Michael Brandon & The Culture of Drugs
A few days ago we learned that porn icon Michael Brandon was arrested and faces trial for drug possession and dealing, marking what has to be regarded as a remarkably sad & tragic fall from grace. Brandon had been held up as an example of someone who had seemingly beaten an addiction to drugs and had remade himself in the process. As effective as the PSAs are that warn about the demon known as crystal meth, it's stories like this that can (and should) have more impact on the gay community and the porn industry.
No matter how you feel about Michael Brandon's plight or him as a person you can't help but feel the sadness of the situation. So many times in the past few years we've read these kind of stories and usually they accompany the obit of a gay porn star that seemed to have so much promise and many fans. Aside from the warning that we hope gets heeded by news stories like this, there is another possible silver lining. Not that winding up in prison is a "happy" outcome. But he is alive and may get the treatment he needs. We hate to see anyone go through this so we do wish Michael Brandon well with the sincere hope that he turns out better.
You've read a lot about this we're sure and we waited until now to offer our commentary, trying to avoid judgment and finger-pointing. We DO recommend that you read the fascinating and in depth story about this saga. It can be found at SF Weekly.
No matter how you feel about Michael Brandon's plight or him as a person you can't help but feel the sadness of the situation. So many times in the past few years we've read these kind of stories and usually they accompany the obit of a gay porn star that seemed to have so much promise and many fans. Aside from the warning that we hope gets heeded by news stories like this, there is another possible silver lining. Not that winding up in prison is a "happy" outcome. But he is alive and may get the treatment he needs. We hate to see anyone go through this so we do wish Michael Brandon well with the sincere hope that he turns out better.
You've read a lot about this we're sure and we waited until now to offer our commentary, trying to avoid judgment and finger-pointing. We DO recommend that you read the fascinating and in depth story about this saga. It can be found at SF Weekly.
Brandon once helped me get off drugs and I am only a few weeks shy of having 6 years! I beleive that Brandon relapsed in 2005 when he had six years clean! I miss this wonderful spirit and am saddened that his disease has resurfaced! I shall pray for Michael B! I do love him unconditionally no matter what!
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We're very heartened that you stepped forward to offer your prayers for Michael Brandon at this very difficult time in his life. We hope your thoughts and prayers of support reach him so that he knows that he has support from people who really care. We sincerely hope that he gets the help he needs.
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I love Michael like a brother. I worked with him a lot boack in 2001-2002. I remember sharing ajoining (in what used to be the surf hotel in Chicago near Debussy and Broadway) rooms with him at the 2002 Grabbys before he won man of the year and how nervous he was. I was glad to give him an ear to vent to and a shoulder to cry on.... I remember all the BIG STARS he could hob nob with but he always had a seat for me in his LIMO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Further, when I hit hard times Michael was essential in getting me off drugs and alcohol and god willing thanks mostly to Michael I will have 6 years on December 12 2008! I have seen many rise and fall.... In fact now that Michael has fallen I am the last one from the Weho crowd of 1999-2006 who has remained clean and sober!
I believed he was using for some time and I went back to work on my Ph.D. and studied a year in France... We lost touch.
Please, if there is anything I can do!
He was my sponsor for the 1st year in the program -- am only too glad to re-arrange my plans and come to SFO to give back to my sweet brother and this beautiful angelic spirit who has merely a sickness right now....
Please let me know....
I remember him lovingly taking me to meetings along with his dog phantom who was a puppy at the time. I remember our long talks and walks on the beach and all his encouragement, phone calls. I got a job in NYC for a while and he woudl go out of his way to come and see me while I lived there....
I cannot just sit here and do nothing while Michael is in such pain! Please if there is a way I can help please let me know....
Thanks!
Btw: I was a pohotographer on Monster Bang I of the few times I was put in front of the camera, I ended up bottoming for this heavenly stallion! (among other things with Michael)
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We strongly suggest you get a hold of Raging Stallion and see if you can offer your help. And if anyone out there reading this and the beautiful messages from Makana can offer a direct connection and/or some better advice, please post for him. It would be a wonderful gesture.
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Ke Mahalo nui loa no... Merci beaucoup, Obrigado ! Grazie!!!!! M
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Unfortunately if one contacts Raging Stallion they act all fake with you and NEVER get any messages to Michael! They clearly are bitter and hateful! Michael is finishing up his 90 drug rehab and then will be facing trial with a public defender - - Oddly, the fans who said they would help are fickle! Fans are always fickle!
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It could very well be that RS was merely trying to respect Michael Brandon's wishes. Besides we have no idea what RS is doing behind the scenes to help MB out. I wouldn't chastise fans too readily for being fickle--we're sure there is a majority oout there that wants to see a happy ending for MB.
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