Arts & Entertainment
Kevin Sorbo claims Gianni Versace sexually harassed him
the actor says the incident occurred during his model days
(Screenshot via YouTube.)
“Hercules” star Kevin Sorbo is alleging that designer Gianni Versace sexually harassed him.
While discussing the Harvey Weinstein scandal on “The Adam Carolla Show” podcast, Sorbo says that during his modeling days pre-“Hercules,” he was a victim of sexual harassment from the late Italian designer.
“I’ve got my sexual harassment story,” Sorbo says. “He wanted to meet me because of my height. At 6-foot, 3-inches, he wanted me to do fashion shows with these 6-foot tall women.”
In 1984 Sorbo says that Versace began to invite him to dinner parties with distinguished guests like Sophia Loren, opera singer Luciano Pavarotti and Richard Gere. The more parties Sorbo attended the fewer the guests who attended became. Eventually, Sorbo found himself at a dinner alone with Versace.
Sorbo began to discuss modeling business when Sorbo claims Versace started touching him.
“All of a sudden, his hand goes up my leg,” Sorbo says before asking Versace, “Dude, you know I’m straight?”
“‘This is why I like you. You’re not a girlie man. You are a man’s man,'” Sorbo recalled Versace telling him.
“‘In life, you must f**k everything,” Sorbo recounted Versace’s words. “‘You must do the dog, and the cat, and the boy, and the girl.'”
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Sorbo says he still remained friends with Versace after the incident.
“He booked me for his fashion shows but I never got his campaign, but I knew the game, just like I know the game of Hollywood,” Sorbo says. “Casting couches have always been around. I don’t play that game, nor do I care to.”
Sorbo is currently starring in the Christian film “Let There Be Light,” which hits theaters on Friday, Oct. 27.
Out & About
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Politicians slated to speak at annual Blue Moon party
The Washington Blade’s 17th annual Summer Kickoff Party returns Friday, May 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Blue Moon (35 Baltimore Ave.) in Rehoboth Beach, Del.
It’s an exciting election year in Delaware, which is poised to elect its first Black woman senator (Lisa Blunt Rochester) and the nation’s first transgender member of Congress (Sarah McBride).
McBride is scheduled to speak at the party along with several politicos from the area. With the retirement of longtime state Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, a staunch LGBTQ ally, three strong contenders are running to replace him. All three — Marty Rendon, Kathy McGuiness, and Claire Snyder-Hall — are slated to speak at the party. A representative from Blunt Rochester’s campaign is scheduled to speak, along with Kim Leisey, the new executive director of CAMP Rehoboth.
Tax-deductible tickets are $20 and available on Eventbrite or via the Blade’s Facebook page. The party is sponsored by Justin Noble of Sotheby’s, The Avenue Inn & Spa, and Blue Moon.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of “The Real Housewives” franchise and host of “Watch What Happens Live,” will return to Sixth & I on Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
This event will be his fifth appearance at the venue to celebrate the paperback release of his New York Times bestselling memoir, “The Daddy Diaries,” talk about the latest Housewives happenings, and answer audience questions about everyone’s favorite Bravolebrities.
Cohen will be in conversation with Rep. Robert Garcia, who represents California and is the first LGBTQ immigrant to win a congressional seat. Rep. Garcia has also been known to quote from “The Real Housewives” in congressional hearings.
Tickets start at $12 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
“Herses- Purse Frist Extravaganza” will be on Friday, May 3 at 9 p.m. at 1835 14th St. N.W. This will be an evening of dancing and performances, hosted by HAUS of Bambi Award-winning Performance Artist, BUMPER. Refreshments are also available for purchase.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.
Judy Shepard to receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
Blade Summer Kickoff Party returns to Rehoboth
Andy Cohen coming to D.C.
Want to dance for a good cause?
Calendar: May 3-9
HHS reverses Trump-era anti-LGBTQ rule
4th Circuit rules gender identity is a protected characteristic
Pride season has begun
PHOTOS: Capital Pride Pageant
