Revision as of 00:11, 10 June 2015 editGwennie-nyan (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers, Rollbackers3,400 edits Location congruencyTag: Visual edit← Previous edit | Revision as of 01:45, 10 June 2015 edit undoFlyer22 Frozen (talk | contribs)365,630 edits Revert per WP:BLP; you need better sources for this material. Crocker is always changing between genders. Do not revert. I am taking this matter to the WP:BLP noticeboard.Next edit → | ||
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{{For|the athlete|Chris Crocker (American football)}} | {{For|the athlete|Chris Crocker (American football)}} | ||
{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| name = |
| name = Chris Crocker | ||
| image = |
| image = Chris Crocker - 2015.jpg | ||
| caption = Crocker |
| caption = Crocker in 2015 | ||
| birth_name = Christopher Darren Cunningham | | birth_name = Christopher Darren Cunningham | ||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|12|7}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1987|12|7}} | ||
| birth_place = ], US | | birth_place = ], US | ||
| residence = ], United States | | residence = ], ], United States<ref name="youtube.com">{{YouTube|xw3y5cB7MTA}}</ref> | ||
| years active = 2007–present | | years active = 2007–present | ||
| known_for = ], ],<ref name="Chris Crocker channel page"/><ref name="Internet rant reaps its rewards: Performance"/> ], ] and youth issues | | known_for = ], ],<ref name="Chris Crocker channel page"/><ref name="Internet rant reaps its rewards: Performance"/> ], ] and youth issues | ||
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| meme = "Leave Britney alone!" <br />September 10, 2007 | | meme = "Leave Britney alone!" <br />September 10, 2007 | ||
}}}} | }}}} | ||
''' |
'''Chris Crocker''' (born '''Christopher Darren Cunningham'''; December 7, 1987), also known as '''Chris Cunningham-Crocker''', is an American ], ]ger, ], ] and former<!--NOTE: He is not a pornographic actor; it was a temporary thing.--> ] residing in ].<ref name="youtube.com"/><ref name="22 on Monday!">{{cite web|title=22 on Monday!|publisher=]|date=2009-12-06|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xevk9MWI43k|accessdate=2010-02-05}}</ref> Crocker gained international fame in September 2007 from his ] "Leave Britney Alone!", in which he tearfully defended pop singer ]' ] at the ]; his video had over four million views in two days.<ref name="Britney Spears: Bombshell or just plain">{{cite web|last=Ramirez|first=Ramon|title=Britney Spears: Bombshell or just plain bomb?|publisher=]|date=2007-09-13|url= http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2007/09/13/LifeArts/Britney.Spears.Bombshell.Or.Just.Plain.Bomb-2966398.shtml|accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref> The video received international media attention, hundreds of parodies and criticism for Crocker.<ref name="Video: Gay Men's Online War">{{cite web|title=Video: Gay Men's Online War Over Britney Spears|publisher=Javno.hr, Croatia|date=2007-09-12|url=http://www.javno.com/en/lifestyle/clanak.php?id=80116|accessdate= 2007-09-13}}</ref><ref name="Screaming Britney Defense Becomes">{{cite web|last=Davies|first=Shaun|title=Screaming Britney Defense Becomes Net Phenomenon|publisher=National Nine News, Australia|date=2007-09-12|url=http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=295392 | ||
|accessdate=2007-09-13 |
|accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref><ref name="Leave Britney alone! (SHN)">{{cite news|last=Sankey|first=Daniel|title=Leave Britney alone! |publisher=]|date=2007-09-12|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/leave-britney-alone/2007/09/12/1189276861545.html|accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref><ref name="Gal Britney-fan hitter på YouTube">{{cite web|last=Teckemeier|first= Nanna Louise|title=Gal Britney-fan hitter på YouTube|publisher=Ekstra Bladet (Norway)|date=2007-09-12|url=http://ekstrabladet.dk/flash/udlandkendte/article958682.ece|accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref><ref name="Coffee, tea, or how 'bout a decent">{{cite web|last= Roeper|first=Richard|title=Coffee, tea, or how 'bout a decent outfit?: Now THAT'S a performance|publisher=]| date=2007-09-13|url= http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:sCnMqojUUlYJ:findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20070913/ai_n20509494+%22Coffee,+tea,+or+how+%27bout+a+decent+outfit%3F%22&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us |accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref><ref name="'Leave Britney Alone!': Tear-stained">{{cite web|last=Popkin|first=Helen A.S.|title='Leave Britney Alone!': Tear-stained video plea makes YouTube vlogger an Internet rock star|publisher=]|date=2007-09-13|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20750575/|accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref> | ||
Crocker is a self-described "]" who produces and acts in videos.<ref name="Chris Crocker channel page">{{cite web|last=Crocker|first=Chris|title=Chris Crocker channel page|publisher=]|date=2007-09-13|url= https://www.youtube.com/user/itschriscrocker|accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref><ref name="thestranger" /><ref name="2007 YouTube Celebr">{{cite web|last=Nesti| first=Robert|title=2007 YouTube Celebrity Trainwrecks|publisher=Edge Boston|date=2008-01-02|url=http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=entertainment&sc=celebrities&sc2=features&sc3=&id=54235 |accessdate=2008-02-05}}</ref><ref name="MySpace Chris Crock">{{cite web|last=Crocker|first=Chris|title=MySpace Chris Crocker 20|publisher=]|date=2007-09-11|url=https://www.myspace.com/chriscrocker|accessdate=2007-09-13 |
Crocker is a self-described "]" who produces and acts in videos.<ref name="Chris Crocker channel page">{{cite web|last=Crocker|first=Chris|title=Chris Crocker channel page|publisher=]|date=2007-09-13|url= https://www.youtube.com/user/itschriscrocker|accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref><ref name="thestranger" /><ref name="2007 YouTube Celebr">{{cite web|last=Nesti| first=Robert|title=2007 YouTube Celebrity Trainwrecks|publisher=Edge Boston|date=2008-01-02|url=http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=entertainment&sc=celebrities&sc2=features&sc3=&id=54235 |accessdate=2008-02-05}}</ref><ref name="MySpace Chris Crock">{{cite web|last=Crocker|first=Chris|title=MySpace Chris Crocker 20|publisher=]|date=2007-09-11|url=https://www.myspace.com/chriscrocker|accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref> In almost all of his adolescent works, he presents himself as an ] ] and ] Southerner in a "small-minded town" in the ] where his ] and outspokenness are a "subtext... rarely addressed directly and never completely accepted".<ref name="thestranger"/><ref name="2007 YouTube Celebr"/> The ]-based Crocker, a stage name, kept his identity and exact location private due to safety concerns, and death threats in response to his ] and ] ]s and profile until he was no longer a teenager.<ref name="thestranger" /><ref name="More "/><ref name="Legions of the Loyal Britney's Fans">{{Cite news|title=Legions of the Loyal Britney's Fans Defend Her Online|url=http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/story?id=3592492&page=1|periodical=]|date=2007-09-12|accessdate= 2007-09-13|first=Russell|last=Goldman}}</ref><ref name="ShowName">{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Azzopardi|title=15 Minutes... More; Chris Crocker can't make pizza. But he's cooked up a smart way to super stardom: Defending Britney |url=http://www.pridesource.com/article.shtml?article=27184|work=Between The Lines; PrideSource.com|date=2007-10-04|accessdate=2007-10-16}}</ref><ref name="salon1">{{cite web|last=Manjoo|first=Farhad|title=Talking to the "Leave Britney Alone!" guy|publisher=]|date= 2007-09-12|url=http://machinist.salon.com/blog/2007/09/12/chris_crocker/|accessdate=2007-09-17}}{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref> According to his MySpace profile, Crocker lived in Los Angeles as of January 2008.<ref name="MySpace Chris Croc"/> In May 2010, Crocker returned home to Tennessee, and solely travels to Los Angeles for business ventures.<ref>Chris Crocker's YouTube Channel</ref> | ||
Crocker's work consists mainly of short-form self-directed ] shot in |
Crocker's work consists mainly of short-form self-directed ] shot in his grandparents' home.<ref name="Crocker hopes to find TV stardom"/> {{As of|October 2010}}, his videos have received a combined 50 million plays on MySpace, and his ] channel on YouTube is the 100th most viewed of all time in all categories, with over 205 million video views.<ref name="Chris Crocker's Videos">{{cite web|title=Chris Crocker's Videos|publisher=]|date=2007-09-13|url= http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.viewVideos&channelid=113936924|accessdate=2008-03-29}}</ref><ref name="Channels Most Viewed : (All Time)">{{cite web|last=YouTube, LLC|title=Channels Most Viewed : (All Time)|publisher=]|date= 2009-01-16|url=https://www.youtube.com/members?s=mv&t=a&g=0&p=1|accessdate=2008-01-26}}</ref> Crocker's detractors and critics have accused him of ], ]tics, ], and using Spears' personal shortcomings to bolster his own fame.<ref name="Coffee, tea, or how 'bout a decent"/><ref name="Me Me Me">{{cite web|title=Me Me Me |publisher=The Times (from ])|date=2008-06-08|url=http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Magazine/Article.aspx?id=777445|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080611032046/http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/Magazine/Article.aspx?id=777445|archivedate=2008-06-11| accessdate=2008-06-13}}</ref><ref name="YouTube Britney Spears fan to get own show">{{cite news|last= Elsworth|first=Catherine|title=YouTube Britney Spears fan to get own show|publisher=Daily Telegraph|date=2007-09-21|url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/09/21/wbritney121.xml|accessdate=2007-09-22 | location=London}}</ref><ref name="Leave Britney Alone Guy Is New Web Star">{{cite news|last=Jafari|first=Samira|title=Leave Britney Alone Guy Is New Web Star|agency= Associated Press|date=2007-09-21|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/21/AR2007092101280.html| accessdate=2008-01-18 | work=The Washington Post}} (original released on AP wire and reprinted elsewhere including The Washington Post)</ref><ref name="Too Much Information">{{cite web|last=Kearney|first=Syd|author2=Andy Olin |author3=Kyrie O'Connor |author4=Bobby Hankinson |author5=Lana Berkowitz |author6=Nadya Shakoor |title=Too Much Information|publisher=Houston Chronicle|date=2007-10-17|url=http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2007_4444541| accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref> Others have accused Crocker of acting in the "Leave Britney Alone!" video, although he insisted it was genuine on a September 2007 appearance on ]'s '']'' show.<ref name="salon1"/><ref name="Britney proves awful is the new awesome">{{cite news|last=Jalees|first=Sabrina|title=Britney Proves Awful is The New Awesome|publisher=]|date=2007-09-20|url=http://www.thestar.com/columnists/article/258280|accessdate=2007-09-22}}</ref><ref name="The Crock Says (youtube)">{{cite web|last=Jupiter|first=P|title=Crocker on Maury Povich| publisher=The Maury Povich Show|date=2007-09-20|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX-OsSQBDDM|accessdate=2007-09-22}}</ref> In 2014, '']'' stated that with Crocker's thousands of ] and ] followers, he is "one of those self-invented social media icons that we love" and that he is "a little messy, more than a little sexy, completely unguarded and fluent in a new language that is changing at lightning speed how we see ourselves and the way the world sees us."<ref name="Baume">{{cite web|last=Baume|first=Matt|title=EXCLUSIVE: Chris Crocker Tells All, Describes His Weird Fame, Gender Transition And Porn Plans|publisher='']''|date=February 7, 2014|accessdate=March 13, 2014|url=http://www.queerty.com/exclusive-chris-crocker-tells-all-describes-his-weird-fame-gender-transition-and-porn-plans-20140207/}}</ref> | ||
==Early life== | ==Early life== | ||
Crocker was born in ] to a teenage couple and was raised by |
Crocker was born in ] to a teenage couple and was raised by his grandparents.<ref name="Crocker hopes to find TV stardom"/> Crocker said he "raised eyebrows" by bringing ] dolls to kindergarten for ] rather than the toys or ]s more conventionally associated with boys.<ref name="Crocker hopes to find TV stardom">{{cite news | last =Jafari | first =Samira | title=Crocker hopes to find TV stardom after Britney video | publisher=Associated Press in ] | date=September 22, 2007|url =http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2007-09-22-crocker-britney_N.htm| accessdate=2007-09-22}}</ref> Crocker continued living in his place of birth throughout his youth, and was ] in response to constant "death threats, ] and glares at his clothes and makeup"<ref name="thestranger">{{Cite news |url=http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Content?oid=232684 |title=Escape from Real Bitch Island |first=Eli |last=Sanders |date=2007-06-30 |accessdate=2007-09-13 |periodical=]}}</ref><ref name="MySpace Chris Croc">{{cite web | last = Crocker | first =Chris | title=MySpace Chris Crocker 20 | publisher=] | date=February 5, 2008 | url =https://www.myspace.com/chriscrocker | accessdate=2008-02-05}}</ref><ref name="Crocker hopes to find TV stardom"/> specifically after allegedly being "harassed by a ] high school gym coach".<ref name="More ">{{cite web | last =Dempster | first =Michael |author2=Jason Kaplan | title=More From "Real Bitch Island" | publisher=] | date=September 12, 2007 | url =http://www.howardstern.com/rundown.hs?d=1189569600#10371 | accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref><ref>{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref> Crocker lived with his ]<ref name="Tops of the Tube">{{cite web | last =Flanigan | first=Kathy| title=Tops of the Tube| publisher=]| date=September 14, 2007| url =http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=672588|accessdate=2007-10-11}}</ref> ] grandparents who continued raising him when his teenage parents were not able. While his grandfather reportedly knows little about his Internet fame, his grandmother has reluctantly appeared in some of his videos.<ref name="thestranger"/><ref name="Crocker hopes to find TV stardom"/><ref name="Leave Britney Alone Jimmy Kimmel Live!">{{cite web| last =visiontellie2| title=Chris Crocker "Leave Britney Alone" Jimmy Kimmel Live!| publisher=YouTube| date=September 14, 2007| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOR5lzVvMic| accessdate=2007-09-15}}{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref> | ||
==Vlogging career== | ==Vlogging career== | ||
===Style and building a following=== | ===Style and building a following=== | ||
Crocker's uncensored and "unfiltered" ] has been attributed to |
Crocker's uncensored and "unfiltered" ] has been attributed to his isolation as an "], Southern, flamboyantly ]" adolescent in a "small-minded town" in the Bible Belt.<ref name="thestranger"/> His ] and outspokenness have been described as a "subtext... rarely addressed directly and never completely accepted" in his hometown.<ref name="thestranger"/> According to Crocker, when his grandmother found out that he was gay, she initially "said that needed an ]".<ref name="thestranger"/> Crocker, who laments his town's lack of ], said, "The only gay ] where I live is in my bedroom" as he held up a rainbow frosted cupcake.<ref name="something">{{cite web | ||
|last =strangervideo| authorlink =The Stranger (newspaper)|title=Chris Crocker on Seattle Gay Pride| publisher=YouTube| date=August 14, 2007| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVRmAzpoMJ8| accessdate=2007-09-16}}</ref> |
|last =strangervideo| authorlink =The Stranger (newspaper)|title=Chris Crocker on Seattle Gay Pride| publisher=YouTube| date=August 14, 2007| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVRmAzpoMJ8| accessdate=2007-09-16}}</ref> He added, "We don't have ] and ] here. We have MySpace. We don't have ], we have outhouses."<ref name="What You Need To Know About...2008"/> | ||
Crocker's earliest experience with online networking was as an editor of an ], where |
Crocker's earliest experience with online networking was as an editor of an ], where he met his first boyfriend, with whom he was only able to interact online and by phone. Crocker later found another online forum, where his acting skills helped him blend in on a free phone party line run out of Los Angeles "filled with flaming black men, black ]s, and ] from ]", where he was outed as white and dubbed "]".<ref name="thestranger"/> In June 2006, after years of experience on the Internet, Crocker started uploading self-produced videos, characterized as his "singularly bizarre and angry take on gay life and his intolerant town".<ref name="thestranger"/> | ||
Although |
Although his chart-topping video defending Britney Spears drew the attention of the wider public, Crocker had already become one of the most-watched video producers on MySpace and YouTube, having gathered what ] described as a "]".<ref name="'Leave Britney Alone!': Tear-stained" /><ref name="salon1" /><ref name="Variety deal">{{cite news | last =Adalian | first =Josef|title='Britney' guy may get TV gig | publisher=] | date=September 18, 2007 | url =http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972243.html?categoryid=1009&cs=1 | accessdate=2007-09-19}}</ref> Prior to Crocker's defense of Spears, some of the more than sixty videos he had posted to the two ] websites had already been viewed more than a million times each, and his YouTube channel was in the top rankings.<ref name="salon1"/> Some of the videos were only posted on one site or the other, many becoming "] hits".<ref name="thestranger"/> | ||
In May 2007, Crocker was the subject of a lengthy profile in the Seattle ] '']'', which discussed |
In May 2007, Crocker was the subject of a lengthy profile in the Seattle ] '']'', which discussed his Internet fame prior to and after the "Leave Britney Alone!" video, and the adversities he has faced.<ref name="thestranger" /> He is considered bold and seething "flares sent up by a young gay man marooned in a sea of ]" who is stuck in a small town that "can't tolerate homosexuality and punishes flamboyance."<ref name="thestranger"/> Crocker's videos include "sex-filled confessions" and "wild ]s" talking "about everything from ] to pubic hair."<ref name="thestranger"/><ref name="salon1"/> In many of the videos, he portrays characters, such as an older deeply religious woman in the "The Earl Annie Edna show" series and exaggerated comic characterizations of Southern stereotypes.<ref name="Little Man, Big Mouth: Internet">{{cite web | last =Schlenker | first =Dave | title=Little Man, Big Mouth: Internet star cries for help | publisher=Ocala Star-Banner | date=September 28, 2007 | url =http://www.ocala.com/article/20070928/FEATURES09/209280360/1001/NEWS01| accessdate=2007-09-28}}</ref><ref name="Leave Britney Alone, Chris Crocker Cries!">{{cite web | last =Weinberger | first =Jill | title=Leave Britney Alone, Chris Crocker Cries! | publisher=The Daily Reel | date=September 12, 2007 | url= http://thedailyreel.com/spotlight/coffee-break/archive/2007/09/12/leave-britney-alone-chris-crocker-cries | accessdate=2007-09-15| archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071011192711/http://thedailyreel.com/spotlight/coffee-break/archive/2007/09/12/leave-britney-alone-chris-crocker-cries| archivedate = October 11, 2007}}</ref> | ||
==="Leave Britney Alone!"=== | ==="Leave Britney Alone!"=== | ||
] | ] | ||
Crocker is best known for |
Crocker is best known for his Britney Spears video, uploaded to YouTube on September 10, 2007. The first part of the infamous work was posted September 9, 2007 called "Leave Britney Alone pt.1" to his MySpace page, while the better-known "LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!" (part 2) was posted to both MySpace and YouTube. In "Leave Britney Alone pt.1", an emotional Crocker stated that he did not want fellow Southerner<ref name="Crocker hopes to find TV stardom"/> Britney Spears<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-1446.html|title=Baby One More Time: Gay icon Britney Spears is pregnant|first=Leigh |last=May |date=May 11, 2006 |work=PinkNews.co.uk |accessdate=2009-04-03}}</ref> to spiral out of control like ], who had died in February 2007. {{As of|2010|11}}, the video had been viewed over 35 million times and has accumulated a total of over 500,000 comments.<ref name="Leave Britney Alone pt.1">{{cite web | last =Crocker | first =Chris | title=Leave Britney Alone pt.1 | publisher=MySpace | date=September 9, 2007| url =http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=17979243 |accessdate=2007-09-15}}</ref> It is just a few seconds shorter than the second part, and Crocker, although emotional, remains relatively calm and composed, becoming teary only at the very end. | ||
In the videos, Crocker lashes out at gossip columnists such as ], and at ] star ], who criticized Britney Spears' onstage music performance at the ] in ].<ref name="Leave Britney Alone! (youtube)"/><ref name="Blab!: All-Britney Terror Alert">{{cite web| last =Camp | first =Todd|author2=Robert Philpot| title=Blab!: All-Britney Terror Alert:Things We Should Be Worried About This Week| publisher=]| date=September 14, 2007| url =http://www.star-telegram.com/entertainment/story/379184.html| accessdate=2008-01-18}}{{Dead link|date=April 2009}}</ref><ref name="newscomau1">{{Cite news|title=Leave Britney alone, she's not well |first=Lincoln |last=Archer |date=September 13, 2007|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22411455-2902,00.html |accessdate=2007-09-13 |periodical=Melbourne Herald Sun | publisher=news.com.au}}</ref><ref name="newscomau2">{{Cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,22405392-10388,00.html |title=Simon Cowell says Britney Spears's career may be over |date=2007-09-12 |periodical=News.com.au |accessdate=2007-09-13}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Within the first 24 hours of its posting, the video had accumulated over 2 million views.<ref name="salon1" /> {{As of|2009|1}}, it has accumulated a total of 24 million views and is the second most discussed video of all time on the site (in all categories), with over 350,000 comments.<ref name="Leave Britney Alone! (youtube)">{{cite web| last =Crocker | first =Chris| title=Leave Britney Alone!| publisher=YouTube|date=September 11, 2007| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHmvkRoEowc| accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref><ref name="Most Discussed :(All Time) :All">{{cite web| last= YouTube, LLC| title= Most Discussed : (All Time) : All Categories| publisher=YouTube| date=May 24, 2007|url =https://www.youtube.com/browse?s=md&t=a&c=0&l=| accessdate=2008-05-24}}</ref> "LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!" was one of YouTube's fastest "climbing" videos, reaching the minimum seven million views needed ({{as of|2007|09|lc=on}}) to be included in the "Top 100".<ref name="Most Viewed :(All Time) :All">{{cite web| last= YouTube, LLC| title=Most Viewed : (All Time) : All Categories| publisher=YouTube| date=September 18, 2007| url =https://www.youtube.com/browse?s=mp&t=a&c=0&l=&e=en_US&p=1| accessdate=2007-09-18}}</ref> The video was nominated in the Commentary category in the 2007 ].<ref name = "ap3">{{cite news|url= http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/03/20/will_the_obama_girl_win_a_youtube_award/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Education+news |title= Will the Obama Girl win a YouTube award?|date= 2008-03-20|accessdate= 2008-03-20|last=Carlson|first= Erin|agency= Associated Press | work=The Boston Globe}}{{Dead link|date=February 2010}}</ref> The video received worldwide attention and earned Crocker interviews on ], ], ], '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and ]'s ] morning show. Crocker and |
In the videos, Crocker lashes out at gossip columnists such as ], and at ] star ], who criticized Britney Spears' onstage music performance at the ] in ].<ref name="Leave Britney Alone! (youtube)"/><ref name="Blab!: All-Britney Terror Alert">{{cite web| last =Camp | first =Todd|author2=Robert Philpot| title=Blab!: All-Britney Terror Alert:Things We Should Be Worried About This Week| publisher=]| date=September 14, 2007| url =http://www.star-telegram.com/entertainment/story/379184.html| accessdate=2008-01-18}}{{Dead link|date=April 2009}}</ref><ref name="newscomau1">{{Cite news|title=Leave Britney alone, she's not well |first=Lincoln |last=Archer |date=September 13, 2007|url=http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22411455-2902,00.html |accessdate=2007-09-13 |periodical=Melbourne Herald Sun | publisher=news.com.au}}</ref><ref name="newscomau2">{{Cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,22405392-10388,00.html |title=Simon Cowell says Britney Spears's career may be over |date=2007-09-12 |periodical=News.com.au |accessdate=2007-09-13}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> Within the first 24 hours of its posting, the video had accumulated over 2 million views.<ref name="salon1" /> {{As of|2009|1}}, it has accumulated a total of 24 million views and is the second most discussed video of all time on the site (in all categories), with over 350,000 comments.<ref name="Leave Britney Alone! (youtube)">{{cite web| last =Crocker | first =Chris| title=Leave Britney Alone!| publisher=YouTube|date=September 11, 2007| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHmvkRoEowc| accessdate=2008-10-27}}</ref><ref name="Most Discussed :(All Time) :All">{{cite web| last= YouTube, LLC| title= Most Discussed : (All Time) : All Categories| publisher=YouTube| date=May 24, 2007|url =https://www.youtube.com/browse?s=md&t=a&c=0&l=| accessdate=2008-05-24}}</ref> "LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!" was one of YouTube's fastest "climbing" videos, reaching the minimum seven million views needed ({{as of|2007|09|lc=on}}) to be included in the "Top 100".<ref name="Most Viewed :(All Time) :All">{{cite web| last= YouTube, LLC| title=Most Viewed : (All Time) : All Categories| publisher=YouTube| date=September 18, 2007| url =https://www.youtube.com/browse?s=mp&t=a&c=0&l=&e=en_US&p=1| accessdate=2007-09-18}}</ref> The video was nominated in the Commentary category in the 2007 ].<ref name = "ap3">{{cite news|url= http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2008/03/20/will_the_obama_girl_win_a_youtube_award/?rss_id=Boston.com+--+Education+news |title= Will the Obama Girl win a YouTube award?|date= 2008-03-20|accessdate= 2008-03-20|last=Carlson|first= Erin|agency= Associated Press | work=The Boston Globe}}{{Dead link|date=February 2010}}</ref> The video received worldwide attention and earned Crocker interviews on ], ], ], '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and ]'s ] morning show. Crocker and his video were also commented on in the mainstream media by shows like '']'' and '']''.<ref name="salon1"/><ref name="The Tonight Show wit">{{cite episode | title = Monday, January 28, 2008 | episodelink = | series = The Tonight Show with Jay Leno | serieslink = http://www.nbc.com/The_Tonight_Show_with_Jay_Leno/ | airdate = January 28, 2008 | season = 17 | number = 3485}}{{Dead link|date=January 2010}}</ref> YouTube said "the melodramatic two-minute clip made Crocker an instant YouTube star" and named it one of the top videos of 2007.<ref name="Obama Girl, Britney">{{cite news| last= Adegoke | first=Yinka| title=Obama Girl, Britney Boy Top YouTube Videos|publisher=Reuters | date=December 28, 2007| url =http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSN2743102720071228| accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref> '']'' magazine named it the top video of 2007.<ref name="The Year in Online Vid"/> | ||
Although sometimes shown in conjunction with news footage of Spears' performance, the "pure ]" video became its own story, with the news media and the gossip industry offering opinions on the phenomenon, joking that Crocker could be "an insidious ] mastermind" and comparing him to ].<ref name="Coffee, tea, or how 'bout a decent"/><ref name="Little Man, Big Mouth: Internet">{{cite web| last =Schlenker| first =Dave| title=Little Man, Big Mouth: Internet star cries for help| publisher=Ocala Star-Banner| date=September 28, 2007| url =http://www.ocala.com/article/20070928/FEATURES09/209280360/1001/NEWS01| accessdate=2007-09-28}}</ref><ref name="The Situation Room: Transcripts">{{cite news| title=The Situation Room: Transcripts| publisher=CNN |date=September 11, 2007|url =http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0709/11/sitroom.03.html|accessdate=2007-09-15}}</ref> In the video, Crocker proclaims, "All you people care about is readers and making money off of her. She's a human! Leave Britney alone!"<ref name="Screaming Britney Defense Becomes">{{cite web | last =Davies | first =Shaun |title=Screaming Britney Defense Becomes Net Phenomenon | publisher=National Nine News, Australia | date=September 12, 2007|url =http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=295392 | accessdate=2007-09-13 |
Although sometimes shown in conjunction with news footage of Spears' performance, the "pure ]" video became its own story, with the news media and the gossip industry offering opinions on the phenomenon, joking that Crocker could be "an insidious ] mastermind" and comparing him to ].<ref name="Coffee, tea, or how 'bout a decent"/><ref name="Little Man, Big Mouth: Internet">{{cite web| last =Schlenker| first =Dave| title=Little Man, Big Mouth: Internet star cries for help| publisher=Ocala Star-Banner| date=September 28, 2007| url =http://www.ocala.com/article/20070928/FEATURES09/209280360/1001/NEWS01| accessdate=2007-09-28}}</ref><ref name="The Situation Room: Transcripts">{{cite news| title=The Situation Room: Transcripts| publisher=CNN |date=September 11, 2007|url =http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0709/11/sitroom.03.html|accessdate=2007-09-15}}</ref> In the video, Crocker proclaims, "All you people care about is readers and making money off of her. She's a human! Leave Britney alone!"<ref name="Screaming Britney Defense Becomes">{{cite web | last =Davies | first =Shaun |title=Screaming Britney Defense Becomes Net Phenomenon | publisher=National Nine News, Australia | date=September 12, 2007|url =http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=295392 | accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref><ref name="Britney Spears fan Chris Crocker screams">{{cite web | title=Britney Spears fan Chris Crocker screams for fans to "leave Britney alone!" | publisher=TransWorldNews| date=September 13, 2007 | url =http://www.transworldnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?storyid=22786&ret=Default.aspx| accessdate=2007-09-13}}</ref><ref name="theage">{{Cite news |url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/people/leave-britney-alone/2007/09/12/1189276804214.html |title=Leave Britney alone! |first=Daniel |last=Sankey |date=September 12, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-13 |periodical=] | location=Melbourne}}</ref> Crocker stated that although he is often acting in his videos, his emotions were genuine and "straight from the heart"; although he described the clip as a "second take" in one interview, he clarified on ''Jimmy Kimmel Live!'' that he meant that it was the second part of a longer video, the first part being "Leave Britney Alone pt. 1".<ref name="Legions of the Loyal Britney's Fans"/><ref name="salon1"/><ref name="nydailynews">{{Cite news |title= Obsessive Britney Spears fan lashes critics in YouTube video |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/2007/09/13/2007-09-13_obsessive_britney_spears_fan_lashes_crit-1.html |periodical=] | date = September 13, 2007 |accessdate=2007-09-13 |first=Nicole |last=Lyn Pesce}}</ref> | ||
The "Leave Britney Alone!" video became a ] target, with parody videos, references in mainstream television spoofs, and films.<ref name="EUR DVD Review"/> Actor ]'s parody, which included him applying eyeliner several times and promoting |
The "Leave Britney Alone!" video became a ] target, with parody videos, references in mainstream television spoofs, and films.<ref name="EUR DVD Review"/> Actor ]'s parody, which included him applying eyeliner several times and promoting his show '']'', called for people to "leave Chris Crocker alone!"<ref name="Internet rant reaps its rewards: Performance">{{cite web| last =Westbrook| first =Bruce| title=Internet rant reaps its rewards: Performance artist finds fame with Britney skit| publisher=]| date=September 21, 2007| url =http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2007_4428821| accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref><ref name="Seth Green Chris Crocker Outtakes">{{cite web |author=The Soup on E!| title=Seth Green Chris Crocker Outtakes| publisher=MySpace | date=September 13, 2007 | url =http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2059347815| accessdate=2007-09-14}}</ref> Some video responses characterized Crocker as a ], and ''Wired'' magazine stated that the video "sent world ] levels zooming to heights unseen since the ] ]."<ref name="The Year in Online Vid">{{cite web | last =Sjöberg | first =Lore| title=The Year in Online Video 2007| publisher=Wired| date=December 28, 2007| url =http://www.wired.com/entertainment/theweb/multimedia/2007/12/YE_onlinevideo2007| accessdate=2008-01-18}}</ref><ref name="Britney drama queen inks TV deal">{{cite news | last =Moses| first =Asher| title=Britney drama queen inks TV deal| publisher=]| date=September 20, 2007| url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/web/britney-drama-queen-inks-tv-deal/2007/09/20/1189881661178.html| accessdate=2007-09-22}}</ref> The January 2008 parody film '']'' used pop culture references and met with generally poor reviews; the ''Electronic Urban Report'' called Crocker's cameo the "film's funniest moment".<ref name="EUR DVD Review">{{cite web | last = Williams | first =Kam | title=EUR DVD Review: Meet the Spartans – Silly Spoof of 300 Released on DVD | publisher=Electronic Urban Report | date=June 5, 2008 | url = http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur44079.cfm| accessdate=2008-06-18}}{{Dead link|date=January 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/film/reviews/article_display.jsp?JSESSIONID=qpm9HhsDPFLpzJ9MfRpVc5QvzVf1Z16Kb64GVWKpFfFdcLTVcpfD!-1562314872&&rid=10537 |title=Meet the Spartans – Bottom Line: "300" was funnier. |accessdate=2008-01-28 |publisher=]}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Both Crocker and the video were also parodied in the '']'' episode "]," with a cartoon Crocker running around in a fight between various ]s, telling them to "leave the others alone".<ref>{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite episode| title = Canada on Strike | episodelink = Canada on Strike | series = South Park| serieslink = South Park | airdate = 2008-04-02 | season = 12| number = 171 }}</ref> In March 2008, a "] ]" dance single "Leave Britney Alone" was released on ] and other sites by "Double J" featuring quotes from Crocker's video.<ref name="Crocker releases 'Leave Britney Alone' single">{{cite web | title=Crocker releases 'Leave Britney Alone' single| publisher=Digital Spy |date=March 10, 2008| url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/a91157/crocker-releases-leave-britney-alone-single.html| accessdate=2008-03-14}}</ref> | ||
] | ] | ||
While numerous news and media outlets reported on the viral video, ]'s morning program '']'' commentators questioned Crocker's gender and compared the fabric backdrop in |
While numerous news and media outlets reported on the viral video, ]'s morning program '']'' commentators questioned Crocker's gender and compared the fabric backdrop in his video to ]'s videos.<ref name="Glenn Beck on a Britney Spears Supporter (aka Chris Crocker)">{{cite web | last = | first =Connor | title=CNN's Glenn Beck on a Britney Spears Supporter (aka Chris Crocker) | publisher=YouTube | date=September 12, 2007| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofyLrdF_Ag4 | accessdate=2007-10-06}}</ref><ref name="Chris Crocker on Fox News & Friends">{{cite web | last =Blaze | first =Alex | title=Chris Crocker on Fox News & Friends | publisher=The Bilerico Project | date=September 19, 2007 | url =http://www.bilerico.com/2007/09/chris_crocker_video_on_fox_and_friends.php| accessdate=2007-09-19}}</ref><ref name="Chris Crocker on FOX News">{{cite web | last =lacohenga | first =Connor | title=Chris Crocker on FOX News| publisher=YouTube | date=September 13, 2007| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KexjIWy5NE|accessdate=2007-09-14}}{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref> Crocker produced two response videos – ''Poor FOX "News"..'' and ''Rosie O'Donnell was right about FOX "News"'' (originally posted as ''"Dear Fox 'News'"'') – addressing what he characterized as biased treatment while he called Fox News the "], conservative, ] channel".<ref name="Poor FOX News..">{{cite web| last =Jones | first =Anthony | title=Poor FOX "News".. | publisher=YouTube| date=September 14, 2007 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbdJcIG2YpM| accessdate=2007-09-14}}{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref><ref name="Rosie ODonnell was right about FOX News">{{cite web | last =Crocker | first =Chris | authorlink=Chris Crocker (Internet celebrity)| title=Rosie O'Donnell was right about FOX "News" | publisher=YouTube| date=September 17, 2007 | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQMR85Ak02Q| accessdate=2007-09-17}}</ref> Crocker's stated concerns were the commentators calling him a "]" and what he felt was their needless questioning of his gender instead of commenting on the content of his video.<ref name="Poor FOX News.."/><ref name="Rosie ODonnell was right about FOX News"/> | ||
===Onch promotional deal and lawsuit=== | ===Onch promotional deal and lawsuit=== | ||
In October 2007, ] reported that Crocker was being sued by ] Jewelry for 1 million dollars, for fraud and breach of contract and provided a copy of the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.<ref></ref> Jewelry designer Nelson Chung, professionally known as Onch and a fan of Crocker, hired him as a celebrity spokesmodel for more than two days' worth of publicity work as well as appearance at World of Wonder's ''Just Britney'' art show in exchange for airfare.<ref name="Leave Britney Alone Heads West">{{cite web | last =Malkin | first =Marc | title="Leave Britney Alone" Heads West | publisher=E Online | date=2007-09-24 |url=http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=289c810a-efcf-4fbe-9938-d34b9002c4b1|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071012132147/http://eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=289c810a-efcf-4fbe-9938-d34b9002c4b1| archivedate=2007-10-12 | accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> It was speculated by DMW Media that Crocker had no legal representative as the agreement seemed unbalanced.<ref name="Jewelry Company Sues Chris Crocker for Fraud">{{cite web | last =Goldberg| first =Scott | title=Jewelry Company Sues Chris Crocker for Fraud| publisher=DMW Media | date=2007-10-05| url =http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2007/10/05/jewelry-company-sues-chris-crocker-for-fraud| accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Crocker did make appearances including at gay club Rage and the art show where |
In October 2007, ] reported that Crocker was being sued by ] Jewelry for 1 million dollars, for fraud and breach of contract and provided a copy of the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles.<ref></ref> Jewelry designer Nelson Chung, professionally known as Onch and a fan of Crocker, hired him as a celebrity spokesmodel for more than two days' worth of publicity work as well as appearance at World of Wonder's ''Just Britney'' art show in exchange for airfare.<ref name="Leave Britney Alone Heads West">{{cite web | last =Malkin | first =Marc | title="Leave Britney Alone" Heads West | publisher=E Online | date=2007-09-24 |url=http://www.eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=289c810a-efcf-4fbe-9938-d34b9002c4b1|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071012132147/http://eonline.com/gossip/planetgossip/detail/index.jsp?uuid=289c810a-efcf-4fbe-9938-d34b9002c4b1| archivedate=2007-10-12 | accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> It was speculated by DMW Media that Crocker had no legal representative as the agreement seemed unbalanced.<ref name="Jewelry Company Sues Chris Crocker for Fraud">{{cite web | last =Goldberg| first =Scott | title=Jewelry Company Sues Chris Crocker for Fraud| publisher=DMW Media | date=2007-10-05| url =http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2007/10/05/jewelry-company-sues-chris-crocker-for-fraud| accessdate=2007-10-07}}</ref> Crocker did make appearances including at gay club Rage and the art show where he was interviewed by MTV showing artwork of him in homage to Spears.<ref name="EXCLUSIVE Onch Movement Presents Chris">{{cite web|last =Movement| first =Onch | title=EXCLUSIVE Onch Movement Presents Chris Crocker at RAGE in LA| publisher=] | date=2007-09-23| url =https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WoMNohzbvA&NR=1| accessdate=2007-10-07}}{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref><ref name="Britney Spears' Highs And Lows Blown">{{cite web | last =Carroll | first =Larry | title=Britney Spears' Highs And Lows Blown Up For Hollywood Art Show | publisher=MTV | date=2007-10-11 | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1571616/20071010/id_0.jhtml| accessdate=2007-10-11}}</ref> Onch's YouTube channel also posted videos of appearances which were later removed.<ref name="Chris Crocker wearing Onch Movement">{{cite web | last =Movement | first =Onch | title=Chris Crocker wearing Onch Movement Pink Razor – Gay Army| publisher=] | date=2007-09-19| url=http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:joMZYEkIgb4J:www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DCnlJ74omsD8+Onch+crocker&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us| accessdate=2007-10-07}} Link too recent for Internet archiving use.</ref> | ||
==Other career opportunities and appearances== | ==Other career opportunities and appearances== | ||
], Michigan in October 2007.]] | ], Michigan in October 2007.]] | ||
Since the widespread recognition of ''Leave Britney Alone!'', Crocker has been involved in various projects. In a June 2007 autobiographical ], where Crocker discusses future plans, |
Since the widespread recognition of ''Leave Britney Alone!'', Crocker has been involved in various projects. In a June 2007 autobiographical ], where Crocker discusses future plans, he states, "I'm going to make the leap from living with my ] grandparents to living with ] roommates. I'm going to star in my own TV show. I'm going to make the leap from ]s to ]s...to my very own house."<ref name="What You Need To Know About...2008">{{cite web | last =Crocker| first =Chris | title=What You Need To Know About...2008 | publisher=]|date=2007-06-20 | url = http://thestranger.com/chriscrocker | accessdate= 2007-09-16}}</ref> In October 2007, Crocker opened ] channel's "] Really Awards".<ref name="FOXRRR">{{cite web | title= Fox Reality Really Awards: Charm School Rap (Crocker introduces the first act) | publisher=]| year=2007 | url =http://really.foxreality.com/2007/channels.html | accessdate= 2009-01-18}}</ref> | ||
Crocker was one of ]'s Internet correspondents on the February 2008 premiere episode of ]'s '']'' where |
Crocker was one of ]'s Internet correspondents on the February 2008 premiere episode of ]'s '']'' where he posed questions for the guest celebrities, in this case ] and later, ]<ref name="Lily Allen and Fri">{{cite episode | title = Lily Allen and Friends (Premier – February 12, 2008) | series = Lily Allen and Friends | serieslink = http://www.bbc.co.uk/lilyallen/| airdate = February 12, 2008 | season = 1| number = 1}}</ref><ref name="Confirmed for Show One Mitchell">{{cite web| title=David Mitchell: Confirmed for Show One – Feb 12, 10:30pm on BBC Three| publisher=BBC | year=2008 | url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/lilyallen/celeb_davidmitchell.shtml| accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref><ref name="Confirmed for Show One">{{cite web| title=Cuba Gooding Jr.: Confirmed for Show One – Feb 12, 10:30pm on BBC Three| publisher=BBC | year=2008 | url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/lilyallen/celeb_cubagooding.shtml | accessdate=2008-06-19}}</ref> | ||
On May 23, 2008, rock band ] released a viral ] for their song "]" – "a natural anthem for the self-expression that's been taking shape on YouTube" – which featured various ]s of viral videos and ], including Crocker, all playing themselves.<ref name="news.au video">{{cite news | url = http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,23772877-5014108,00.html | title = Spot the memes in Weezer's Pork and Beans | date = 2008-05-28 | accessdate = 2008-05-29 | publisher = News Limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/webscout/2008/05/some-more-notes.html | title = Mathew Cullen, director of Weezer's 'Pork and Beans,' shares some secrets | publisher = ] | first = David | last = Sarno | date = 2008-05-30 | accessdate = 2008-05-30}}{{ |
On May 23, 2008, rock band ] released a viral ] for their song "]" – "a natural anthem for the self-expression that's been taking shape on YouTube" – which featured various ]s of viral videos and ], including Crocker, all playing themselves.<ref name="news.au video">{{cite news | url = http://www.news.com.au/technology/story/0,25642,23772877-5014108,00.html | title = Spot the memes in Weezer's Pork and Beans | date = 2008-05-28 | accessdate = 2008-05-29 | publisher = News Limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/webscout/2008/05/some-more-notes.html | title = Mathew Cullen, director of Weezer's 'Pork and Beans,' shares some secrets | publisher = ] | first = David | last = Sarno | date = 2008-05-30 | accessdate = 2008-05-30}}{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref><ref name="usatoday video">{{cite news | url = http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2008-05-28-weezer-youtube-pork-beans_N.htm | title = YouTube stars, Weezer dine out on 'Pork & Beans' | publisher = ] | date = 2008-05-29 | accessdate = 2008-05-29 | first= Mike | last = Snider}}</ref><ref name="The Man Behind t">{{cite web | title=The Man Behind the Memes: An Exclusive Interview With Weezer ‘Pork and Beans’ Video Director Mathew Cullen | publisher=MTV | date=May 30, 2008 | url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2008/05/30/the-man-behind-the-memes-an-exclusive-interview-with-weezer-pork-and-beans-video-director-mathew-cullen/#more-2778| accessdate=2008-06-22}}</ref> On May 22, 2009, Crocker made a video showing a ] plaque that he received for his contribution to the band's video. | ||
On July 9, 2009, Crocker appeared on the ] show '']''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=233321&title=web-redemption-chris-crocker | title = Web Redemption – Chris Crocker Tosh.0 Comedy Central}}</ref> | On July 9, 2009, Crocker appeared on the ] show '']''.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.comedycentral.com/videos/index.jhtml?videoId=233321&title=web-redemption-chris-crocker | title = Web Redemption – Chris Crocker Tosh.0 Comedy Central}}</ref> | ||
===Music and documentary=== | ===Music and documentary=== | ||
Crocker released |
Crocker released his first single, "Mind in the Gutter," in 2008. He released his first EP titled '']'' ] on iTunes March 19, 2011. The EP peaked at #3 on the iTunes Electro Album charts. "I Want Your Bite" was released as the second single and has since reached a peak of #12 on the ] Dance Charts.<ref>. iTunes</ref> Later that year, Crocker released the songs "Second to None", "Tug of War", and "Taking My Life Back". In 2012, Crocker released the songs "Locked Up Lovers" and "Lucky Tonight".<ref></ref> | ||
Crocker's second EP "Walls Down" was released on March 14, 2013 under |
Crocker's second EP "Walls Down" was released on March 14, 2013 under his new stage name Chris Cunningham-Crocker. The EP debuted on the iTunes electronic albums chart at number eighty-four and has so far peaked at number five.<ref>https://twitter.com/ChrisCrocker/status/312333002862632960/photo/1</ref> This gives Crocker his second top five album on the chart. The EP is a departure of his previous dance style, mainly consisting of ballads and features a duet with his mother. The first single from the EP, "Breaking Up", was released on January 24, 2013.<ref></ref> | ||
Crocker announced in August 2011 that a film documenting |
Crocker announced in August 2011 that a film documenting his life over the past few years would be released, titled '']''. The film also explores how video sharing and social media have shaped the way people share their stories and go about their lives.<ref name="IndieWire">{{cite web | url=http://www.indiewire.com/article/hbo-buys-sundance-doc-me-the-zoo | title=HBO Buys Sundance Doc 'Me @the Zoo' - Filmmaker, Film Industry, Film Festivals, Awards & Movie Reviews - Indiewire | publisher=] | work=] | date=January 17, 2012 | accessdate=January 21, 2012 | author=Peter Knegt}}</ref> On January 17, 2012, ] secured the US broadcasting rights to the film.<ref name="IndieWire"/> It premiered at the ] on January 21, 2012<ref>{{cite web | url=http://filmguide.sundance.org/film/120069/me_the_zoo_ | title=ME @ THE ZOO - Online Film Guide - Sundance Institute | work=] | accessdate=January 21, 2012}}{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref> and on ] on June 25, 2012.<ref name="V Magazine interview">{{cite web | url=http://www.vmagazine.com/2012/05/piece-of-me/ | title=V Magazine / Piece of Me | work=] | date=March 2012 | accessdate=May 7, 2012 | author=Adam Baran}}</ref> | ||
===Television show=== | ===Television show=== | ||
Prior to the attention from |
Prior to the attention from his September 2007 ''Leave Britney Alone!'' video, Crocker was seen as a viral video sensation and was asked by MTV vlogger and news staffer Matt Sunbulli to provide video for MTV's website which also broadcasts on MTV itself.<ref name="thestranger" /><ref name="The Deal with MTV's First Videoblog">{{cite web| last =Gannes | first =Liz | title=The Deal with MTV's First Videoblog | publisher=NewTeeVee | date=January 26, 2007 | url = http://newteevee.com/2007/01/26/the-deal-with-mtvs-first-videoblog/| accessdate=2007-09-14}}</ref> Crocker indicated that he hoped to develop his acting career; he agreed to develop ideas for a TV show with ] producer Glenn Meehan and met with representatives from MTV's gay-themed channel ].<ref name="thestranger" /><ref name="Legions of the Loyal Britney's Fans"/> According to '']'', Crocker signed a development deal with ] to create a "docusoap" ] show, which would be called ''Chris Crocker's 15 Minutes More''.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite news |first=Chris |last=Azzopardi |title=15 Minutes ... More; Chris Crocker can't make pizza. But he's cooked up a smart way to super stardom: Defending Britney |url=http://www.pridesource.com/article.shtml?article=27184 |work=PrideSource.com |date=2007-10-04 |accessdate=2007-10-16 }}</ref> Rasha Drachkovitch, the production company's co-founder, stated, "It's going to pretty much be the Chris Crocker experience. We consider him a rebel character that people will find interesting. He's going to be a TV star."<ref name="Variety deal" /> | ||
===Pornographic film=== | ===Pornographic film=== | ||
In July 2011, it was announced that Crocker had been signed by ] to appear in a ].<ref>{{Cite news | last = Johnson | first = Bob | title = C1R Signs Mainstream Entertainer Chris Crocker | agency = ] | accessdate = 2011-09-29 | date = 2011-07-26 | url = http://newswire.xbiz.com/view.php?id=136675 }}</ref> |
In July 2011, it was announced that Crocker had been signed by ] to appear in a ].<ref>{{Cite news | last = Johnson | first = Bob | title = C1R Signs Mainstream Entertainer Chris Crocker | agency = ] | accessdate = 2011-09-29 | date = 2011-07-26 | url = http://newswire.xbiz.com/view.php?id=136675 }}</ref> He made his adult debut in October 2012 for Maverick Men.<ref>{{Cite web | last = Ayala | first = Nelson | title = YouTube Star Chris Crocker Makes Gay Porn Debut | work = ] | accessdate = 2012-10-03 | date = 2012-10-02 | url = http://newswire.xbiz.com/view.php?id=154674 }}</ref> In 2014, ] digitally released ''Chris Crocker's Raw Love'', which features Crocker in a scene with his then-boyfriend, Justin Dean.<ref>{{Cite web | last = Bargnes | first = Kevin | title = Chris Crocker, of ‘Leave Britney Alone’ fame, is now a gay porn star | work = Chicago Spectrum | accessdate = 2014-03-10 | date = 2014-03-10 | url = http://chicagospectrum.com/2014/03/10/chris-crocker-leave-britney-alone-fame-now-gay-porn-star/}}</ref><ref name="Narkunski">{{cite web|last=Narkunski|first=Michael|title=It’s Not a Hair Flip: Catching Up With Chris Crocker|publisher='']''|date=March 8, 2013|accessdate=March 10, 2014|url=http://www.out.com/entertainment/popnography/2013/03/08/me-zoo-chris-crocker-after-porn}}</ref><ref name="Michelson">{{cite web|last=Michelson|first=Noah|title=Chris Crocker Discusses His New Look, Gender, Porn, Britney Spears, His Documentary, 'Me At The Zoo,' And More|publisher='']''|date=January 10, 2012|accessdate=March 10, 2014|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/09/chris-crocker-new-look-porn-britney-spears_n_1194548.html}}</ref> | ||
Crocker believes that the ''Leave Britney Alone!'' video and |
Crocker believes that the ''Leave Britney Alone!'' video and his performing in porn have hurt his chances of pursuing an acting career. "A lot of people think the Britney video is what got me famous and what gave me all these opportunities, but if I were to have gone to L.A. as an unknown actor—I probably could have gotten a lot more work." He said, "I don't regret it necessarily; I think it just gives me more hurdles to overcome... Which, you know... and obviously doing the porn thing didn't necessarily help me."<ref name="Narkunski">{{cite web|last=Narkunski|first=Michael|title=It’s Not a Hair Flip: Catching Up With Chris Crocker|publisher='']''|date=March 8, 2013|accessdate=March 10, 2014|url=http://www.out.com/entertainment/popnography/2013/03/08/me-zoo-chris-crocker-after-porn}}</ref> Crocker described the porn aspect as having tarnished things, but said that it is up to him "to make those little calculated moves".<ref name="Narkunski"/> "It kind of created a whole other box that I have to overcome," he stated. "But when you're known as the Britney-boy, or you're in a '15 minutes of fame' box, it's very interesting, because the offers start coming at you really quick. And when they dwindle, you don't know what to do."<ref name="Narkunski"/> | ||
Crocker stated that acting in porn was going to be more than a single event; "it was going to be the porn and then a website, with the same companies." |
Crocker stated that acting in porn was going to be more than a single event; "it was going to be the porn and then a website, with the same companies." He said he was focused on setting up a future with his boyfriend and getting a house and a mortgage. "I said, 'Well if I’m going to do it, then let's make it worth it.' So, then we broke up a week before the porn came out. So then, yeah, it kind of ended." He added, "You have to contractually, and things, promote a porn. So I regret doing it with my ex more than I regret doing it in general." He says he could do porn again, but wonders how he would extend that into a viable career. "here is the reality show? And where are the people that have seen how interesting my life is? Not that many people were, like, the first of their kind to be an Internet celebrity—what happens after that?" he said. "What happens after you extend your 15 minutes of fame to 30 minutes of fame, and it's six, seven years later, and you’re still living at home in Tennessee? I think that’s an interesting story, a little more than ''].''"<ref name="Narkunski"/> | ||
== |
==Looks, genderbending and gender identity== | ||
] | ] | ||
Over the years, following |
Over the years, following his mainstream success, Crocker gradually began to change his image from feminine to masculine, eventually having adopted a predominantly masculine appearance by 2012 and thereby garnering significant attention for being physically attractive.<ref name="Michelson"/> Crocker stated of the attention, "I'm offended. The most irritating thing is guys I find attractive say, 'Oh my God -- you're so hot now.'" He stated that people should accept all of him instead of only the masculine side of him, and that dating is difficult for him because " can't always accept that used to dress up or that that's a part of still and that . It's just annoying." Crocker added, "Even if it's a girl or a fan saying it -- I don't like when people put it that way. I can understand if I'm a more socially, traditional 'attractive' but I don't like when people phrase it like, 'You're hot now.'"<ref name="Michelson"/> Regarding his family, Crocker stated that his grandmother is happy with his current look because it is what she always wanted him to look like; he identifies with that acceptance, but it is also upsetting because he wonders where that acceptance was before.<ref name="Narkunski"/> | ||
Crocker said that |
Crocker said that his ] is not one or the other, but a combination of both, though more so a different gender at times, and that it was not a conscious effort for him to become more masculine.<ref name="Narkunski"/><ref name="Michelson"/> "I started gradually. I was wearing less makeup and pushing my hair back and putting it in a pony tail instead of curling it or wearing it long." He stated that he "never realize the changes that are taking place. They literally just happen" and that " hair extensions got shorter and shorter and went from 26-inch extensions to shoulder-length extensions." He said that the process is the same with regard to "dressing like a girl," adding, "It's little by little."<ref name="Michelson"/> With regard to which gender he is more comfortable as, Crocker stated, "I definitely feel the most connected with myself I've ever felt. Maybe that's because before I began to explore my more masculine traits, I thought I was going to go through with a boob job." He said he has now "explored both sides" and feels like he knows himself well.<ref name="Narkunski"/> | ||
Crocker has expressed discontent with the ] not understanding |
Crocker has expressed discontent with the ] not understanding his ] and accompanying gender expression or ]: "I can understand straight people being confused but within the gay community? The gay on gay hatred or the gay on gay discrimination is what I find so puzzling." He said "hen other queer people say, 'If you were really transsexual...' -- because I lived as a girl for three years and people ask, 'Was that all an act?' That's the biggest thing that I get disgusted by." Crocker said if it were all an act, he would not have gone through the trouble for three years; for example, using women's bathrooms and therefore encountering problems in airports.<ref name="Michelson"/> He said he thought the whole point of being ] is being what you feel on the inside. "For me, I wonder why do you have to just feel like a woman trapped in a man's body? Or vice versa? Why can't you identify with both genders and tap into those without being accused of dressing up as a girl for attention?" Crocker feels that he is "fulfilling whatever vibe to go with at that time." He " to block out people's voices in head and just go with how ."<ref name="Michelson"/> Crocker acknowledged, however, that his masculine look being "easier on family and society" factors into presenting as masculine.<ref name="Narkunski"/> | ||
] | |||
⚫ | In a '']'' February 2014 interview, Crocker stated that |
||
⚫ | In a '']'' February 2014 interview, Crocker stated that he is reconsidering whether or not to ] to a female gender identity. "I think I'm getting tired of that chameleon lifestyle," he stated. "Like I said, I know I would be 100 percent happy living as a girl. But it's a lot of work, and it's a lot of therapy you have to go through. And I'm willing to put in that work." He added, "Some people get a haircut. I change genders or gender aesthetics. I don't know that I'll ever be content just one way or another." Crocker said that he is on a journey when assessing that part of his life, and that while he would not mind completely transitioning for himself, the topic keeps being addressed because he is getting older. The transition would significantly change his and Justin Dean's relationship. Crocker stated, " says he would still stay with me, but I know he wouldn't be as attracted to me. So I don't know."<ref name="Baume"/><ref name="NIchols ">{{cite web|last=NIchols |first=James|title=Chris Crocker Discusses Gender Identity In Revealing Interview|publisher='']''|date=February 7, 2014|accessdate=March 13, 2014|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/07/chris-crocker-gender-identity_n_4747914.html}}</ref> Crocker said that while living as an everyday guy, he wanted to see if he liked the experience, but that he was unhappy living that way and it did not work because he will never be an everyday guy.<ref name="Baume"/> | ||
On June 8, 2015, Crocker released a detailing their current life. The nearly ten minute video features her talking about her life while applying makeup and presenting increasingly feminine. Gender, self-expression, and self-awareness were all topics the video covered intensely. Crocker detailed her current life as one of repression in Tennessee living with conservative parents, and lamented intensely the lack of LGBTQ community, support, or the ability to leave her bedroom wearing makeup and presenting feminine. She explained a lot of her past saying "I already was this female entity on the inside. Anyone who knows me all throughout my life knew it." Her current dream is said to be able to live on her own so she can express herself the way she wants to without restriction or criticism. | |||
The masculine period she went though doesn't feel authentic, she explained, especially regarding how people see her saying "If I'm winning a guy over with a fucking beard — if I'm winning a guy over with what I'm not, I'm not even going to be happy with myself if they do love me." Her intention to grow her hair long and possible get ], but she doesn't know how far she wants take her transition. At the conclusion of the video, her makeup job is completed and she dons a blond wig stating "I'm Christine and this my truth."<ref>{{cite web|title = Chris Crocker {{!}} Facebook|url = https://www.facebook.com/ChrisCrockerOFFICIAL/videos/10152953377044007/|website = www.facebook.com|accessdate = 2015-06-09|date = 2015-06-08|type = Video}}</ref> Since the video, her social media accounts are changing to present her in a feminine manner. Direct comments Crocker left on her video indicate she is also serious in pursuing ]. Most of the comments left by the public were positive and supportive. | |||
==Discography== | ==Discography== | ||
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! |
!width="210"| Album details | ||
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| 2011 | | 2011 | ||
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* Label: Self released | * Label: Self released | ||
* Format: ] | * Format: ] | ||
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| 2013 | | 2013 | ||
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* Label: Self released | * Label: Self released | ||
* Format: ] | * Format: ] | ||
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| 2015 | | 2015 | ||
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* Label: Self released | * Label: Self released | ||
* Format: ] | * Format: ] | ||
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|} | |} | ||
===Singles=== | ===Singles=== | ||
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||
!rowspan="1" width="42"| Year | |||
⚫ | |- | ||
! |
!rowspan="1" width="210"| Single | ||
! |
!rowspan="1" width="132"|Album | ||
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| <center> 2008 | | <center> 2008 | ||
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|style="text-align:left;"| "Lucky Tonight" | |style="text-align:left;"| "Lucky Tonight" | ||
|- | |- | ||
||2013 | |rowspan="1"|2013 | ||
|style="text-align:left;"| "Breaking Up" | |style="text-align:left;"| "Breaking Up" | ||
|| <center>''Walls Down'' | |rowspan="1"| <center>''Walls Down'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
||2014 | |rowspan="1"|2014 | ||
|style="text-align:left;"| "Know By Now" | |style="text-align:left;"| "Know By Now" | ||
|rowspan="1" <center>{{n/a}} | |rowspan="1" <center>{{n/a}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
||2015 | |rowspan="1"|2015 | ||
|style="text-align:left;"| "Give Your Love Away" | |style="text-align:left;"| "Give Your Love Away" | ||
|| <center>''More Than Three Words'' | |rowspan="1"| <center>''More Than Three Words'' | ||
⚫ | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Music videos=== | ===Music videos=== | ||
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||
!rowspan="1" width="42"| Year | |||
⚫ | |- | ||
! |
!rowspan="1" width="210"| Title | ||
! |
!rowspan="1" width="132"| Director | ||
! style="width:132px;"| Director | |||
|- | |- | ||
| 2011 | | 2011 | ||
|style="text-align:left;"| "Freak of Nature" | |style="text-align:left;"| "Freak of Nature" | ||
| Worm Carnevale<ref>{{cite web | url=http://vimeo.com/18581574 | title=Chris Crocker - Freak of Nature OFFICIAL (uncensored) MUSIC VIDEO!! on Vimeo | work=] | date=January 9, 2011 | accessdate=March 23, 2012 | author=Chris Crocker |
| Worm Carnevale<ref>{{cite web | url=http://vimeo.com/18581574 | title=Chris Crocker - Freak of Nature OFFICIAL (uncensored) MUSIC VIDEO!! on Vimeo | work=] | date=January 9, 2011 | accessdate=March 23, 2012 | author=Chris Crocker}}</ref> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 2012 | | 2012 | ||
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|style="text-align:left;"| "Give Your Love Away" | |style="text-align:left;"| "Give Your Love Away" | ||
| Adam J Dunn<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_zN-caZrMw | title=Chris Crocker - Give Your Love Away (Music Video) - YouTube | publisher=] | work=] | date=March 1, 2015 | accessdate=March 1, 2015 | author=Chris Crocker}}</ref> | | Adam J Dunn<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_zN-caZrMw | title=Chris Crocker - Give Your Love Away (Music Video) - YouTube | publisher=] | work=] | date=March 1, 2015 | accessdate=March 1, 2015 | author=Chris Crocker}}</ref> | ||
⚫ | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
===Other appearances === | ===Other appearances === | ||
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | {|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" | ||
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! |
!rowspan="1"| Title | ||
⚫ | !rowspan="1" width="132"| Album | ||
!| Title | |||
! style="width:132px;"| Album | |||
|- | |- | ||
| <center> 2011 | | <center> 2011 | ||
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== Filmography == | == Filmography == | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" | ||
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! Year | ! Year | ||
! Title | ! Title | ||
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| 2012 | | 2012 | ||
| ''Me at the Zoo'' | | ''Me at the Zoo'' | ||
| |
| Himself | ||
| Documentary | | Documentary | ||
|} | |} | ||
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{{Commons category|Chris Crocker (Internet celebrity)}} | {{Commons category|Chris Crocker (Internet celebrity)}} | ||
*{{myspace|chriscrocker}} | *{{myspace|chriscrocker}} | ||
* on ]. | |||
*{{IMDb name|2880349}} | *{{IMDb name|2880349}} | ||
*{{twitter|ChrisCrocker}} | *{{twitter|ChrisCrocker}} | ||
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Crocker, Chris}} | {{DEFAULTSORT:Crocker, Chris}} | ||
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Revision as of 01:45, 10 June 2015
For the athlete, see Chris Crocker (American football).Chris Crocker | |
---|---|
Crocker in 2015 | |
Born | Christopher Darren Cunningham (1987-12-07) December 7, 1987 (age 37) Tennessee, US |
Years active | 2007–present |
Known for | Comedy, performance art, recording artist, LGBT and youth issues |
Template:Infobox person/Internet info |
Chris Crocker (born Christopher Darren Cunningham; December 7, 1987), also known as Chris Cunningham-Crocker, is an American Internet celebrity, blogger, songwriter, recording artist and former pornographic film actor residing in Los Angeles, California. Crocker gained international fame in September 2007 from his viral video "Leave Britney Alone!", in which he tearfully defended pop singer Britney Spears' comeback performance at the MTV Video Music Awards; his video had over four million views in two days. The video received international media attention, hundreds of parodies and criticism for Crocker.
Crocker is a self-described "edutainer" who produces and acts in videos. In almost all of his adolescent works, he presents himself as an openly gay and effeminate Southerner in a "small-minded town" in the Bible Belt where his sexual orientation and outspokenness are a "subtext... rarely addressed directly and never completely accepted". The Tennessee-based Crocker, a stage name, kept his identity and exact location private due to safety concerns, and death threats in response to his YouTube and MySpace video blogs and profile until he was no longer a teenager. According to his MySpace profile, Crocker lived in Los Angeles as of January 2008. In May 2010, Crocker returned home to Tennessee, and solely travels to Los Angeles for business ventures.
Crocker's work consists mainly of short-form self-directed monologues shot in his grandparents' home. As of October 2010, his videos have received a combined 50 million plays on MySpace, and his vlog channel on YouTube is the 100th most viewed of all time in all categories, with over 205 million video views. Crocker's detractors and critics have accused him of narcissism, melodramatics, histrionics, and using Spears' personal shortcomings to bolster his own fame. Others have accused Crocker of acting in the "Leave Britney Alone!" video, although he insisted it was genuine on a September 2007 appearance on Maury Povich's Maury show. In 2014, Queerty stated that with Crocker's thousands of Facebook and Twitter followers, he is "one of those self-invented social media icons that we love" and that he is "a little messy, more than a little sexy, completely unguarded and fluent in a new language that is changing at lightning speed how we see ourselves and the way the world sees us."
Early life
Crocker was born in East Tennessee to a teenage couple and was raised by his grandparents. Crocker said he "raised eyebrows" by bringing Barbie dolls to kindergarten for show and tell rather than the toys or action figures more conventionally associated with boys. Crocker continued living in his place of birth throughout his youth, and was homeschooled in response to constant "death threats, bullying and glares at his clothes and makeup" specifically after allegedly being "harassed by a homophobic high school gym coach". Crocker lived with his fundamentalist Pentecostal grandparents who continued raising him when his teenage parents were not able. While his grandfather reportedly knows little about his Internet fame, his grandmother has reluctantly appeared in some of his videos.
Vlogging career
Style and building a following
Crocker's uncensored and "unfiltered" vlogging has been attributed to his isolation as an "effeminate, Southern, flamboyantly gay" adolescent in a "small-minded town" in the Bible Belt. His sexual orientation and outspokenness have been described as a "subtext... rarely addressed directly and never completely accepted" in his hometown. According to Crocker, when his grandmother found out that he was gay, she initially "said that needed an exorcism". Crocker, who laments his town's lack of gay culture, said, "The only gay pride parade where I live is in my bedroom" as he held up a rainbow frosted cupcake. He added, "We don't have pride and rainbows here. We have MySpace. We don't have bathhouses, we have outhouses."
Crocker's earliest experience with online networking was as an editor of an e-zine, where he met his first boyfriend, with whom he was only able to interact online and by phone. Crocker later found another online forum, where his acting skills helped him blend in on a free phone party line run out of Los Angeles "filled with flaming black men, black drag queens, and trannies from Compton", where he was outed as white and dubbed "Cracker". In June 2006, after years of experience on the Internet, Crocker started uploading self-produced videos, characterized as his "singularly bizarre and angry take on gay life and his intolerant town".
Although his chart-topping video defending Britney Spears drew the attention of the wider public, Crocker had already become one of the most-watched video producers on MySpace and YouTube, having gathered what MSNBC described as a "cult following". Prior to Crocker's defense of Spears, some of the more than sixty videos he had posted to the two social networking websites had already been viewed more than a million times each, and his YouTube channel was in the top rankings. Some of the videos were only posted on one site or the other, many becoming "viral video hits".
In May 2007, Crocker was the subject of a lengthy profile in the Seattle alternative weekly The Stranger, which discussed his Internet fame prior to and after the "Leave Britney Alone!" video, and the adversities he has faced. He is considered bold and seething "flares sent up by a young gay man marooned in a sea of rednecks" who is stuck in a small town that "can't tolerate homosexuality and punishes flamboyance." Crocker's videos include "sex-filled confessions" and "wild monologues" talking "about everything from AIDS to pubic hair." In many of the videos, he portrays characters, such as an older deeply religious woman in the "The Earl Annie Edna show" series and exaggerated comic characterizations of Southern stereotypes.
"Leave Britney Alone!"
Crocker is best known for his Britney Spears video, uploaded to YouTube on September 10, 2007. The first part of the infamous work was posted September 9, 2007 called "Leave Britney Alone pt.1" to his MySpace page, while the better-known "LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!" (part 2) was posted to both MySpace and YouTube. In "Leave Britney Alone pt.1", an emotional Crocker stated that he did not want fellow Southerner Britney Spears to spiral out of control like Anna Nicole Smith, who had died in February 2007. As of November 2010, the video had been viewed over 35 million times and has accumulated a total of over 500,000 comments. It is just a few seconds shorter than the second part, and Crocker, although emotional, remains relatively calm and composed, becoming teary only at the very end.
In the videos, Crocker lashes out at gossip columnists such as Perez Hilton, and at reality TV star Simon Cowell, who criticized Britney Spears' onstage music performance at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas. Within the first 24 hours of its posting, the video had accumulated over 2 million views. As of January 2009, it has accumulated a total of 24 million views and is the second most discussed video of all time on the site (in all categories), with over 350,000 comments. "LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!" was one of YouTube's fastest "climbing" videos, reaching the minimum seven million views needed (as of September 2007) to be included in the "Top 100". The video was nominated in the Commentary category in the 2007 YouTube Awards. The video received worldwide attention and earned Crocker interviews on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, The Today Show, Maury, The Howard Stern Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM morning show. Crocker and his video were also commented on in the mainstream media by shows like The View and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. YouTube said "the melodramatic two-minute clip made Crocker an instant YouTube star" and named it one of the top videos of 2007. Wired magazine named it the top video of 2007.
Although sometimes shown in conjunction with news footage of Spears' performance, the "pure performance art" video became its own story, with the news media and the gossip industry offering opinions on the phenomenon, joking that Crocker could be "an insidious satiric mastermind" and comparing him to Andy Kaufman. In the video, Crocker proclaims, "All you people care about is readers and making money off of her. She's a human! Leave Britney alone!" Crocker stated that although he is often acting in his videos, his emotions were genuine and "straight from the heart"; although he described the clip as a "second take" in one interview, he clarified on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that he meant that it was the second part of a longer video, the first part being "Leave Britney Alone pt. 1".
The "Leave Britney Alone!" video became a satire target, with parody videos, references in mainstream television spoofs, and films. Actor Seth Green's parody, which included him applying eyeliner several times and promoting his show Robot Chicken, called for people to "leave Chris Crocker alone!" Some video responses characterized Crocker as a drama queen, and Wired magazine stated that the video "sent world Schadenfreude levels zooming to heights unseen since the Fatty Arbuckle scandal." The January 2008 parody film Meet the Spartans used pop culture references and met with generally poor reviews; the Electronic Urban Report called Crocker's cameo the "film's funniest moment". Both Crocker and the video were also parodied in the South Park episode "Canada on Strike," with a cartoon Crocker running around in a fight between various Internet memes, telling them to "leave the others alone". In March 2008, a "trance remix" dance single "Leave Britney Alone" was released on iTunes and other sites by "Double J" featuring quotes from Crocker's video.
While numerous news and media outlets reported on the viral video, Fox News Channel's morning program Fox & Friends commentators questioned Crocker's gender and compared the fabric backdrop in his video to Osama Bin Laden's videos. Crocker produced two response videos – Poor FOX "News".. and Rosie O'Donnell was right about FOX "News" (originally posted as "Dear Fox 'News'") – addressing what he characterized as biased treatment while he called Fox News the "Republican, conservative, homophobic channel". Crocker's stated concerns were the commentators calling him a "she/he" and what he felt was their needless questioning of his gender instead of commenting on the content of his video.
Onch promotional deal and lawsuit
In October 2007, TMZ.com reported that Crocker was being sued by Onch Movement Jewelry for 1 million dollars, for fraud and breach of contract and provided a copy of the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles. Jewelry designer Nelson Chung, professionally known as Onch and a fan of Crocker, hired him as a celebrity spokesmodel for more than two days' worth of publicity work as well as appearance at World of Wonder's Just Britney art show in exchange for airfare. It was speculated by DMW Media that Crocker had no legal representative as the agreement seemed unbalanced. Crocker did make appearances including at gay club Rage and the art show where he was interviewed by MTV showing artwork of him in homage to Spears. Onch's YouTube channel also posted videos of appearances which were later removed.
Other career opportunities and appearances
Since the widespread recognition of Leave Britney Alone!, Crocker has been involved in various projects. In a June 2007 autobiographical comic strip, where Crocker discusses future plans, he states, "I'm going to make the leap from living with my Pentecostal grandparents to living with drag queen roommates. I'm going to star in my own TV show. I'm going to make the leap from outhouses to bathhouses...to my very own house." In October 2007, Crocker opened Fox Reality channel's "Reality Remix Really Awards".
Crocker was one of Lily Allen's Internet correspondents on the February 2008 premiere episode of BBC's Lily Allen and Friends where he posed questions for the guest celebrities, in this case David Mitchell and later, Cuba Gooding, Jr.
On May 23, 2008, rock band Weezer released a viral music video for their song "Pork and Beans" – "a natural anthem for the self-expression that's been taking shape on YouTube" – which featured various mash-ups of viral videos and YouTube celebrities, including Crocker, all playing themselves. On May 22, 2009, Crocker made a video showing a Grammy plaque that he received for his contribution to the band's video.
On July 9, 2009, Crocker appeared on the Comedy Central show Tosh.0.
Music and documentary
Crocker released his first single, "Mind in the Gutter," in 2008. He released his first EP titled The First Bite digitally on iTunes March 19, 2011. The EP peaked at #3 on the iTunes Electro Album charts. "I Want Your Bite" was released as the second single and has since reached a peak of #12 on the iTunes Dance Charts. Later that year, Crocker released the songs "Second to None", "Tug of War", and "Taking My Life Back". In 2012, Crocker released the songs "Locked Up Lovers" and "Lucky Tonight".
Crocker's second EP "Walls Down" was released on March 14, 2013 under his new stage name Chris Cunningham-Crocker. The EP debuted on the iTunes electronic albums chart at number eighty-four and has so far peaked at number five. This gives Crocker his second top five album on the chart. The EP is a departure of his previous dance style, mainly consisting of ballads and features a duet with his mother. The first single from the EP, "Breaking Up", was released on January 24, 2013.
Crocker announced in August 2011 that a film documenting his life over the past few years would be released, titled Me at the Zoo. The film also explores how video sharing and social media have shaped the way people share their stories and go about their lives. On January 17, 2012, HBO Documentary Films secured the US broadcasting rights to the film. It premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2012 and on HBO on June 25, 2012.
Television show
Prior to the attention from his September 2007 Leave Britney Alone! video, Crocker was seen as a viral video sensation and was asked by MTV vlogger and news staffer Matt Sunbulli to provide video for MTV's website which also broadcasts on MTV itself. Crocker indicated that he hoped to develop his acting career; he agreed to develop ideas for a TV show with Los Angeles producer Glenn Meehan and met with representatives from MTV's gay-themed channel LOGO. According to Variety, Crocker signed a development deal with 44 Blue Productions to create a "docusoap" reality television show, which would be called Chris Crocker's 15 Minutes More. Rasha Drachkovitch, the production company's co-founder, stated, "It's going to pretty much be the Chris Crocker experience. We consider him a rebel character that people will find interesting. He's going to be a TV star."
Pornographic film
In July 2011, it was announced that Crocker had been signed by Chi Chi LaRue to appear in a pornographic film. He made his adult debut in October 2012 for Maverick Men. In 2014, Lucas Entertainment digitally released Chris Crocker's Raw Love, which features Crocker in a scene with his then-boyfriend, Justin Dean.
Crocker believes that the Leave Britney Alone! video and his performing in porn have hurt his chances of pursuing an acting career. "A lot of people think the Britney video is what got me famous and what gave me all these opportunities, but if I were to have gone to L.A. as an unknown actor—I probably could have gotten a lot more work." He said, "I don't regret it necessarily; I think it just gives me more hurdles to overcome... Which, you know... and obviously doing the porn thing didn't necessarily help me." Crocker described the porn aspect as having tarnished things, but said that it is up to him "to make those little calculated moves". "It kind of created a whole other box that I have to overcome," he stated. "But when you're known as the Britney-boy, or you're in a '15 minutes of fame' box, it's very interesting, because the offers start coming at you really quick. And when they dwindle, you don't know what to do."
Crocker stated that acting in porn was going to be more than a single event; "it was going to be the porn and then a website, with the same companies." He said he was focused on setting up a future with his boyfriend and getting a house and a mortgage. "I said, 'Well if I’m going to do it, then let's make it worth it.' So, then we broke up a week before the porn came out. So then, yeah, it kind of ended." He added, "You have to contractually, and things, promote a porn. So I regret doing it with my ex more than I regret doing it in general." He says he could do porn again, but wonders how he would extend that into a viable career. "here is the reality show? And where are the people that have seen how interesting my life is? Not that many people were, like, the first of their kind to be an Internet celebrity—what happens after that?" he said. "What happens after you extend your 15 minutes of fame to 30 minutes of fame, and it's six, seven years later, and you’re still living at home in Tennessee? I think that’s an interesting story, a little more than Honey Boo Boo."
Looks, genderbending and gender identity
Over the years, following his mainstream success, Crocker gradually began to change his image from feminine to masculine, eventually having adopted a predominantly masculine appearance by 2012 and thereby garnering significant attention for being physically attractive. Crocker stated of the attention, "I'm offended. The most irritating thing is guys I find attractive say, 'Oh my God -- you're so hot now.'" He stated that people should accept all of him instead of only the masculine side of him, and that dating is difficult for him because " can't always accept that used to dress up or that that's a part of still and that . It's just annoying." Crocker added, "Even if it's a girl or a fan saying it -- I don't like when people put it that way. I can understand if I'm a more socially, traditional 'attractive' but I don't like when people phrase it like, 'You're hot now.'" Regarding his family, Crocker stated that his grandmother is happy with his current look because it is what she always wanted him to look like; he identifies with that acceptance, but it is also upsetting because he wonders where that acceptance was before.
Crocker said that his gender is not one or the other, but a combination of both, though more so a different gender at times, and that it was not a conscious effort for him to become more masculine. "I started gradually. I was wearing less makeup and pushing my hair back and putting it in a pony tail instead of curling it or wearing it long." He stated that he "never realize the changes that are taking place. They literally just happen" and that " hair extensions got shorter and shorter and went from 26-inch extensions to shoulder-length extensions." He said that the process is the same with regard to "dressing like a girl," adding, "It's little by little." With regard to which gender he is more comfortable as, Crocker stated, "I definitely feel the most connected with myself I've ever felt. Maybe that's because before I began to explore my more masculine traits, I thought I was going to go through with a boob job." He said he has now "explored both sides" and feels like he knows himself well.
Crocker has expressed discontent with the LGBT community not understanding his genderbending and accompanying gender expression or gender identity: "I can understand straight people being confused but within the gay community? The gay on gay hatred or the gay on gay discrimination is what I find so puzzling." He said "hen other queer people say, 'If you were really transsexual...' -- because I lived as a girl for three years and people ask, 'Was that all an act?' That's the biggest thing that I get disgusted by." Crocker said if it were all an act, he would not have gone through the trouble for three years; for example, using women's bathrooms and therefore encountering problems in airports. He said he thought the whole point of being transgender is being what you feel on the inside. "For me, I wonder why do you have to just feel like a woman trapped in a man's body? Or vice versa? Why can't you identify with both genders and tap into those without being accused of dressing up as a girl for attention?" Crocker feels that he is "fulfilling whatever vibe to go with at that time." He " to block out people's voices in head and just go with how ." Crocker acknowledged, however, that his masculine look being "easier on family and society" factors into presenting as masculine.
In a Queerty February 2014 interview, Crocker stated that he is reconsidering whether or not to transition to a female gender identity. "I think I'm getting tired of that chameleon lifestyle," he stated. "Like I said, I know I would be 100 percent happy living as a girl. But it's a lot of work, and it's a lot of therapy you have to go through. And I'm willing to put in that work." He added, "Some people get a haircut. I change genders or gender aesthetics. I don't know that I'll ever be content just one way or another." Crocker said that he is on a journey when assessing that part of his life, and that while he would not mind completely transitioning for himself, the topic keeps being addressed because he is getting older. The transition would significantly change his and Justin Dean's relationship. Crocker stated, " says he would still stay with me, but I know he wouldn't be as attracted to me. So I don't know." Crocker said that while living as an everyday guy, he wanted to see if he liked the experience, but that he was unhappy living that way and it did not work because he will never be an everyday guy.
Discography
Chris Crocker discography | |
---|---|
Studio albums | 1 |
EPs | 2 |
Singles | 11 |
Music videos | 2 |
Albums
Year | Album details |
---|---|
2011 | The First Bite
|
2013 | Walls Down
|
2015 | More Than Three Words
|
Singles
Year | Single | Album |
---|---|---|
"Mind in the Gutter" | — | |
"Love You Better" | ||
"Love You Better" (acoustic) | ||
"Best of Both Worlds" | ||
"Fell for the Enemy" | ||
"Freak of Nature" | ||
"I Want Your Bite" | ||
"Second to None" | — | |
"Tug of War" | ||
"Taking My Life Back" | ||
2012 | "Locked Up Lovers" | |
"Lucky Tonight" | ||
2013 | "Breaking Up" | |
2014 | "Know By Now" | — |
2015 | "Give Your Love Away" |
Music videos
Year | Title | Director |
---|---|---|
2011 | "Freak of Nature" | Worm Carnevale |
2012 | "One Day" | Chris Crocker |
2015 | "Give Your Love Away" | Adam J Dunn |
Other appearances
Year | Title | Album |
---|---|---|
"Bang" (with Ryan Adames and Lou) | — |
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2012 | Me at the Zoo | Himself | Documentary |
See also
References
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suggested) (help) - "Crocker releases 'Leave Britney Alone' single". Digital Spy. March 10, 2008. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
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- "ME @ THE ZOO - Online Film Guide - Sundance Institute". Sundance Institute. Retrieved January 21, 2012.
- Adam Baran (March 2012). "V Magazine / Piece of Me". V. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
- Gannes, Liz (January 26, 2007). "The Deal with MTV's First Videoblog". NewTeeVee. Retrieved 2007-09-14.
- Azzopardi, Chris (2007-10-04). "15 Minutes ... More; Chris Crocker can't make pizza. But he's cooked up a smart way to super stardom: Defending Britney". PrideSource.com. Retrieved 2007-10-16.
- Johnson, Bob (2011-07-26). "C1R Signs Mainstream Entertainer Chris Crocker". XBIZ Newswire. Retrieved 2011-09-29.
- Ayala, Nelson (2012-10-02). "YouTube Star Chris Crocker Makes Gay Porn Debut". XBIZ Newswire. Retrieved 2012-10-03.
- Bargnes, Kevin (2014-03-10). "Chris Crocker, of 'Leave Britney Alone' fame, is now a gay porn star". Chicago Spectrum. Retrieved 2014-03-10.
- ^ Narkunski, Michael (March 8, 2013). "It's Not a Hair Flip: Catching Up With Chris Crocker". Out. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
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(help) - ^ Michelson, Noah (January 10, 2012). "Chris Crocker Discusses His New Look, Gender, Porn, Britney Spears, His Documentary, 'Me At The Zoo,' And More". The Huffington Post. Retrieved March 10, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - NIchols, James (February 7, 2014). "Chris Crocker Discusses Gender Identity In Revealing Interview". The Huffington Post. Retrieved March 13, 2014.
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(help) - Chris Crocker (March 17, 2011). "Full song from my... - Facebook". Facebook. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
- "Chris Crocker - Mind In The Gutter at Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "iTunes - Music - Love You Better by Chris Crocker". iTunes. Apple. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "iTunes - Music - Love You Better (Acoustic) by Chris Crocker". iTunes. Apple. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "iTunes - Music - Best of Both Worlds by Chris Crocker". iTunes. Apple. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "iTunes - Music - Fell for the Enemy by Chris Crocker". iTunes. Apple. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "iTunes - Music - Freak of Nature by Chris Crocker". iTunes. Apple. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "Amazon.com: I Want Your Bite - Single: Chris Crocker: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "iTunes - Music - Second to None by Chris Crocker". iTunes. Apple. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "Amazon.com: Tug Of War - Single: Chris Crocker: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "Amazon.com: Taking My Life Back - Single: Chris Crocker: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- "Amazon.com: Locked Up Lovers - Single: Chris Crocker: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- Chris Crocker (January 9, 2011). "Chris Crocker - Freak of Nature OFFICIAL (uncensored) MUSIC VIDEO!! on Vimeo". Vimeo. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
- Chris Crocker (March 3, 2012). "Chris Crocker - One Day (video) - YouTube". YouTube. Google. Retrieved August 5, 2012.
- Chris Crocker (March 1, 2015). "Chris Crocker - Give Your Love Away (Music Video) - YouTube". YouTube. Google. Retrieved March 1, 2015.
- Chris Crocker (November 30, 2011). "#PREVIEW Ryan Adames - BANG (Featuring Chris Crocker) - YouTube". YouTube. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
- "Amazon.com: Bang (feat. Chris Crocker & Lou) - Single: Chris Crocker: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.com. Retrieved March 23, 2012.
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