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Jonathan Plummer: "I'm Ready for People to See Me for Who I Am"

Several weeks ago we chatted up the latest chapter in the life of Jonathan Plummer—the ex-husband of novelist Terry McMillan came out as gay two years ago during acrimonious divorce proceedings. Plummer has become a novelist in his own right and this weekend begins his book tour for Balancing Act.

Plummer tells Southern Voice his story of a young Jamaican man swept away by a powerful black American woman is "fiction with a purpose, and it’s a funny and sexy story. It mirrors my life and it mirrors my coming out process, but the main character Justin Blakeman is a hero, and I don’t really consider myself a hero.”

The main character’s acceptance of his sexual orientation is more immediate and honest than Plummer’s real-life experience, which is why the author considers his protagonist a hero. Having transitioned from an icon of love to the epitome of deception, Plummer wants readers to know that while he’s no angel, he’s not the backstabbing, villainous liar McMillan has made him out to be.

“It really caught me off guard the way she responded and how bitter she is,” Plummer says. “I came out, I wasn’t found out, and I want people to know that. She’s been telling a lot of people she caught me, but that’s definitely not true—I decided to be truthful to her.”

If you have several minutes, make sure you catch the SoVo interview. Jonathan comes across as multi-dimensional—warm, sympathetic, and, as having some depth. Some of these qualities have been lacking in Plummer's media appearances; he literally is coming into his own.

“I’m a good, loving person, I think, and so hopefully people are ready to see me for who I am."

How Jonathan Got His Groove Back [SoVo]
Balancing Act [Amazon]

Some Background ...
Terry McMillan's Ex-Husband Becomes a Novelist [R20]
Terry McMillan Sues Ex-Husband for $40 Million [R20]
Coming to a Megaplex Near You [R20]
How Jonathan Got His Groove Back [R20]
Couldn't I See the Signs? [R20]
How Do You Not Know That You Are Gay? [R20]
Exclusive: The Terry McMillan Interview [R20]
On the Next Oprah [R20]
Clik on Jonathan [R20]
The "Invisible" Man Returns [R20]

Terry McMillan's Ex-Husband Becomes a "Racy" Novelist

Yet another chapter in the never-ending soap opera between bestselling novelist Terry McMillan and ex-husband Jonathan Plummer. Actually, more than one chapter—the former boy-toy who came out as gay two years ago now becomes a novelist in his own right.

Balancing Act: A Novel, co-written with Karen Hunter, hits the shelves on September 4. Simon & Schuster describes it "a sexy and satisfying novel as deliciously racy as the life he lived." According to the summary, the novel reads like Jackie Collins with equal parts Janice Dickinson and Boys N Da Hood:

Plummer's book...features a handsome Jamaican man living an ordinary life until a powerhouse of a woman—who owns a modeling agency—discovers him and whisks him into her world. It helps that he has, according to the press release, "hazel green eyes offset by dark chocolate skin" as well as a "perfect body and defiant attitude." All make the woman's "palms sweat" and a relationship ensues, but wait! The young man "discovers a hidden hunger for a male model."

Reportedly this novel was the basis for McMillan's $40 million lawsuit which claimed Plummer tried to "humiliate and embarrass" her during their highly publicized divorce. McMillan—who has been criticized for several uncharitable remarks she made regarding Plummer and black gay men— says she intends to write her own novel based on her experience with Plummer.

McMillan's Ex Writes Novel of His Own [SJMN]

Some Background ...

Terry McMillan Sues Ex-Husband for $40 Million [R20]
Coming to a Megaplex Near You [R20]
How Jonathan Got His Groove Back [R20]
Couldn't I See the Signs? [R20]
How Do You Not Know That You Are Gay? [R20]
Exclusive: The Terry McMillan Interview [R20]
On the Next Oprah [R20]
Clik on Jonathan [R20]
The "Invisible" Man Returns [R20]

Terry McMillan Sues Ex-Husband Jonathan Plummer for $40 Million

The Terry McMillan - Jonathan Plummer soap opera continues...

Now, the best-selling author is suing her ex-husband for a whopping $40 million, claiming that he tried to "humiliate and embarrass" her during their highly publicized 2005 divorce.

McMillan filed the complaint yesterday in Contra Costa County Superior Court. The action claims Plummer, who is native to Jamaica, married McMillan in 1998 with the sole purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship. McMillan's allegations also include "emotional distress, invasion of privacy and placing her in a 'false light' to harm her professionally and personally." McMillan also claims Plummer violated a restraining order ... by calling her to speak with her son.

Plummer is 23 years McMillan's junior and their whirlwind, tropical romance inspired her best-selling 1996 novel, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, which was later adapted for the big-screen staring Angela Bassett and Taye Diggs. Plummer later came out of the closet, announced that he was gay, and, that began a roller-coaster tabloid divorce. The couple eventually settled for an undisclosed amount.

In November 2005, McMillan and Plummer appeared on Oprah as part of a heavily-promoted "reconciliation" that, more or less, reconciled nothing. At the time, some criticized Plummer for cheating on his wife during their marriage and accused him of being a fortune-hunter.

Others took issue with McMillan's language toward Jonathan—including calling him a "faggot"—and her alarmist charges regarding the "down-low" and HIV. In addition, it was disclosed at the end of the segment that Oprah Winfrey had purchased the film rights to McMillan's The Interruption of Everything, which debuted on the charts that week, leading some to speculate on a conflict of interest.

Regardless of whose side you take, Plummer's story—growing up in a homophobic culture, facing a hostile public when coming out, etc—illustrates why so many black gay men remain in the closet.

You'll recall, exactly one year ago we had several long conversations with Terry McMillan after her controversial cover profile at Clik, which followed Jonathan Plummer's own cover profile.. At the time, the author revealed that she was considering litigation because, in her words, Jonathan was attempting to "extort" money beyond their settlement. Terry also said she had been threatened, and, at the time, sounded genuinely concerned about her well-being and that of her son.

Jonathan Plummer is now a hair stylist in Northern California. Even if McMillan were to prevail in the litigation—and she certainly could drag out the process, given her resources—it's unlikely the millionaire author would ever collect a monetary judgment.

Author Terry McMillan sues ex-husband for $40 million [Contra Costa Times]

Some Background ...

Coming to a Megaplex Near You [R20] How Jonathan Got His Groove Back [R20] Couldn't I See the Signs? [R20] How Do You Not Know That You Are Gay? [R20] Exclusive: The Terry McMillan Interview [R20] On the Next Oprah ... [R20] Clik on Jonathan [R20] The "Invisible" Man Returns [R20]

How Jonathan Got His Groove Back

Jonathan Plummer and Terry McMillan's much-reported marital- and post-marital difficulties are about to become even more melodramatic. If that's possible. Now comes word that life truly imitates art:

McMillan's hairstylist ex-husband, Jonathan Plummer, signed a book deal with Simon & Schuster for a fictionalized tell-all account based on his decadelong relationship with McMillan, whose own novel and movie about their early romance, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, was an international best-seller.

Plummer's roman a clef is branded with the not-so-original title Balancing Act and is sheduled for release this summer. He says the novelization of his coming out story will be cathartic for other closeted men. "A black woman scorned is the worst kind of scorn—and I've felt it from Terry,'' Plummer said. "That's why I'm doing this (book)—to help (black men who have come out of the closet) and to give my spin on things.''

Jonathan's "spin" may seem more than a little delayed, seeing that it's been more than 15 months since the couple divorced and made their much-hyped "reunion" appearance on Oprah. Or, maybe not. Given McMillan's own upcoming book, as well as a fresh round of charges, countercharges and restraining orders by both sides—McMillan has emailed reporters claiming to be afraid to leave her home, and says "I just do not want to end up dead because no one did anything to stop him"—the timing seems jperfect.

Author, Ex-Hubby Mired in Post-Divorce Warfare (Chron)

Some Background ...

Coming to a Megaplex Near You (Rod 2.0) Couldn't I See the Signs? (Rod 2.0) How Do You Not Know That You Are Gay? (Rod 2.0) Exclusive: The Terry McMillan Interview (Rod 2.0) On the Next Oprah ... (Rod 2.0) Clik on Jonathan (Rod 2.0) The "Invisible" Man Returns (Rod 2.0)

More Clik

In addition to Terry McMillan's take-no-prisoners interview that has been discussed here and elsewhere, several features in the latest Clik have caught our attention:

The full-page profile of Rashad Robinson, the Director of Regional Media for GLAAD. He says that visibility is key to empowering black gays and lesbians. "The only way we're going to change [homophobia] or make a change in people's lives, in the most fundamental way, is through changing hearts and minds by telling our stories."

Staff writer Scott Bogan writes a thought-provoking essay on the health crisis in our community and the need for involvement. His tone is similar to Keith Boykin's recent essay in Clik regarding complacency, and, his recent call for the type of direct action that confronted AIDS in the 1980s.

The special five-page feature on nutrition and fitness. Back in December, we noted that the sometimes-overlooked health and lifestyle features were becoming our favorites. The magazine has snagged Bally as a new advertiser and the section is complete with recipes, exercise tips and all that good stuff. Summertime is here, that means tank tops and square cut shorts, nah mean?

There are two fashion layouts—and editorial and a runway report. The layout is fun and creative but it's the runway boys that grab our ... umm, attention. These are previews from New York City's recent Fall Fashion Week. There is a subtle, organic sensuality to fall clothes, no? Plus, the models are stellar and very grown n' sexy. We like. :-)

The entertainment round-up is easy on the eyes and heavy on the laughs. Three dozen celebrities are profiled in "Rumors, Lies & Half-truths," including Rod 2.0 usual suspects such as Usher, 50 Cent, Omarion, Halle and, yes, Whitney "Crack is Whack" Houston. There are some interesting observations on Ray J and T.I. that even we missed. T-Pro interviews the lovely and talented Heather Headley. The diva says that her new husband is the inspiration for much of In My Mind.

This issue is not as large as other recent editions but there is more than enough content. Puma and several other new multinational brands have purchased full-pagers, so, it's obvious the magazine is doing well. As Martha sez, that's a good thing.

Probably the best-written article in this issue is Craig Washington's two-pager that essays the legacy of the late Coretta Scott King. But if you're looking for something that was written by yours truly ... sorry, nothing in this issue. We'll be in the next.

Previously:

Rod 2.0 Exclusive: The Terry McMillan Interview (Rod 2.0)

January Clikque (Rod 2.0)

December Clikque (Rod 2.0)

Fall Clikque (Rod 2.0)

"The Down Low Exposed"

Do you remember that utterly bizarre season of Dallas when Pam Ewing awoke in the finale and we learned that it was all just a bad dream?

That's exactly the same premise behind the re-invention of J.L. King and his special tomorrow night on BET, The Down Low Exposed. King has immensely profited from the hype surrounding the "down low" and, it's just a little too late to try to take him seriously as a post-gay black man.

Supposedly, this is "a probing look into the world of men with wives or girlfriends who also secretly engage in sex with other men." We're not sure that this will be adequately addressed. Instead, some reviews, like today's Hollywood Reporter, have noticed the hype: "If there are any official statistics or research on the phenomenon, you won't find it in this." Terry McMillan's participation—her "last interview on the subject"—has been the most highly promoted aspect of the "documentary." Our position is more than obvious regarding some of the best-selling author's statements on gay men and the down low. However, we've had several recent long discussions with Terry, and, are willing to withhold judgment until the broadcast. But the network's promo copy is clearly inflammatory "on the subject of her ex-husband who hid his gay lifestyle."

Who else should we look forward to seeing on the J.L. King special? Let's see, there's the "exclusive interview with his former wife Brenda Stone-Browder"—not sure about the exclusivity factor, since they've been touring together and interviewing since last summer. There are also interviews with AIDS activist Maria Davis (who also works with the BET AIDS foundation); sex therapist and UCLA professor Dr. Gail Wyatt; author Scott Poulson Bryant; director Bill Duke, who is developing a movie on the down-low; Black AIDS Institute Executive Director Phill Wilson, and, Pastor O.C. Allen, the openly gay minister of the Vision Church of Atlanta.

You'd expect more from BET's "news" division—especially since they scrapped their nightly broadcast to concentrate on specials. Bill Duke's inclusion is even more odd because his unfinished film is already drawing criticism as inaccurate. As we said, the Pam Ewing season finale to a long nightmare.

BET Presents Down Low Exposed (BET)

Low Down on the Down Low (AOL Black Voices)

The Down Low Exposed (Hollywood Reporter)

Return of the Down Low (Keith Boykin)

J.L. King Launches Just Living Atlanta (the brotherlove)

Previously:

The House That DL Built (Rod 2.0) On the Next Oprah ... (Rod 2.0) A Conversation with Keith Boykin (Rod 2.0) And Now—Back to the Down Low (Keith Boykin) Bill Duke (SGL Café) The "Invisible" Man Returns (Rod 2.0) Coming to a Megaplex Near You (Rod 2.0) Couldn't I See the Signs? (Rod 2.0) The DL Chronicles (Rod 2.0) Kirk Franklin: Gays and the Black Church (Rod 2.0)

Rod 2.0 Exclusive: The Terry McMillan Interview

If you hoped that a final divorce decree or even the Oprah infomercial/"reunion" would be the end of Terry McMillan's comments on her well-publicized split with Jonathan Plummer, we were all wrong. The formerly best-selling author strikes back and bares it all to the most unlikely choice—Clik.

After last month's cover story on Plummer, the author personally contacted Clik and requested equal-time by writer L. Michael Gibson. The result is cover story The Interruption of Everything, named after her current book. It'll change everything that you thought you knew about the author. "He’s pimping the gay community," McMillan claims. The interview is required reading on so many levels. Terry McMillan denies that Oprah "or the media has sympathized with me" and denies that she seeks publicity. Furthermore, McMillan claims that she has been "persecuted" by gay black men, and, says that the negative press has actually hurt book sales and cost her money. The final bomb: "That’s why I’m suing Jonathan for libel, slander and defamation of character."

Strap yourselves in and grab a martini for the exclusive preview of the Clik/Terry McMillan Interview that will be available next week:

On her image within the gay community:

People have no idea of all he’s done to me behind closed doors. It’s unfortunate that the gay community—particularly the black gay community—seems to have this attitude of taking pleasure in other people’s misfortune. And as a result they have a misconception of me.

On gay men in the closet:

He lied to me. He deceived me. And the only thing the gay community knows is "Oh poor Johnny, he was locked in the closet" as if I put his ass in there.

Clik on Jonathan

Oakland's Club Rimshot hosted the West Coast premiere of the newly-redesigned Clik. Left to right: Joe Hawkins, Club Rimshot; Dwight Powell, editor/publisher, Clik; and Jonathan Plummer. Streaming video here where Jonathan says he is excited to make the February cover. "I've never been on the cover of a magazine. People are curious about what I have to say, so, hopefully we'll see how it goes."

This is the first time that Plummer will be interviewed by a gay publication. He sets the record straight after that unfortunate three-ring circus. Duane Cramer lenses the cover and the accompanying pictorial.

Streaming Video: Jonathan Plummer (Club Rimshot)

Previously:

Coming to a Megaplex Near You (Rod 2.0) DL Chronicles Interview (Rod 2.0) January Clikque (Rod 2.0) December Clikque (Rod 2.0)

What A Difference A Day Makes

Let's check on the Amazon-ranking of Terry McMillan's The Interruption of Everything.

One day before the Oprah infommercial: 2805 One day after the Oprah infommercial: 190

We could say that we told you so but, well ... we told you so.

Coming to a Megaplex Near You

Terry McMillan and ex-husband Jonathan Plummer's much-promoted Oprah reunion was not at all what we expected. While Terry's trademark head- and eye-rolling dominated the show, she only raised her voice occasionally. Jonathan was given a warm welcome and allowed to explain his story; he was cross-examined, not demonized. Terry smiled when her now gay ex-husband walked onto the stage, and spent much of the next hour laughing and joking with him, touching and playing with the man she once-called a "sociopath." This was much like any normal hour of couple's counseling. The highly-anticipated, WWE-style smack down was nowhere to be seen.

Another fine example of Oprah's amazing powers to heal?

Hardly. The talk show hostess strategically disclosed another motivation at the very end of the show, as credits rolled and sponsor tapes were cued. You may have already been in the bathroom or flipping to another channel.