FlavaMen Blatino Awards Respond to Copycat Accusation

MIAMI — The creator of an awards show honoring black and Latino performers in gay adult entertainment has accused the producers of a similar show of copying his name and format.

Earlier this summer, FlavaMen Magazine announced its inaugural slate of FlavaMen Blatino Awards nominees, recognizing ethnic clubs and promoters, adult stars and studios, films and websites by and for men of color.

The Blatino Erotica Awards, honoring the contributions of black and Latino men in gay adult as well as mainstream entertainment, announced their 2009 honorees at the end of May.

Joe Hawkins, the latter show’s founder and producer, said he has "no objections" to another gay-adult awards program honoring men of color, and instead takes issue with what he perceives as a potentially damaging overlap in how the shows are identified and perceived by fans and industry members.

"As a man of color, the very reason behind my creating the Blatino Erotica Awards three years ago was to ensure that more of these men be recognized for their contributions," he said.

"I only wish Flava Works would have been more creative with the naming of their event and show me and my organization some professional respect."

Hawkins said similarities between the two shows is "causing confusion in the industry and among fans about who is producing what."

Warren Bullock, director of the FlavaMen Blatino Awards, told XBIZ that awards ceremonies "have been around for thousands of years. To think we got the idea from Joe Hawkins are simply delusions of grandeur and to get press for himself and his circuit party."

"If anything we look up to XBIZ Awards, even the Oscars, not some person no one has ever heard about."

Bullock stressed the need in gay adult entertainment for increased exposure and recognition of black and Latino performers and studios.

"The Flavamen Blatino Awards is not a pool circuit party with awards given to a select few but an awards show that honors many different ethnic groups voted for by fans," he said.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Angellica Good Returns to TransAngels

Angellica Good stars with William Seed in the latest release from TransAngels, titled “Jumping to Cumclusions.”

Haley Spades Stars in Latest 'Accidental Gangbang' From Adult Time

Haley Spades stars in the latest installment of Adult Time series "Accidental Gangbang," titled "Drilled During Detention."

Sarah Arabic, Madison Morgan Star in Latest From Brazzers

Sarah Arabic and Madison Morgan star with Van Wylde in the latest release from Brazzers.

Crystal Thayer Stars in Latest From Transfixed

Crystal Thayer stars with River Lynn in the latest release from Transfixed, titled "Lonely Goddess of Love."

Pineapple Support, SextPanther to Host 'Holistic PTSD' Support Group

Pineapple Support and SextPanther are hosting a free online support group for performers suffering from PTSD.

Fanblast Taps Nicholas H. for VP of Sales

Nicholas H. has joined Fanblast as its new vice president of sales.

Lady Gang, Vera Jarw Front Latest From Immoral Productions

Lady Gang and Vera Jarw star in a new trilogy from Immoral Productions, alongside Charlie Dean, Matt Bird, and studio honcho “Porno Dan” Leal.

Hustler Magazine Marks 50th Anniversary With Latest Issue

Hustler Magazine is marking its 50th anniversary with its June issue.

Aylo, Old Pros Launch 'Sex Work and Human Trafficking' Online Panel Series

Aylo has teamed up with sex worker support organization Old Pros to launch “Sex Work and Human Trafficking,” an online community panel series aimed at educating performers and creators on preventing trafficking and exploitation, which takes place at 6 p.m. (EDT) on Thursday, May 29.

EU Investigating 4 Adult Sites for 'Suspected Breaches' of DSA

The European Commission has initiated formal proceedings against Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos for “suspected breaches” of the Digital Services Act (DSA), the Commission announced in a statement Monday.

Show More