This is how Simon Rex started his acceptance speech for Best Male Lead in Red Rocket. The only person he neglected to mention was the one who revealed his real penis to the world in 1996: ME! Yes, his infamous jerk-off video was unearthed by Billy Masters. And you're welcome!: "OK, what the fuck?! Thank you, Film Independent, for recognizing my fake penis!"
Much as it pains me, let's talk about Disney. The Mouse House has been chastised for not speaking out against the "Don't Say Gay" bill in Florida—especially since it's one of the largest employers in Florida (to say nothing of their large percentage of LGBTQ+ personnel, many who I know intimately). Of course, it's not like Disney can fold its tents and move to a neighboring state—these aren't carnie folk. And, yeah: like Alabama or Georgia are better! Disney CEO Bob Chapek sent out an internal memo called "Our Unwavering Commitment to the LGBTQ+ Community." In it, he stated that the company stands with LGBTQ+ employees and their families, but that corporate statements do little to effect change and can also be counterproductive.
Alas, this only made the situation worse. Detractors noted many instances when Disney did act swiftly—including pulling all releases from Russia eight days after the Ukraine invasion. (More recently, Disney has "paused" all Russian business.) And Pixar employees took umbrage with it, stating that "nearly every moment of overtly gay affection is cut at Disney's behest, regardless of when there is protest from both the creative teams and executive leadership." It was a mess. After several days, Chapek sent a second memo: "You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry." Since Disney had donated to many of the bill's supporters as well as opponents, Chapek "paused" all political donations in Florida until they are thoroughly reviewed. Well, it's a start … I guess.
I take back everything I've said about Jussie Smollett; he's a GENIUS! When it was alleged that the Empire star had orchestrated being jumped on a deserted Chicago street in the wee hours of the morning while carrying a salad from Subway, I called him many things. I believe the words "moron," "idiot" and "psychopath" were used, but I'll need to review the transcript. When he refused the City of Chicago's generous offer to drop the matter if he repaid the cost of the investigation, I was baffled. But, as all good chess players know, Smollett was thinking several steps ahead. So when he was sentenced to 150 days in prison, it hit me. Now he'll have 150 days of non-stop working out, to say nothing of being banged like a human pinata. And if you consider how much he's saving on paying Nigerian brothers for the same thing … well, guess who's coming out ahead? And giving lots of it. On the flip side (which I'm sure will not be neglected), Smollett still has to pay the City of Chicago over $130K for the investigation—plus an additional $25K for legal fees. So maybe he's not THAT smart.
Here's a case I can't wait to watch: Rapp v. Spacey. After numerous twists and turns, Kevin Spacey is set to face his accuser, Anthony Rapp, in court. While a date has not been locked in, the court has slated it for two weeks this fall. According to records, both men (and several witnesses) will take the stand.
At long last, it's time for the season three premiere of "Billy Masters LIVE!" This Thursday, March 17, at 3 p.m. ET, I'll be chatting with the much-lauded, iconic, amazing Sharon Gless. Yes, Cagney, of Cagney and Lacey; and Debbie, from Queer As Folk. We'll discuss the many ups and downs of a life well-lived—which she writes about in her memoir Apparently There Were Complaints. Make no mistake—there will be NO complaints if you watch "Billy Masters LIVE" on our YouTube channel, Billy Masters TV or on BillyMasters.com/TV.
Get ready: It's time for an all-new Fayewatch!! Oh, Miss Dunaway—the gift that keeps on giving. Her last "performance" was when she attempted to embody Katharine Hepburn in Tea at Five. During the Boston engagement, Faye ran roughshod over the backstage crew, the director and the producers. She'd probably have abused her co-stars, but it was a one-person show! Dunaway's assistant at the time was Michael Rocha—and he tells many tales about "Mommie." He's since filed a lawsuit claiming, among other things, that he "suffered as a result of being discriminated against on the basis of his sexual orientation and retaliated against by termination of his employment after he complained about being discriminated against as a gay man." He claims Faye referred to him as "a little homosexual boy"—and claims to have a recording proving it. Somehow, I picture her using a more colloquial term. Faye "denies calling him 'a little homosexual boy.'" She claims the play was undercapitalized and that she was a scapegoat for its failure. (Full disclosure: I went to opening night and Faye, whom I admire greatly as an actress, was miscast and did not give a credible performance.) Let's all pray this case proceeds to trial.
When I'm anxiously awaiting some voice messages from Dunaway, it's definitely time to end yet another column. No time for a question this week. But since I've been traveling so much, I was amused to see a video of a very hot boy pleasuring himself at the Atlanta Airport baggage claim. You can see it on—the site that has cameras everywhere. If you have a question, drop a note to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before Ryan Murphy makes his next Feud series about Rapp and Spacey! Until next time, remember: One man's filth is another man's bible.
