Jonathan Agassi Withdraws from Madrid Pride over Political Differences

NEW YORK—Lucas Entertainment exclusive Jonathan Agassi has withdrawn from scheduled appearances during Madrid’s Gay Pride festival over a difference in political ideology. Agassi, who is Israeli, said he was “outraged” when festival organizers withdrew their invitation to participate in the Pride March from a Tel Aviv delegation.

Madrid’s Gay Pride March is one of Europe’s largest. Organizers earlier this month withdrew the Israeli invitation after the mayor of Tel Aviv failed to condemn Israel’s attack on ships trying to break its Gaza blockade. Nine people died in the raid.

“After what has happened, and as human rights campaigners, it seemed barbaric to us to have [the Tel Aviv delegation] taking part,” Antonio Poveda, of Spain’s Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Transexuals and Bisexuals, told the UK’s Guardian newspaper. “We don’t just defend our own little patch.”

Agassi added his voice to those of the Tel Aviv group, which accused the Madrid Pride March organizers of inappropriate political activism.

“It’s terrible that the organizers made such an awful decision, especially since Israel is so supportive of gay rights, but I’m proud of my choice [to withdraw],” Agassi said. “Madrid was supposed to be my first pride event outside of Israel, and I was so excited about it, but I have no regrets. I will never forget where I came from. Israel is and will always be my home, and I will forever support and stand up for my country.”

Originally scheduled to perform July 2 with one of Europe’s biggest club producers, SuperMartXé, Agassi joins LGBT Israeli performers such as Dana International in removing themselves from the festivities.

Israel is the sole Middle Eastern country in which open homosexuality is legal. Neighboring countries consider “deviant sexuality” punishable by imprisonment or the death penalty.

“I am proud that Jonathan, who was so excited to go to the biggest gay Pride in Europe, made a right decision,” Lucas Entertainment Chief Executive Officer and President Michael Lucas said. “Spanish hypocrites failed to realize that he is not just a porn star but a man with principles.

“Jonathan and my crew filmed two movies in Spain just two months ago,” he added. “I don’t think we will return.”

For more about Agassi and Lucas Entertainment, visit LucasEntertainment.com.

For more about Madrid Gay Pride, visit MadridGayPride.com.