Thanks, Thea! There’s more I could have added, but I was worried it was already too long. Really appreciate your kind comment, and taking the time to read such a lengthy piece.
YW. Part of why I love Substack authors: they provide in-depth stories and reporting. Anyone can do opinion soundbites, and everyone does ((boring and basic)). Thanks for NOT feeding the ADHD algorithms!
My main memory of this is watching it at a bachelor party. It was very grainy, obviously copied and re-copied several times, and Al Goldstein of Screw magazine provided a classic New York sleazy guy voiceover.
That’s hilarious. And you’re totally right about the grainy part. By the time it hit the public, it had already been copied at least a dozen times. Speaking of Al Goldstein, he aired the tape on his cable program ‘Midnight Blue’, and copies featuring the first part of the tape (the 3some in Paris) began to sell in LA for $29.95. What a time we lived in.
I remember reading somewhere that it was posted that the whole situation was a setup by Republican operatives due to the Bush campaign being worried about the effect all those Hollywood actors would have on the election results. Seems farfetched but interesting.
Thanks so much, Sheila! You’re absolutely right. The story EXPLODED and then…crickets.
You know, I’m constantly worrying about whether a piece is too long or not. Encouraging comments like yours lead me to believe that I should stop worrying and just let loose in the future. Thanks again, Sheila. I truly appreciate it.
This is the best write up I’ve read on the sex video tape story timeline and events. It’s very enlightening. Thanks for doing so much heavy lifting.
Thanks, Thea! There’s more I could have added, but I was worried it was already too long. Really appreciate your kind comment, and taking the time to read such a lengthy piece.
YW. Part of why I love Substack authors: they provide in-depth stories and reporting. Anyone can do opinion soundbites, and everyone does ((boring and basic)). Thanks for NOT feeding the ADHD algorithms!
My main memory of this is watching it at a bachelor party. It was very grainy, obviously copied and re-copied several times, and Al Goldstein of Screw magazine provided a classic New York sleazy guy voiceover.
That’s hilarious. And you’re totally right about the grainy part. By the time it hit the public, it had already been copied at least a dozen times. Speaking of Al Goldstein, he aired the tape on his cable program ‘Midnight Blue’, and copies featuring the first part of the tape (the 3some in Paris) began to sell in LA for $29.95. What a time we lived in.
I remember reading somewhere that it was posted that the whole situation was a setup by Republican operatives due to the Bush campaign being worried about the effect all those Hollywood actors would have on the election results. Seems farfetched but interesting.
And LOL @ that Arsenio comment 🤣
I debated whether or not to add the Arsenio line because it's such a one-off, but it was too good to cut. 😊
It's a hilarious line and Arsenio is a product of that time so it fit the piece 😂
I had forgotten this had even happened tbh. Great write up!
Thanks, Lou! Glad you enjoyed it!
I remember this! It was so huge and then just kind of faded away.
Sonny, kudos on this excellent, well-researched and organized piece. I would have read more! This is a great article, bravo!
Thanks so much, Sheila! You’re absolutely right. The story EXPLODED and then…crickets.
You know, I’m constantly worrying about whether a piece is too long or not. Encouraging comments like yours lead me to believe that I should stop worrying and just let loose in the future. Thanks again, Sheila. I truly appreciate it.
Good, I’m glad you’re encouraged, and if it feels too long, make it a two-parter!