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

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

Nadia Jay Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Nadia Jay stars with Mick Blue in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Fucking the Bath Voyeur."

Tommy Gunn Reflects on His Legendary Past as He Looks to the Future

Tommy Gunn is wearing an eyepatch. It’s not an homage to the classic "Pirates" porn parody franchise, in which Gunn takes on the Johnny Depp role. The eyepatch is a temporary measure to help him deal with a nerve palsy that came out of nowhere several years ago and affects his vision from time to time. Gunn needs his vision. As one of the adult industry’s longest-serving male stars, he still has plenty to look forward to.

Rocco Siffredi Directs New Rebel Rhyder Showcase

Evil Angel has released Rocco Siffredi’s Rebel Rhyder showcase title, "Rebel Meets Rebel."

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Shalina Devine Toplines 'Thr3e #7' From Dorcel

Shalina Devine headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Thr3e #7."

Chloe Amour Headlines 'Unfaithful Betrayal 3' From Bellesa Films

Chloe Amour toplines the third volume of “Unfaithful Betrayal” from Bellesa Films.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

Misty Addams Makes Her WIFEY Debut

Misty Addams stars with husband Island Boy Brandon and 2024 XMA Europas Male Performer of the Year Christian Clay in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY.

AEBN Reveals Eva Maxim as Top Trans Star for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top trans stars list for the second quarter of 2025, with Eva Maxim landing atop the leaderboard.

Show More