cruise during her Platinum Jubilee celebrations (he went to an equestrian event at Windsor Castle, which she bowed out of).  To make up for it, she invited him for a private tour of the castle – and even served him high tea and finger sandwiches!  And, as you know, Cruise loves a finger…or two!

He’s not a world leader.  In fact, he’s no leader at all.  But former Pope Benedict finds himself in a heap of trouble.  And I’m seeing a trend – because this also goes back to Boston.  Remember the Catholic sex scandal?  When members of the church who were accused of molesting young boys were simply taken out of one church and moved to another?  It was all immortalized in Spotlight – good movie.  This game of musical clergy was not limited to Boston.  A German man is suing for the cover-up of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his parish priest back when Benedict was Archbishop of Munich.  And according to the Vatican, Benedict plans to defend himself!  Now, don’t get too excited – it’s not like he’s gonna slip on his red shoes and go all To Kill a Mockingbird on us.  Ben’s going to personally hire an attorney.  Everybody had better move quickly – Benedict is currently 95!

I don’t understand why people listen to polls.  I also don’t understand why people go to psychics.  My skepticism is best illustrated in the story of Mary Bateman, also known as the Yorkshire Witch.  Back in 18^th-century England, Mary claimed to have unerring prophetic abilities.  She swore that she could predict the future by messages inscribed on the eggs laid by her hens.  Of course, nobody believed her – because why would you believe that?  Then Mary invited several people to her farm, where they witnessed a hen actually laying eggs that said “Christ is coming”.  And, yes, they saw the eggs come out of the hen.  Mary became a sensation.  Needless to say, it was later discovered that Bateman used acid to write the messages on eggs.  She then reinserted them into the hen’s oviduct – which, and I say this not as a gynecologist or even a veterinarian, I believe is somewhere in the vicinity of the uvula.  And that’s why I don’t trust pollsters – they’re always trying to stick something in one end or the other.

One didn’t need to be a pollster to know that Maura Healey would be elected governor of Massachusetts.  While locals note that she’s the first female governor of our state, the national press is making much of the fact that she’s the first openly lesbian governor of a US state.  But what she does with her eggs is her business.

Shortly after Healey’s win, another tinkle came from that glass ceiling when fellow lesbian Tina Kotek was elected governor of Oregon.  And Jared Polis, who in 2018 became the first openly gay elected governor in the US, was re-elected governor of Colorado.  Bill Maher says we should be watching him.  I was watching closely enough to note that I don’t like my politicians wearing a suit and sneakers.  Never have.  But he seems smart.

On the flip side, our Ask Billy question comes from Frank in Atlanta:  “Was that Theo James’ real dick in The White Lotus?  He must have been fluffed.  Real or not, he is SO hawt!!”

I’m going with real – but that may be wishful thinking.  We last saw every inch of Theo in The Time Traveler’s Wife.   He revealed a bit about his Lotus nudity this summer.  “The initial version we shot was way too much.  So, we did a more subtle version.”  I guess instead of using a camera angle that lingered on his naughty bits, we’ll have to suffice with a bit of bouncing in the mirror.  But, fret not – we’re told there’s more where that came from in episode 5.  Until then, you can get a gander of him from both shows on BillyMasters.com.

When we’re discussing the sex life of someone named Kit who wasn’t on Game of Thrones, we’ve definitely come to the end of yet another column.  For more dish, check out www.BillyMasters.com – the site where you can see many guys with their kits off (that’s for my fans across the pond).  For your other needs, drop a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before Theo James drops trou…again.   So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

My favorite story of the week comes from the Miss Grand International competition – one of the few beauty pageants I’ve never watched (but I am available to judge or host, should they be looking for someone).  During the 2020 competition, Miss Argentina and Miss Puerto Rico met…and fell in love!  They kept it private and never made any public mention of being in a relationship…until they got married!  Then they posted a video documenting their courtship: from first date, to proposal, to a civil ceremony at the Marriage Bureau in San Juan, Puerto Rico on October 28^th.  “After deciding to keep our relationship private, we opened the doors to them on a special day.”

Love is certainly in the air.  Cher recently went public with her latest beau.  While most outlets are focusing their reports on the fact that the 76-year-old singer was seen canoodling with 36-year-old music producer Alexander Edwards, we’re not going to pounce on age.  Instead, we will note that Edwards is a person of color.  This answers the question, “How is Cher like Madonna?”  At least Cher’s guy is old enough to drink!

You know who thought he might be gay?  King Charles III!  More likely, it was simply a convenient excuse.  According to an upcoming biography, Diana would constantly ask why he wouldn’t have sex with her after the birth of Harry.  Here is Charles’ unexpected response: “I don’t know, dear.  I think I might be gay.”  This isn’t the only unexpected tidbit in the bio.  We also learn that Charles remains attached to his childhood teddy bear and likes to travel with his own toilet seat.  Well, you can’t expect the King of England to plop down on just any throne!

Here’s something that might not be in the book – King Charles is related to the infamous Vlad the Impaler – better known to us as Dracula!  Luke Evans met Charles after he finished filming Dracula Untold, and Charles told him that he had traced his genealogy all the way back to the Romanian ruler.  This probably means that he’s related to our bon ami, writer, director, producer and head of the Provincetown Theater, David Drake.  It’s a small world.

Speaking of Luke Evans, the hunky Welsh actor is working all the time.  Being openly gay, he was asked about the roles he’s played.  “Gay people have definitely missed out on gay roles, for sure…but from my perspective, firstly, I wouldn’t have had a career if gay people played gay roles and straight people played straight roles.  I’d have played two roles out of the 36 projects I’ve worked on, or whatever the number is.”  To back up his claims, it should be noted that he is one of a handful of people being considered to be the next James Bond.  “Being gay hasn’t had any impact on any of the roles I’ve played, my slate is so diverse, so varied in such a brilliant way.  I’ve played everything and no one seems to have a problem with that.”  If you wanna see another side of Luke (more than the multiple angles visible on BillyMasters.com), check out his latest project.  He’s just released a collection of cover songs called “A Song for You”, which includes duets with Christina Aguilera and Nicole Kidman!

This is becoming a habit – just as we’re about to put this column to bed, we get word about the untimely death of yet another celebrity.  File this one under surprised/not surprised – Aaron Carter.  To look at the positive side, it’s kind of a miracle he made it to 34.  As someone who met him a handful of times, I can tell you he was really lovely – but tormented by his demons.  From what we know, he was found unresponsive in his bathtub by the house sitter.  What is it about addicts and bathtubs?  Let this be a cautionary tale, kids – stick to showers!  Rest in peace, Aaron.

The big story of the week was about Kit Connor – who plays a rugby player who is in a relationship with another boy on Heartstopper.  Back in May, he got fed up with social media comments and Tweeted, “Some people on here know my sexuality better than I do.”  He went radio silent until last week, when he made the following proclamation: “back for a minute.  i’m bi.  congrats for forcing an 18 year old to out himself.  i think some of you missed the point of the show.  bye.”  My first question – forced?  Don’t look at me – I haven’t forced an 18-year-old boy to do anything since I was 16!  It appears that the online comments got really nasty after Kit was photographed holding hands with his female co-star from the film A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow.  People were outraged that he might be straight.  Oh, the horror!  Look, people – where do you think gay babies come from?  Straight parents.  If Kit can help populate the world with hot young boys, I’m all for it!  Frankly, I think the culprits are all the folks insisting that gays play gays, and straights play straights.  If someone holding hands with a girl is gonna trigger you – you have serious problems.

Ryan Phillippe was recently reflecting on his role in Cruel Intentions – particularly the infamous shower scene.  “I felt okay with my butt.  Everyone has a butt, it’s really not that graphic.  So many guys on Twitter are like, ‘That’s the moment I knew I was gay.’”  Alas, it didn’t sway Phillippe.  A few months ago, Ryan joined Sarah Michelle Gellar and Selma Blair at an art installation based on the film.  One of the paintings was a rendering of Phillippe’s perfect posterior.  The trio posed in front of the portrait, which you can see on BillyMasters.com.

When we’re waxing rhapsodically over Ryan’s ripe rump, we’ve definitely come to the end of yet another column.  Frankly, I’m not sure Phillippe’s derrière needs any waxing – it looks pretty smooth to me.  Before I descend into that dark hole, let me direct you to www.BillyMasters.com – the site that goes where no man has gone before.  If you have a question you’d like me to tackle, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com and I promise to get back to you before my next heartbreak!  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

While I was in LA, I went to see The Inheritance at the Geffen Playhouse.  I missed both the London and Broadway productions, so this was my first time seeing this modernized queer adaptation of E.M. Forster’s Howard’s End.  The parallels to another two-parter – Angels in America – are more than structural.  I was impressed by Matthew López’s skillful script, which was aided invaluably by an extraordinarily talented cast.  While I have nothing to compare it to, other reviewers say this production and cast far exceeds the previous ones.  Part 1 was dominated by Bill Brochtrup with a lovely portrayal of two very different characters.  In Part 2, Tuc Watkins gets to flex his thespianistic muscles and lend gravitas and humanity to a difficult role.  A trio of younger actors anchor the plays.  Bradley James Tejeda jumped into the production at the last minute and masterfully portrays Adam and Leo (he understudied the roles on Broadway).  Juan Castano makes a strong impression as golden boy Toby.  However, it is Adam Kantor as Eric who holds the show together with skill, charm, and immeasurable talent.  Should you be in the LA area, both parts of The Inheritance run through November 27^th.  Get tickets and info at GeffenPlayhouse.org.

Someone else who has dealt with addictions is Belinda Carlisle.  That she has come out the other side was never more evident than last week at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills.  Carlisle is in the midst of a rare US tour (well, a mini-tour), and she may be in the best shape of her life.  Vocally, she’s in solid form.  Physically, it’s as if time stood still.  Watching Belinda effortlessly run through 90 minutes of her solo hits (and a handful of Go-Go’s tunes), one couldn’t help but notice she is constantly in motion.  Maybe that’s the secret of her youthful appearance.  She’s back in the studio with Diane Warren (who was at the show), so hopefully we’ll have some new music soon.  In the meantime, check out some fabulous footage from last week’s concert on BillyMasters.com.

“Well I am as hurt and shocked as if I have lost a family member. 
Leslie and I had a special bond.  I think the world felt they had a special
bond with him.  I know people always say, ‘Oh, they will be missed’ but in this
case that could not be more true.  He will be missed by everyone who knew
him personally and by everyone who was entertained by him.”
– Dolly Parton remembers the great Leslie Jordan.

I ended last week’s column mocking a friend who terms 99% of the news as “heartbreaking”.  A few hours later, I felt part of my heart actually break when I got a call that Leslie Jordan had died in a tragic car accident.  I did what I always do – I tried to make sense of it.  I looked for details, for answers.  But there are no answers…none that would change the outcome.  I find it staggering that someone who had survived everything from homophobia, alcoholism, addiction, the AIDS epidemic and a pandemic would not survive a drive to work on a Monday morning.  Although the cause of his single-car collision is still unclear (popular opinion assumes a medical issue led to his losing control of his vehicle), I feel we should celebrate all he accomplished.  From his scene-stealing performances, cult status, Emmy win, social media following, and FOX sitcom, he was at the peak of his powers.  While he would have enjoyed all the tributes from celebrity friends, Leslie would want to be remembered for two things – for providing love and light to so many people.  My heart might be a bit broken, but the light will always remain.

My friendship with Leslie made it difficult to do last week’s Billy Masters LIVE.  I had planned to chat with singer-songwriter Gabe Lopez (who was the opening act for Belinda Carlisle’s mini US tour) and radio personality and voice-over legend Ben Patrick Johnson.  But Leslie had died just a few hours earlier, so that had to be addressed.  I reached out to many of our mutual friends, most of whom were too upset to appear.  Special thanks to my twins, Gary and Larry Lane.  We were all friends and they worked with Leslie many times.  So I was grateful they stopped by to share their memories.  I’m not sure about the details of this week’s show, so I’d recommend you subscribe to our YouTube channel at YouTube.com/BillyMastersTV or just check out BillyMasters.com/TV.

Do you remember Sacheen Littlefeather?  She was the Native American who Marlon Brando sent to accept his 1973 Oscar – and, instead, protest how “Indians” were portrayed on the screen.  Immediately, she was accused of being hired to pose as a Native American.  Now, three weeks after her passing, it seems that might have been the case.  Littlefeather was actually Marie Louise Cruz, and she was Mexican!  And there is no documentation of her family belonging to any Native American tribes.  And where did these details come from?  Her sisters!  They claim Sacheen/Marie Louise wanted to be an actress and felt that saying she was an Apache would help her stand out.  How right she was!  Here’s the kicker – her sisters made the revelation at her funeral!  They were troubled seeing their sister “venerated as a saint.”  That would piss me off, too.

Patti LuPone is DONE.  D-O-N-E, done!  She just made an announcement via Twitter: “Quite a week on Broadway, seeing my name being bandied about.  Gave up my Equity card; no longer part of that circus.  Figure it out.”  Lots to unpack here.  First, LuPone stated after War Paint that she didn’t see herself doing another Broadway show.  Then came Company, which brought her another Tony Award.  She says, “When the run of Company ended this past July, I knew I wouldn’t be on stage for a very long time.  And at that point I made the decision to resign from Equity.”  Then there’s “seeing my name being bandied about”.  This refers to the incident where Lillias White chastised an audience member for recording the show, when they were actually using a closed-captioning device.  Oops.  News outlets made parallels to Patti lashing out at an audience member for taking photos during Gypsy.  All neither here nor there, according to LuPone.  Of Actors Equity, she says, “They’re just not good.  And I just didn’t want to give them any more money…The best kept secret is that you can perform without being a member of Equity.  Nobody knows that, so I don’t use their services.”  Well, I knew it…

Patti’s getting out in the nick of time.  It’s the beginning of the end – or perhaps the middle of the end (Disney was probably the start).  New York State is allowing three casinos to operate in the Manhattan area.  Since two will likely go to existing betting locales in racetracks, one is up for grabs.  Caesars Palace has proposed building a casino right in the middle of Times Square, ‘cause that’s what NYC needs – more tourists and traffic!  Their location would be above the Minskoff Theatre, which currently houses The Lion King (the theatre would be incorporated into the plans).  However, there is competition. Wynn Resorts would like to build a casino at Hudson Yards.  Which all begs the question – aren’t casinos illegal unless they are on Native American land??  And who came up with that bright idea anyway?  I know they sold New York for a handful of beads, but a deal’s a deal!

I called it months ago – Anthony Rapp asking for $40 million against Kevin Spacey made it look like a money grab.  And I say this as someone who believes him 100%.  But once he got the layout of the apartment wrong, I knew this case was doomed (John Barrowman’s contradictory details didn’t help).  Then Spacey took the stand and cried because he was raised by a Nazi.  Say what you will, but it’s hard to fight a good Nazi story…or even a bad one.  I haven’t felt this icky since the Menendez boys asked for sympathy because they were orphans!  The writing was on the wall, and the jury reaching a non-liable verdict after an hour and a deli platter kinda says it all.  “Bringing this lawsuit was always about shining a light, as part of the large movement to stand up against all forms of sexual violence,” said Rapp.  Bravo for Anthony moving forward.  But it was what it was.

I’m sure you all heard about the kerfuffle regarding The Crown – people like Dame Judi Dench insist Netflix put a disclaimer at the beginning of each episode, calling the show a “fictionalized drama”.  I suppose they worry someone might tune in and think they’re watching a documentary.  But this got me thinking – what do we really know about Richard II?  Do we have any idea what Cleopatra and Marc Antony said between the sheets?  Aren’t all historical dramas somewhat “fictionalized”?  Dame Helen Mirren played Queen Elizabeth II on several occasions – surely the audience knew those weren’t officially sanctioned.  What about that other Elizabeth – Queen Elizabeth I, who was portrayed by Dench herself.  Her Oscar-winning appearance as the sovereign for eight minutes in Shakespeare in Love was an entirely fictitious scenario.  And, if memory serves, no disclaimer was suggested then.

Then there’s a more recent royal – or ex-royal – Meghan Markle.  She recently spoke about being Briefcase Girl #24 on Deal or No Deal, where she was forced to get a spray tan, wear a padded bra, and a cute little dress.  She felt “reduced to a bimbo” and “objectified” – which comes cheap since she was only paid $800/show!  “I would end up leaving with this pit in my stomach knowing that I was so much more than what was being objectified on the stage.”  I’m sure millions of people out there who take jobs that don’t utilize all of their talents can identify.  They do it because they need the gig.  And if it irks you that much, leave – which Meg ultimately did.  On the other hand, I recently hired a plumber to fix my toilet.  If he turned to me and said, “I’ve got other interests.  Let’s talk about Hezbollah,” I’d say, “Shut the fuck up and fix my toilet!”  I’m either a part of the solution, or the problem.

The pandemic did not slow down The Go-Go’s.  A documentary.  A new single.  A couple of books.  A tour.  Induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.  It’s been a busy time for rockers who have twice announced retirement plans.  But lead singer, Belinda Carlisle, has also enjoyed a successful solo career – far more prolific than the band, in fact.  That she rarely tours in the US is due to her living abroad (to say nothing of her obligations as a Go-Go).  Happily, she didn’t forget her hometown and included Los Angeles as part of an upcoming mini-tour.  On October 27^th, Belinda will appear at the Saban Theater in Beverly Hills – one of the area’s best concert venues.  There is not a bad seat in the house.  Belinda’s opening act will be my bon ami, Gabe Lopez (who, in addition to being a performer, also produced Carlisle’s last few efforts).  Grab your tickets at WhereMusicMeetsTheSoul.com.

Gloria Estefan is celebrating a landmark.  She’s now in the company of people like Cher, Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, and even Queen Elizabeth II.  Yes, Gloria Estefan has her own Barbie doll!  “Overjoyed is pretty much the word.  I’ve gotten every award that you could possibly imagine.  But somehow this was so incredibly special for me, maybe because I played with Barbie since I was a kid, a little girl, and she’s an American icon!”  It was important to Gloria that everything about her doll be perfect.  “I actually sent them my thigh high boots and my jacket so that they could see the detail.  That jewelry, the microphone, we made sure the hair was right, that she represented me in the way that was important to me.  And I’m just beyond thrilled.”

Those clever people at Mattel are always thinking.  Just when you thought they’d done it all – complete with 2019’s Wheelchair Barbie – they’ve unveiled a new line that fills an untapped market. We now have Barbies and Kens who wear hearing aids, have prosthetic limbs, and even suffer from vitiligo!  According to a spokesperson, the Barbie sporting an over-the-ear hearing aid is the most requested of the variety.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  So Jonathan Bennett decided it was time to get a mammogram!  This is not as far-fetched as you may think.  One in every 100 breast cancer cases are diagnosed in men.  Bennett’s spouse, the lovely Jaymes Vaughan, had such a scare a few years ago.  Since early detection is the best protection, Bennett thought an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  So he plopped a pound of pecs in a vise and had them checked out.  You can see the process on BillyMasters.com.  P.S.  He’s fine.

Madonna made some headlines last week via TikTok (which all the kids love).  She was preparing to throw a pair of pink panties into the trash can.  The caption on the screen said, “If I miss, I’m Gay!”.  And then she appeared to miss the trash can on purpose.  Oh, that little minx.  None of this was news to Cassandra Peterson, who always surfaces around this time of the year.  Elvira’s alter ego said, “I wasn’t shocked.  She has always painted herself as sexually fluid.  Madonna actually hit on my girlfriend in the past!”  I have so many questions – the current girlfriend?  And how far in the past?  Eh, I’ve already lost interest.

On last week’s Billy Masters LIVE, Michael Musto and I caught up on current events and discussed the disappointing box office numbers for Bros.  After our talk, it occurred to me – Luke Macfarlane was also Michael Urie’s love interest in Hallmark’s gay holiday flick, Single All The Way.  This begs the question – is Luke Macfarlane the only potential gay leading man who has a little bit of a name?  We also chatted with author James Gavin about his fantastic biography about George Michael.  You can pick up George Michael – A Life where fine books are sold.  And if you buy the book, you’ll read some juicy anecdotes which include yours truly!

Our next Billy Masters LIVE has a bit of a twist.  I’ll be chatting with singers Nicolas King and Seth Sikes, who are touring as The New Belters (look it up).  As you know, our show typically airs live on Thursdays at 3PM Eastern.  But this week, I have a scheduling conflict.  I considered pre-taping the show…but then it wouldn’t be “live”.  So on Tuesday, October 18^th, we’ll be live at 6PM Eastern.  And if you miss it, we’ll re-run it on Thursday at our usual time.   BillyMasters.com/TV or on YouTube.com/BillyMastersTV.  See you there!

Everyone is paying tribute to Angela Lansbury, who died just five days short of her 97^th birthday.  But, fear not – you haven’t seen the last of Angie!  She’ll be back on the big screen before the end of the year in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.  And she’ll be in good company – also in the cast is the late Stephen Sondheim!  We don’t know if they appear together, but we do know they appear as themselves.

It bears noting that Lansbury was one of the first celebrities to join forces in the fight against AIDS.  Way back in September of 1987, she headlined the first big AIDS benefit in Chicago which raised over $1 million – and, trust me, not a lot of stars were speaking out in the ‘80s!  She also sent out Christmas cards for Aids for AIDS, saying (in part), “This illness is robbing us of our friends and our futures.  This disease knows no discrimination”.

I have one Angela Lansbury story worth sharing.  My friend Rick McKay was making his acclaimed documentary, Broadway: The Golden Age, by the Legends Who Were There.  When he would come to LA to interview people, he would stay with me.  One day, he went to Angela Lansbury’s house for an interview.  He was a bit early and no one was home.  He returned to the car to wait and, shortly thereafter, saw Angie pull into her driveway and get out of the car with a gorgeous array of roses.  He waited a few minutes and then returned to her front door and rang the bell.  Still no response.  He rang again, and Lansbury appeared – in gardening gloves and holding pruning shears.  “I’m sorry I didn’t hear you – I was in the backyard cutting some flowers for our interview.”  And then she proceeded to arrange the roses he had previously seen her walk in with!  Well, a big Broadway star needs props!

Our Ask Billy question comes from Rob in Miami: “What do you know about Charlie Puth?  I heard there’s a nude photo of him on a swing.  Is he gay or just gay-friendly?”

I get a lot of questions about Charlie, who has been accused of “queerbaiting”.  He claims to be inspired by gay culture – particularly the type of music being played in gay clubs (which, apparently, is different).  He’s allegedly heterosexual and apologizes for his thirsty posts, which are not meant “to antagonize anybody”.  He just wants to show off the efforts of his very expensive training sessions.  As to the swing photo, he is nude – but only from the back.  Which begs the question…what is he training his ass to do?  Find out on BillyMasters.com.

When I’m thinking of a few things I’d train Charlie’s ass to do, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  I suspect poppers would come in handy.  Meanwhile, with all that money he’s spending on trainers, you’d think he’d spend a few bucks on a new eyebrow.  You’ll find both high and lowbrow humor on www.BillyMasters.com – the site that swings both ways.  If you have a question, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Christian calls Herschel “Daddy”.  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

This week, we mourn the passing of the Love Goddess, Judy Tenuta.  For the past couple years, she’s been waging a battle against ovarian cancer…and lost.  I found an amusing anecdote in the archives of BillyMasters.com which bears repeating.  In 2007, someone produced a birthday party for her along with a contest – Night of 100 Judys (a scaled-down twist on Night of 1000 Stevies in NYC).  She asked me to be a judge alongside Jai Rodriguez and Bobby Trendy.  When I showed up, no Jai, no Bobby.  At the last minute, Jason Stuart was enlisted as a judge.  There were a few dozen people in attendance – two of whom were in Judy drag.  I told Judy, “I think you might win the contest!”  She addressed the crowd, “Thank you for this lovely Night of a Few Judys!”  Just as the candles on the birthday cake were lit, the club manager shut the place down due to the low attendance.  As we were unceremoniously tossed onto the street, Jason Stuart exclaimed, “This is terrible!  We were seconds away from cake.  Does anyone have a knife?  Or a long key?”  Priceless.  Pictures can be found on our website.

I also saw Don’t Worry Darling.  I enjoyed it more than most critics.  While it’s been described as a modern take on The Stepford Wives, I would more readily compare it to The Matrix.  I’m not so sure Olivia Wilde is a great director – although kudos to whomever threw in the homage to Happy Days with a twist on the infamous Malachi Crunch!  Wilde gave herself a great role and played it to the hilt.  Chris Pine was fine in his few scenes – he finally took his shirt off towards the end, so that’s something.  What of Harry Styles (who never took off his shirt)?  His character is obsessed with performing cunnilingus – a plot point never fully explained.  He’s not bad in the film.  That’s not to say he’s good.  He’s fine.  If he weren’t Harry Styles, I’d have thought a thoroughly capable actor with a good head of hair and no earlobes (it’s almost tragic) was playing the part.  No more, no less.

Come closer – I want to share a secret with you.  Don’t tell anyone I told you, but everyone who is funny wants to be pretty, and everyone who is pretty wants to be funny.  The second part isn’t always true – because if you’re pretty, you probably don’t care if you’re funny.  And then there’s Bros – which is definitely funny, but not always pretty.  I think Billy Eichner is wildly talented and outrageously funny.  He is, in essence, the film’s biggest asset…and biggest liability.  An industry insider told me that for a theatrically released rom-com to work, the lead has to be a big name or fuckable.  “And nobody considers Billy Eichner fuckable,” continued the source.  And I don’t say that as a bad thing.  I am probably not considered “fuckable” – certainly not for a wide opening (with the exception of some Jewish holidays).  As a performer, you simply have to know your brand.  Take Kathy Griffin.  She’s hysterically funny.  And, at times, not bad to look at.  But she’s not going to be cast as the lead in a rom-com.  The best friend?  Yes.  The caustic sidekick?  Sure.  A romantic lead?  Nope. 

That’s not to say Bros isn’t funny or entertaining or appealing.  It is all of those things – but first you’ve got to get people to buy a ticket.  And the marketing campaign didn’t help.  Billy spent most of his interviews talking about how historic it was – a major theatrically released film with a gay lead and an entirely gay cast.  Alas, that doesn’t sell tickets.  Harvey Fierstein echoed this point.  “Is this a history lesson or a movie?  I didn’t think it was smart.”  It’s been noted that Eichner has made his name by not being particularly likeable.  Again, not a bad thing.  He’s done very well with this persona – everyone loves a bitchy queen.  Especially one as quick-witted as Billy.  When the film opened, the gays showed up.  Like all rom-coms, it gave average people hope that a Luke Macfarlane would fall for them!  But here’s the $5 million question (which is what the film brought in opening weekend) – how many of them thought, “Where can I find me a Billy Eichner?”  Hands?  I rest my case.  I predict it will do HUGE numbers on streaming – much to Eichner’s chagrin.

Lickable brings us to this week’s Ask Billy question.  Gary in Dallas writes: “I just saw photos of the new American Horror Story, which included two really hot guys walking down the street holding hands.  One of them looked familiar but I couldn’t place him.  Who are they?

The one who looked familiar was likely Charlie Carver, who appeared with his brother Max as one of the Scavo twins on Desperate Housewives (the twosome also appeared on Teen Wolf).  Charlie is paired with the equally luscious Isaac Powell (occasionally billed as Isaac Cole Powell), who was the lead in the short-lived Broadway revival of West Side Story and was, for a time, fiancé to the wonderful Wesley Taylor.  We hear this season’s AHS is a period piece set in NYC – which should be no stretch for Carver, who was in the Broadway and TV versions of The Boys in the Band.  Both of them are mega hot, Powell is shirtless, their arms are amazing, and their kiss really does look like it could have come out of some vintage gay porn, as you’ll see on BillyMasters.com.

When I’m picturing Bette Midler in a Netflix musical about QEII, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  Again, it all made sense in my head.  And yet I’m not the one being told to turn off my brain.  I can’t – I need all of my faculties to maintain www.BillyMasters.com – the site that doesn’t entertain you with any hocus or pocus.  If you’d like to give me a poke or two, e-mail Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before any of my sexual partners take up knitting.  Until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

During promotions for her latest Disney+ venture (more below), Sarah Jessica Parker confirmed what we reported weeks ago – a Carrie/Aiden reunion on And Just Like That….  “Could be, could be.  Well, you know, I can’t be like cryptic about it anymore”.  Not after Billy Masters reports it.  Just stay away from all exercise equipment.

You want a good time?  I have three words for you – Hocus Pocus 2.  Sure, there’s nothing particularly new or fresh in this flick.  But it made me laugh – especially when I noted it had the fakest sets since Gunsmoke!  I even liked the younger cast members – very Charmed (the original, naturally).  So, why stop with “2”?  Why not another sequel?  The girls are up for it.  But, please, don’t wait another 29 years.  By that time, Bette Midler will be…well, carry the 2, add in….she’ll be dead!

There’s even more Hocus Pocus news.  Disney has gone from having no interest in the property to wanting to expand its audience.  Why not Hocus Pocus: On Broadway??  Why not, indeed.  The musical will be based on the first movie and, while there are no plans for the original trio to star in it, there’s nothing to say they couldn’t.

Speaking of both “Hocus” and “Pocus”, our pal Jay Armstrong Johnson is reprising his wildly popular Halloween fundraiser I Put A Spell On You for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.  While the last two years have been virtual, the show returns to the stage on October 23^rd.  NYC’s Sony Hall will host the event, which will again find JAJ winched into Winifred garb alongside Allison Robinson and Amanda Williams Ware as his sisters.  Among the special guests will be Gavin Creel and Krysta Rodriguez.  Tix and deets can be found on BroadwayCares.org.

Even famous people compare themselves to others.  Take Britney Spears, who truly has been to hell and back…and still looks good in a bikini.  In discussing her conservatorship, she said the following: “I’d like to see somebody tell Jennifer Lopez to sit down eight hours a day seven days a week…no car.  I’d like to see a management team tell Jennifer Lopez to go through what I went through…what the fuck do you think she would do…her family would NEVER allow that.”  With all due respect, Brit, you’re no J-Lo.  And Lynne is no Lupe!

You know who’s got loads of cautionary tales?  Madonna.  She was discussing relationships with Frankie Grande – who knows a thing or two about both tails and loads.  “I was talking to Madonna of all people – talking to the queen – and I told her about the throuple, and she literally said, ‘Well, that’s not going to end well.’”  So, there you have it – Madonna has the common sense that everyone, except for Frankie, has.  But like Frankie, I’m sure Madge knows being a human piñata does have its advantages.

There’s been a curious development in the life of Oscar winner Dustin Lance Black.  “A month ago I sustained a serious head injury that put me out of commission.  Showing little improvement, my doctors ordered me to shut off my brain in hopes of it healing.”  This sounds scary, and certainly our thoughts are with him.  To assist in his recovery, hubby Tom Daley took the family to a Greek Island – presumably not the same one I just returned from.  I recalled the last time Lance graced this column, which was after a bar fight on August 17^th.  He and Tom were out at Freedom in Soho with female promoter, Teddy Edwardes, when Lance suddenly threw a drink in her face.  “I didn’t have a drink to throw back so I did choose violence, but I wasn’t that violent.  He got a little tap on the back of the head,” said Teddy.  You don’t think…do you?

How would you like to be a fly on the wall in Tom Daley’s bedroom?  The diver shared what he and the hubby do every night in bed – and it’s as scintillating as you’d expect.  “When we get to bed, we always ask each other what our best and worst part of the day was.  It’s a good opportunity to share something nice, but then also share something that wasn’t.  It doesn’t necessarily have to mean I’m pissed off about him.  It could be anything, but just being able to create that conversation.”  And you wonder why Tom knits!  And this was BEFORE the head trauma!

Let’s end with a sports-related Ask Billy question.  Peter in Chicago writes, “I saw some photos of a hot guy in a Speedo pitching during a baseball game.  Who, what, where, when and why?”

It took place at a game between the Orix Buffaloes and the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks – I say as if I know what I’m talking about.  They have a tradition of inviting a “special guest” to throw the first pitch.  In this case, it was Naotaka Yokokawa, a 28-year-old bodybuilder.  He was wearing the Orix Buffaloes uniform, but stripped on his way to the mound…as one does.  Clad in the skimpiest of undies and a baseball cap, he let ‘er rip, and the audience went wild.  Admittedly, the pitch was also wild, but his form is impressive – as you’ll see on BillyMasters.com.

When a pitcher can’t deliver, it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  Seems no matter where you are, a good pitcher is hard to find – ask Adame!  Maybe they’re all on www.BillyMasters.com – the site that has a little bit of everything.  If you have a question – or a sexual act you’d like to engage in – drop a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before I give out MY cell number!  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

And now, the story you’ve all been waiting for.  It was recently discovered that a weatherman was engaging in some sexual activity online.  Erick Adame was on Spectrum NY1 for five years.  He claims to have been fired after somebody sent his boss screenshots from an explicit Chaturbate session.  Adame posted the following: “My psychiatrist calls my actions ‘compulsive behavior,’ others would call them reckless, stupid or brazen.  I’m not in a position to argue with any of these descriptions…On this site, I acted out my compulsive behaviors, while at home, by performing on camera for other men.  It was 100% consensual on both of our parts.  I wasn’t paid for this, and it was absurd of me to think I could keep this private.  Nonetheless, my employer found out and I was suspended and then terminated.”  Erick has gone so far as to file a suit against a website (not ours) where the images were posted.  He wants to somehow track down whoever took the screenshot.  He claims the photos were not only sent to his boss, but also his mother!  Except, perhaps it wasn’t just being gay or having sex on camera that led to his dismissal.

TheDesk.net has tracked down one of Erick’s actual broadcasts (some of which is also available on our website), and it is considerably more explicit than previously reported.  On it, Adame gives out his cell phone number, his home address (in NJ), tells people his door is unlocked, and encourages viewers to let themselves in and have their way with him en masse.  “At this point, I’m pretty sure my first name, last name, address, has all fucking been out there, and this pussy still hasn’t been fucked,” he laments.  Referencing his high-profile job, he says, “I think it’d be hot if my boss saw me.  I would love my boss to fuck me on camera.”  I suspect HR would have something to say about that!  While this vividly colors the tale (or tail), one person did bring up an interesting point.  “Am I really reading this correctly?  They fired Erick Adame for having virtual sex, even though NYC government literally advised people to have virtual sex during the pandemic?  What?!”

About 20 years ago, I hosted Cape Cod Pride, and we had one lone protestor standing by the entrance with a picket sign.  I felt so sorry for him, I offered him some food and drink from the stage – which he declined.  I was reminded of this anecdote when I heard about Lil Nas X at MGM Music Hall in Boston.  He, too, had some gay protestors outside.  Before the show, he Tweeted, “Just told my team to send them pizza, this is really good promo!”  He then added, “Update: they didn’t want the pizza but I accidentally fell in love with one of the homophobic protestors.”  The next day he wrote the following: “Can’t stop thinking about the cute homophobic guy that was protesting my concert last night.  I just know we had a connection.  I miss him so much man.  I’m nothing without him.”

I, too, have occasionally fallen for unobtainable guys.  Take Ryan Reynolds.  I’ve never met him.  I haven’t even bumped into him at an event.  And yet, I can’t help but take news of him impregnating Blake Lively for the fourth (documented) time somewhat personally.  I don’t know why I consider this such an affront.  But I’m willing to blame it on those Mint Mobile commercials.  Or it could be his body.

In preparation for the first season of The White Lotus in Hawaii, my pal Jennifer Coolidge decided she needed to get a spray tan because she looked like, in her words, a “big, white marshmallow.  I got on the plane and I started to feel really weird.  By the time I got off the flight, I had to go to the emergency room.”  Turns out, she was having an allergic reaction to the spray tan!  For the remainder of the shoot, she relied on body makeup, which wasn’t much better.  “The minute we stopped filming, I would shower.  I have such a quick reaction to stuff…My eyes would always be tearing, but it never occurred to me that it was my makeup.”

I was rather teary myself when two of my nearest and dearests got together on TV.  Sherri is a welcomed addition to the daytime talk landscape, and her first shows coincided with the promotional tour for Jenifer Lewis’ new book, Walking In My Joy.  There I was, thousands of miles away, hearing from both ladies.  Shepherd texted me first, saying, “Jenifer made me cry with her surprise of playing the piano and singing a song to me.”  Shortly thereafter, Jenifer texted, “Sherri was amazing….chemistry was right on, as we all knew.  She’s gonna be HUGE!”

Our Ask Billy question comes from Henry in NYC: “I was surprised to see Zac Efron on a magazine cover looking even younger than usual.  Has he had some work done?”

He has – but it seems to have been mental work.  Zac claims that he has found some balance in his life in the October issue of Men’s Health.  Remember his incredible Baywatch physique?  He now says, “I don’t know if that’s really attainable”.  He now confesses that achieving that body required endless workout sessions, a severely limited diet, and very powerful diuretics.  The medication and supplements led to bouts of insomnia and depression.  “At one point, that was a dream of mine – what it would be like to not have to be in shape all the time.  What if I just said, ‘F*** it’ and let myself go?”  Welcome to my world, Zac Efron!  He claims to have discovered how to be in good physical shape and also be happy.  You can see the results on BillyMasters.com.

Remember that story about Ricky Martin’s nephew suing him for sexual assault?  And then, suddenly, the entire thing disappeared and the nephew was discredited?  It suspiciously seemed like some deal was brokered – and, indeed, I wasn’t the only one to jump to that conclusion.  But I don’t think anyone expected Ricky to file a $20 million lawsuit for defamation against Dennis Sanchez Martin who, I think it’s safe to say, doesn’t have a pot to piss in (a phrase Big Mama Masters is fond of).  “The reckless, malicious and culpable actions by Defendant Sanchez were motivated by the desire to expose Plaintiff to hatred and disdain from his fanbase, to threaten his business opportunities and to destroy his reputation.”  And, speaking of malicious, Sanchez is described in the suit as “maladjusted”.  So, what is the point of this?  Obviously it isn’t money.  Stay tuned.

A Broadway-bound musical is taking a hiatus on the road to the Great White Way.  The Elton John musicalized version of The Devil Wears Prada played Chicago to a tepid response.  “It’s not ready,” said John.  “It’ll be ready in about another year…We learned a lot from our run in Chicago and look forward to continuing to work on the production and make the necessary changes.  We have every intention of bringing the production to the stage again when we have the proper theater and the timing is right.”

This does not mean that Elton is taking a hiatus from all theatre.  His collaboration with Jake Shears on a musical about Tammy Faye Bakker is still moving forward.  Tammy Faye opens at the Almeida Theatre in London’s West End on October 13^th.  It will star Katie Brayben as Tammy Faye and our own Andrew Rannells as Jim Bakker.

As we went to press, a shocking announcement was made.  The Phantom of the Opera, the longest running Broadway show of all time, is closing after 35 years!  The final curtain will fall on February 18^th, 2023.

Broadway’s biggest box office blockbuster has also announced plans to close.  The Hugh Jackman/Sutton Foster helmed revival of The Music Man will shutter once Jackman’s contract expires on January 1^st – not unlike when he played Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz.

Lea Michele’s first week as Broadway’s Funny Girl resulted in a box office record for the show – it brought in $1.6 million.  That’s even more impressive when you consider that she only got to do four shows before she was felled by Covid.  She is expected back on September 20^th.

In a recent item about Lea, I jokingly referred to her as “the new belter” – a joke I trust doesn’t require an explanation.  As luck would have it, two young men are assuming the title themselves…at least temporarily.  I’ve previously written about Nicolas King and Seth Sikes – both throwbacks to the age of crooners and, well, belters.  So, why not bill themselves as such?  The New Belters will play their first show at The Green Room 42 in NYC on October 28^th.  In November, they will also appear in Los Angeles, Palm Springs and Las Vegas.  You can get more details on dates and venues at each of their websites – TheNicolasKing.com or SethSikes.net.

They’re dropping like flies in England – literally!  My faithful followers know that nothing makes me happier than a video of someone falling – why, seeing Beyoncé plummet down a flight of stairs face-first is almost as enjoyable as seeing Madonna nearly strangled by her cape!  But even I was concerned while watching the honor guard standing by Queen Elizabeth.  One member was noted to be swaying – which is never a good sign in a guard who isn’t even allowed to crack a smile (not that there’s much to smile about around the queen’s coffin).  Suddenly, the swaying guard collapsed.  But he didn’t just faint, he fainted face-forward and down a step!  And, he didn’t quickly pop up – he laid there until he was helped up.  We hear he was uninjured and returned to his post a few hours later.  And then he started swaying again.  Needless to say, he was removed before any other incident took place.

The newly minted King Charles III is not without scandal, goodness knows.  But did you know there have been gay rumors?  I guess that goes with the territory.  Apparently Princess Diana made mention of a servant’s claim to have caught Charles in flagrante delicto with a member of the same sex.  That servant, George Smith, claims that he once brought Chucky his breakfast in bed and found him with a male aide in what is described as an “unmistakable sexual position”.  Shortly thereafter, palace insiders branded Smith a drunk.  And?

Several of you have written in wondering what will become of Lizzie’s beloved corgis.  In her later years, Elizabeth stopped breeding the bitches, most of which descended from the first pup she had in the 1940s.  Once the last one passed away in 2018, QEII said she didn’t want any more – primarily because she couldn’t bear to leave a pet behind after her passing.  Leave it to Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie (they of those very special hats) to ignore the Queen’s wishes and gift her in 2021 with two corgi pups – Muick and Sandy.  Muick was allegedly presented as a companion following the death of Prince Philip – because nothing says, “Sorry about your dead husband” like a puppy!  In actuality, Muick was selected by Sarah Ferguson, who continues to live with her besmirched ex-hubby Prince Andrew on the Windsor Estate.  We hear the dogs will live out their days with Andy and Sarah.

Our Ask Billy question came from Kurt in Los Angeles: “What is this feud between Billy Eichner and Joel Kim Booster about?”

Many people believe the problem started when Entertainment Weekly put both Eichner and Booster on their cover with the caption “Redefining the Rom-Com”.  Personally, I don’t think Billy enjoyed being lumped in with Booster.  So when he got a solo cover on Variety, he crowed about how his film Bros was historic because it’s a gay film being released by a major studio for theatrical release instead of “some streaming thing which feels disposable, or which is like one of a million Netflix shows”.  Many took this as a dig against Fire Island – a gay film starring Booster on Hulu (close enough).  Booster had this to say:  “It seems like [Billy] was pretty inarticulate in his excitement about his movie getting a theatrical release, which is really fucking cool and something I’m sure the studio and his publicist is making him constantly talk about.  God knows I’ve said plenty of dumb shit without a publicist’s help.”  He added, “I’m excited to see ‘Bros’ on the big screen and wish Billy nothing but the best.  I truly hope you can enjoy both or neither of our movies without pitting them against each other.”  Eichner then clarified that he was “not at ALL referring to the quality” of these other projects, gave kudos to Joel, and ended with “we are all in this together”.  Early reviews are largely positive.

When Eichner’s trying to top Booster (as if), it’s definitely time to end yet another column.  It’s a little bit funny – last week we were talking about the 25^th anniversary of Princess Diana’s funeral, and now we have another royal funeral upon us.  While I try to lock in my date for the festivities, you can check out www.BillyMasters.com – the site that’s anything but disposable.  Of course, I’m currently in Europe and didn’t pack my black jock strap.  If you have a suggestion of appropriate attire, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before somebody (other than Jonathan Groff) calls Lea “the new belter”!  So, until next time, remember, one man’s filth is another man’s bible.

Then there’s Spit-Gate.  We’re referring to reports that Harry Styles spat on Chris Pine as he took his seat at the Venice Film Festival.  Pine was already seated when Harry arrived and kinda leaned over Pine’s lap.  You don’t see any saliva, but you do see Pine look down in his lap, and shoot a look that says, “Really??”  Of course, Styles has no reputation of such behavior previously.  A rep for the film said it’s “an odd online illusion that is clearly deceiving and allows for foolish speculation.”  And what’s wrong with that?  Styles even played along at his next concert.  “This is our tenth show at Madison Square Garden.  It’s wonderful, wonderful, wonderful to be back in New York.  I just popped very quickly to Venice to spit on Chris Pine.”  Check out the videos on BillyMasters.com.

When I started this column 27 years ago, even a hint of same-sex liaisons was enough to torpedo a career.  Now, it’s how you make one.  Lots of people have their panties in a bunch over Styles’ gender-bending outfits and teasing innuendos of frolicking with men.  Yet when Lady Gaga does it, she’s a goddess.  Do any of us know who pop stars sleep with?  I don’t – with one notable exception which you can read about in James Gavin’s bestseller, George Michael – A Life.  It used to be that gay people pretended to be straight to not jeopardize their careers.  If the converse is now true, ain’t that progress?

Last week was the culmination of a dream for Lea Michele – to appear as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway.  According to reports, she got four standing ovations in the first act alone.  Several recordings from the night have surfaced, which prove that she can sing the role well – at least for now.  I wasn’t there, so this isn’t a review.  But I am told her assumption is very much like a Streisand tribute show – and that’s neither bad nor good.  Nor is it without precedent.  The first national tour of Funny Girl was led by Marilyn Michaels, who not only could sing but was also a gifted impressionist – specializing in Babs.  Maybe that’s what Lea’s going for.  I hear the show certainly has more life, the tempi are generally brisker, and it’s all just a bit like…well, you all saw the movie.  Alas, after a handful of shows, Michele is already out.  She’ll miss at least ten days, due to a positive Covid test.  Or maybe she’s a second-rate diva who can’t sustain.  In the meantime, listen to her renditions on BillyMasters.com.

By the by, I’m told that Lea’s contract dictates that she will get to make her own cast recording.  I wouldn’t be surprised if that is rushed for holiday sales.  Michele also insisted on reinstating the full ending to “The Music That Makes Me Dance” in addition to adding Fanny’s “I’d Rather Be Blue”, which was included in the film.