"Design Star" Contestant Mikey V. Cops To His Past
So much for my gaydar. I knew Design Star contestants Matt Locke and Michael Stribling were gay. But I had no idea that Design Star design hunk/cop Michael Verdugo a.k.a. Mikey V. was gay until a friend forwarded me an article from the Broward-Palm Beach New Times chronicling Mikey V.'s claims that he was the victim of discrimination at the hands of a superior on the Hollywood Police Department.
According to the article, which was written last year, Mikey V. told Internal Affairs investigators that in addition to making anti-gay remarks in front of him, his alleged abuser took a digital camera used to shoot evidence, opened up his jeans and took a picture of his own crotch, later watching for an unsuspecting Mikey V.'s reaction as he scrolled through the pictures on the camera.
If that's true, it is pathetic.
Hopefully, Mikey V. will win Design Star and get his own show on HGTV. Then he can devote his time to creating arresting interior design, which appears to be his true passion.
Mikey V. certainly shows promise and stands out not only for his design ability but his carpentry skills. Plus, he's a hottie and has a great on-camera presence. I could definitely see him following the footsteps of another cute, charming and talented gay designer, David Bromstad, and winning the Design Star title.
Is anyone else impressed by Mikey V., and am I the only one who had no idea this gorgeous guy played for our team?
Originally posted by Carter Todd
I noticed that Mikey V did not talk about any kind of relationship which sends up a flag (no pun intended). Then during the episode when the other Mike got booted, his comment to the other Mike who was making fun of Tracee's god awful Italian room, he looked a Mike S., smiled and said,"you just love making drama don't you?" Most straight men do not use the word "drama" in their converstations with other men. That little conservation, just the way it was, let me know that YUP, Mikey V plays on the Gay Team.
Love Matt's hot chest! They could show more of him shirtless to my pleasure.
Think it'll be Trish, Mikey V and the artistic blond (can't think of her name)who will be the remaining 3 inwhich the finally two will chosen from. It would be great to have another gay male win!
Posted by: Mike | July 09, 2008 at 12:01 PM
My gaydar isn't that accurate, but I picked Mikey V right away. He seems to have enough presence and projects a great image. He doesn't mind showing himself off, either.
Posted by: Paul | July 09, 2008 at 03:14 PM
who cares? anyone can act str8>? and he has no skill or past experience but his own house! let a person with years of expertise win, not some shamltzy guy who plays on the simpathy of gays! sorri that dont work anymore!
Posted by: jon f. | July 09, 2008 at 03:45 PM
OMG... Has anyone else noticed how Vern Yip has a fucking orgasm everytime Mikey V starts talking. LOL Mikey V is such a hottie, and he doesn't cry. Very just trips me out the way his eyes get so big and that big sweet smile... MMMMMMM
Posted by: Keith | July 09, 2008 at 05:52 PM
In reference to Michael Stribling, everyone reacts to situations in different ways. Give the man a break. Like any of us made it to the show.... right?
Posted by: Keith | July 09, 2008 at 05:56 PM
Ok...I'm sure the tensions were high and the people were all very much into the whole deal. That's a given. but to cry over simple things as they were? What would happen if they, as a designer, were hired to do a job and the client told them they didn't like it. They'd cry for sure. Good thing they were found out prior to giving them a show.
Posted by: Dan | July 09, 2008 at 06:05 PM
I personally know Mickey V, in fact, he is my cousin and sorry FELLAS but he is not GAY.. Mickey has a girlfriend and they are getting married soon. STOP steroytyping peple- not every good looking guy is gay and to do so is disgusting and sickening. I'm so freaking tired of gay people trying to ruin people's personal life...Every time a good looking guy steps up to the spotlight you guys go after by making up degrading stories,,,Aren't you people sick enough?
Posted by: mickey'scousin | July 09, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Coolarmydude: Isn't this a stereotype? "Every time a good looking guy steps up to the spotlight you guys go after by making up degrading stories". Get a life.
Posted by: Paul | July 09, 2008 at 11:05 PM
So, your MICKEY'SCOUSIN?.....uh wouldn't that be Mikey...rather than Mickey? and I could say...maybe it's a typo, but you typed it more than once.........AND......read the damned article in the newspaper and it has his name on it......with a huge gay incident........uh, get it dude?
Posted by: JR | July 10, 2008 at 01:32 AM
I had no idea Mikey V was gay. I am also from South Florida and saw a recent interview with him and preview of his home when he was starting on the show. He's got great talent and killer smile. Congrats
Posted by: George | July 10, 2008 at 02:25 AM
i knew mike v was gay, because i saw him at gay clubs.
and saw him online on gay chats.
Posted by: nick | July 10, 2008 at 04:39 AM
Paul, I didn't make the comment, "Every time a good looking guy steps up to the spotlight you guys go after by making up degrading stories." That was mikey'scousin.
Posted by: coolarmydude | July 10, 2008 at 08:06 AM
This is to Carter Todd - author of this article. I am amazed that you succumbed to Michael Stribling and edited your article because he complained about what you wrote about him. In this day and age when a reality show contestant signs up to share a piece of their life with the nation. The "nation" can respond back, and you shared your opinion. But I cannot believe that you edited your article because of that nasty crybaby. I'm glad he got booted from the show. It just goes to show the nastiness that Michael Stribling has doesn't win in the end. I'm sorry Carter that you can't be true to yourself.
Posted by: JR | July 10, 2008 at 08:44 PM
JR, in all honesty, Michael Stribling had nothing to do with the story and the way it was written had me take a double take. It should have been edited out before publication.
But two posts to Michael Stribling's complaint, one of them mine, was removed when telling a certain contestant that he needs to grow thicker skin. On the other hand, there is still a post defending Michael Stribling that remains posted. Quite unnerving, indeed.
GAY.COM, you are weak! Is this what we pay for?
Posted by: coolarmydude | July 11, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Check out a certain porn star named Jeremy Wess, but you didn't hear it from me.
Posted by: bill | July 11, 2008 at 04:48 PM
I think it's funny that Mikey V's supposedly straight cousin blogged that Mikey V is straight. Why would a supposedly straight cousin be on here looking at this news? Get real! Mikey V is ok with me either way. Not everyone has to shout out their sexuality. Being a cop made him suppress those more blatent sexual innuendos. I think someday he'll call me and want me to be his boyfriend,,,,and I will...if he'll decorate my house!
Posted by: Roy Bass | July 12, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I think people should just relax, who cares if he is gay or not. Mikey, certainly has talent and he is pretty sexy too. Whether he is gay or not should not be an issue!
Posted by: James Sedwick | July 12, 2008 at 02:30 PM
OMG, i just watched the video, iT IS HIM on the bondage porn video!!! He is just a little slimmer and he has hair, but is def him, check out the tattoos on the guy and then compare with Mikey V's tats...same spot, same tattoos! Maybe thats why he was so quiet about it, bc he had done this bondage porn videos, good thing he is not into that anymore, he is a really good designer, I hope he wins! :)
Posted by: Diego | July 12, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Hi everyone,
Just an FYI that when links are posted in the comments section of this blog that link out to X-rated sites (such as the one posted earlier), they will be removed immediately. I'm happy to report that this was the first time anyone's ever done that, so keep up the good work!
Thanks,
Jenny
Posted by: Jenny Stewart | July 12, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Seriously? Scandalous...
Posted by: coolarmydude | July 13, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Mikey V.. even has a gay porn past under the name Jeremy Wess there was video he did he was on the cover find it. JEREMY WESS..
Posted by: guy | July 13, 2008 at 03:00 PM
So...Mikey V was removed from the show tonight :( but not for his design skills. He's got great design ideas and left the show with a good attitude. I saw some of his work on a tv interview and he's got a good eye for design. Till next time Mikey! George, Miami
Posted by: George | July 13, 2008 at 10:30 PM
I realized I knew him from somewhere on last week's show...then it just hit me...my friends and I used to call him "Fine Michael" had a friend that was sort of friends with him. Anyhow, yes he is gay, I used to see him at gay clubs in South Beach all the time. I just read that he is a cop in Hollywood and felt proud since I'm a popo also. I don't know why anyone would reharsh this from his past is going to ruin his career as a police officer. It's in the past it should've stayed there. I wish him the best of luck.
Posted by: Alex, Miami | July 14, 2008 at 03:46 AM
I realized I knew him from somewhere on last week's show...then it just hit me...my friends and I used to call him "Fine Michael" had a friend that was sort of friends with him. Anyhow, yes he is gay, I used to see him at gay clubs in South Beach all the time. I just read that he is a cop in Hollywood and felt proud since I'm a popo also. I don't know why anyone would reharsh this from his past is going to ruin his career as a police officer. It's in the past it should've stayed there. I wish him the best of luck.
Posted by: Alex, Miami | July 14, 2008 at 03:47 AM
OMG, that is just too funny. I noticed that too. Vern does feel that Mikey V. (hehe) "Deserves" a major hard on.
Mikey V. is my type of gay man. We need more like him!
His work is OK as far as design, I think he is more into the contruction aspect of it as a hobby.
I like him as a better GAY then the 1st design star, David right?
David is an awesome artist & designer that works well with his clients.
As far as the sexual harrasment article goes, it seems to be missing some key info.
I am curious to know who assaulted who and I thought if a cop was arrested for anything that they would lose their job.
If Mikey V. does have a violent streek within himself maybe it is better to take someon like that off the Police Force before they kill someones kid
Posted by: sanDi Ego Greg | July 14, 2008 at 04:43 AM
Mikey V looks like he uses large drills. Vroom vroom. He can design my backyard anytime.
Posted by: HP | July 17, 2008 at 01:52 AM
I loved Mikey V. and thought he was defintitely a hottie and he had some carpentry skills and I really would have liked to see him win and showcase more of his signature style on the show !!! Matt is sexy too and I love his chest and he's got a nice physique also:-) I also like the fact that both of them did not play the "gay" card on TV by not being overly queeny or dramatic (ala Michael) and focused on the tasks at hand !!! Mikey is hot, sexy and talented and he definitely has a fan in me !!! I
Posted by: D. | July 25, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Okay, first and foremost.Responding to the comment made by "Mikey V's Cousin"... If he has a girlfriend and they are getting married soon, wouldn't she actually be called his fiance then? Seriously doubt his cousin isn't gay and he's just browsing every website online trying to prove that his cousin is "not gay". ROFL to you sir.
Posted by: Michael Robert | July 27, 2008 at 02:10 PM