Jake Cruise Partner Quits Nonprofit Post After Miss America Pageant Flap

LOS ANGELES — Ernie Koneck, the 21-year partner of gay website operator Jake Cruise, aka Ric Alonso, has resigned as executive director of the Southern California Scholarship Association — a sponsor of the Miss Hollywood pageant, a preliminary event to Miss America Pageant — after being exposed for his involvement with the porn sites.

RadarOnline outed Koneck on Tuesday and said that Alonso was one of the main sponsors of the feeder event to Miss America.

However, FOX news reported that after stepping down, Koneck claimed Alonso’s involvement is only financial and he isn’t involved in the pageant in any way.

“Likewise, my involvement in Ric’s business is strictly administrative and financial. I am CFO and handle accounting, finance, human resources, etc. Also, the Southern California Scholarship Association is not a nonprofit corporation, nor has it ever been presented as such. It is an unincorporated association that does not make a profit or remunerate anyone involved in the pageant in any way,” Koneck told FOX.

 “All funds raised are used for pageant scholarships, pageant production expenses and expenses related to preparing our titleholders for state competition.”

There were mixed reactions to the decision.

Beauty pageant publicist Angie Myer said, "Young girls across the country have looked up to Miss America for decades. Any connection the organization has with the porn industry, even financially, will prove dire effects going forward."

But pop culture expert Jenn Hoffman told FOX, "The production of pornography is legal in the U.S. There is no reason Ric Alonso’s money should be considered dirty or inappropriate for funding a beauty contest or any other business venture.

“To single out porn would hypocritical; especially considering statistics say an estimated 70 percent of men and 30 percent of women look at it nearly every single day. That makes pornography more popular than smoking, drinking — or even the Miss America pageant.”

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

Brysen, Ryan Orion Front Latest From Sean Cody

Brysen and Ryan Orion star in the latest release from Sean Cody.

Leo Levine, Joey Mills Star in New Scene From Men.com

Leo Levine stars with Joey Mills in the latest scene from Men.com, titled “Breeding the Bartender.”

Sean Xavier, Rocky Unleashed Star in 'Packed House' From NakedSword

Sean Xavier and Rocky Unleashed star in the studio's latest release, titled "Packed House."

Raging Stallion Premieres Horror Thriller 'The Devil You Know'

Raging Stallion has released its latest feature, the horror-thriller "The Devil You Know."

Kane Fox, Cody Seiya Front Latest Installment of 'Joyride' From Falcon

Kane Fox and Cody Seiya star in the third installment of the new Falcon Studios title, “Joyride.”

Bruce Jones, Jax Thirio Headline 'Muscle Punch' From Club Inferno

Bruce Jones and Jax Thirio topline the first installment of Falcon/NakedSword studio brand Club Inferno’s new title, “Muscle Punch.”

Patrick McDonald Leads Latest From Sean Cody

Emmy-nominated reality TV producer-turned-adult star Patrick McDonald stars with Deacon (aka Johnny Donovan) and Gianni Amaro in the latest release from Sean Cody.

Justin Matthews, Johnny Donovan Star in Latest From ASGMax

Alpha Studio Group (ASG) exclusive Justin Matthews and Johnny Donovan star in the first installment of the limited series "End Of Your World,” titled “It’s All Over.”

Derek Kage Fronts Finale of NakedSword/Disruptive Films Collab 'Wild Game'

Reigning XMAs Gay Performer of the Year Derek Kage stars in the final installment of “Wild Game,” NakedSword’s first collaborative release with Disruptive Films.

Sebastian Bluu, Rocky Unleashed Star in Latest From Fetish Force

Sebastian Bluu and Rocky Unleashed star in the first installment of "Playthings," from Falcon/NakedSword studio brand Fetish Force.

Show More