Flava Works Puts Heat on Sizzle Miami Over Advertising

MIAMI — One of the most popular urban gay events in the U.S. has been hit with claims that it used Flava Works' images to promote its annual show last year.

Flava Works, in a suit filed last week, says Sizzle Miami used "multiple" images of its models for its website and email blasts, as well as a print publication, to promote its Memorial Day weekend affair that attracts thousands for a five days in Miami. Sizzle Miami's dominant demographic is men of color, followed by those who like them.

Flava Works, headquartered in Miami with a satellite office in Chicago, produces gay websites featuring black and Latino men. It operates Cocodorm.com, PapiCock.com, ThugBoy.com, CocoBoyz.com and FlavaMen.com. Its Thugsforsex.com website is an online dating portal for black and Latin men, while FlavaMen is a quarterly print production.

The suit, filed at U.S. District Court in Miami, says that Sizzle Miami used copyrighted photos that include well-known gay performers Baby Star, DeAngelo Jackson, Matrix and Xavier Vega.

Flava Works said in the complaint that Sizzle Miami used its trademarks in order to increase its profits.

"[Sizzle Miami] without authorizations used [Flava Works] copyrighted images in the promotion of its events," the suit said. "[S]izzle’s business model depends in part on the notability of those whom attend its events.

Flava Works CEO Phillip Bleicher told XBIZ that Sizzle Miami has a "history of violating others' copyrights and saying sorry later."

He noted that Sizzle Miami continues to advertise Flava Works-branded images on its site that advertises its Memorial Day 2011 event.

"[Sizzle] had no right to use our intellectual property to promote their products and services," he said. "By doing so it diluted our valuable trademarks and is causing confusion among consumers that believe Flava Works endorses his products.

"We filed this lawsuit as part of the overall process to vigorously defend and protect our copyrights and trademarks."

Sizzle Miami co-owner Dwight Powell, who is named to the suit along with co-owner Luis Medrano, told XBIZ he couldn't immediately respond to the suit.

"We don't have a statement because we just got word of the complaint this past Saturday," he said. "The matter has been referred to our attorney."

The copyright suit seeks an injunction against using the photos for future use, as well as damages and attorneys fees.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

New Pleasure Product Review Site 'ToyChats' Launches

ToyChats.com, a pleasure product review and discussion site, has officially launched.

AEBN Reveals Jade Venus as Top Trans Star for Q1 of 2025

AEBN has named its top trans stars for the first quarter of 2025, with Jade Venus landing atop the leaderboard.

SexLikeReal Debuts 'AI Passthrough' Feature

SexLikeReal has introduced an AI Passthrough for video editing during VR livestreaming.

Show More