CHATSWORTH, Calif.—X-Rated Critics Organization (XRCO) chairman "Dirty" Bob Krotts has decided, following an outcry of protest from several adult industry figures, to return the sponsorship funds for this year's XRCO Awards Show provided to the organization by .XXX domain registration outfit ICM Registry.
Over the past several days, Krotts received intense scrutiny on various adult forums from such industry observers as Mike South and original XRCO member William Margold over his choice to accept sponsorship funds from the much-maligned ICM. Krotts claimed in response that he was unaware at the time he accepted the funds that ICM was the body overseeing the registration of .XXX domains.
In addition to the online flack, Krotts got wind that such major participants as Digital Playground (whose contract stars Kayden Kross and Jesse Jane are, respectively, co-hosting the ceremony and going into the Hall of Fame) were considering pulling their presence from the show.
A few individuals from the adult community have stepped up to help replenish the funds ICM had provided, Krotts disclosed in the following formal statement:
"ICM Registry LLC, aka .XXX, agreed to our request today to withdraw as a sponsor for the upcoming XRCO Awards Show. I would like to thank them for graciously bowing out upon our request; their sponsorship donation will be refunded in full. I would further like to thank the many people who supported us and are helping to make up for part of the loss of ICM Registry, LLC's sponsorship donation—with special thanks to Jeff Mullen, Axel Braun, and another XRCO benefactor who wishes to remain anonymous. This outpouring of industry support renews my faith in the business and also assures us of another great industry-only awards party when the XRCO celebrates its 28th annual XRCO Awards Show on April 12th at the Hollywood Highlands."
Remaining sponsors for the 2012 XRCO Awards include: Wicked Pictures, Deep Throat Energy Drink, IAFD.com, Evil Angel, Jules Jordan Video, Smash Pictures, X-Play and Pipeline Multimedia.
