To CocoDorm Members May 9, 2007

As you know, two bloggers, Jasmine Cannick and Bernard J. Tarver willingly and knowingly posted an HIV/STD story next to a picture of three CocoDorm Models, and in so doing implied that the models where HIV/STD positive. Flava Works sent a DMCA notice claiming that the images they used are copyright protected. We did not try to silence them, why would we encourage our members to voice their support if we wanted the blogs down? They simply choose to ignore the danger their implications were causing and their own webhost took action. If you read Keith Boykin's blog, you will see no mention of the real issue - that the media and city are trying to regulate what a person does in their own home, but instead, they focus on allegations of HIV & STD's. Why can't these African-American leaders stand up in support of free speech and expression instead of targeting the CocoDorm models and staff?

We have been a "condom only" company since even before our move to Miami and the often cited "Raw Thugs" is a series that has long been discontinued. While the Chicago's Department of Health may sound damning, let us clarify that first of all, as sad as it is, these numbers are in line with national averages. Also, models that tested positive for an STDs were forbidden to participate in any sort of sexual group activity and were usually sent home. The discovery of the models applicant STD's status were the result of the application process, once the test results are known, the model is sent home and not permitted to work. We test our models and Chicago decided to punish us for it. The only reason the city knew about infections was because we voluntarily test. Models usually stay only 30 days at the dorm, but HIV can stay dormant for months. How can we be responsible for any of these infections? The Chicago report fails to mention that these infections are of people who are APPLYING to be a CocoDorm model.

One final thought, in the last 48 hours, we have received thousands of telephone calls, emails and support tickets in support (and a few go fuck off ones too!) and we want to thank you all for your loyalty and support. CocoDorm is not closing and we will be around for many years to come!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Posted May 10, 2007 on CocoDorm.com

Well, the news story ran and it was all bogus.

Our question goes to Jeff Burnside, why didn't you investigate who sent this anonymous packet which contains pictures and videos from our site along with a slanderous letter that referred to the CocoDorm as a "whore house". Remember, this packet of porn was delivered to over 25 houses in the neighborhood unsolicited.

The city of Miami came to the CocoDorm yesterday under NBC6's pressure and gave us 5 citations. Here they are:
1) Illegal rooming house. FALSE, we do not charge anyone rent.
2) Adult entertainment not permitted in C-1 zone property. FALSE, we do not run "Adult Entertainment" on the property.
3) Failure to Maintain Exterior of Commercial or Residential Property. FALSE, the lawn is cut and the yard is clean.
4) Failure to maintain lot in safe, clean condition; not allowing accumulation of debris, trash or dense growth of grass. FALSE, the yard is in good condition.
5) Illegally operating a business in a residential zone. FALSE, we are not running a business at the property, all business and servers are off-site.

We have until May 18th to correct these citations or face a fine. We will be vigorously fighting this matter in court and seek to reveal the persons and company behind this "anonymous" letter and seek civil damages.

Also, it seems that a handful of self-proclaimed black gay and lesbian leaders are denouncing the CocoDorm and the models, implying that our models have STD's and are practicing unsafe Sex. We encourage our members to show their support of the CocoDorm by visiting these bloggers and posting comments to their blogs in favor of CocoDorm and the models.

Let us assure you that the CocoDorm is 100% SAFE and we will not close.

Thanks
CocoDorm Staff & Models!!