'Boystown' reality series creator David Schlessinger says show will go on
Thu. May 5, 2011 7:30 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
dave schlessinger (middle) at the april 15 casting call
Schlessinger releases statement following report on past convictions
Chicago, IL -
David Schlessinger, the creator of a reality show based on Chicago's Boystown neighborhood, is disputing a report by the Windy City Times that the show is in jeopardy following news of his criminal record as a registered sex offender.
"I have and always been truly sorry for the mistakes that I made 15 years ago," Schlessinger said in a statement released to the media by his publicist. "I have taken responsibility for these actions and their consequences. If anything, I have used them as a learning experience to help me grow to become a better person."
According to court records obtained by the Windy City Times, Schlessinger, 45, pled guilty and was convicted of charges in September 1998 related to his assaults of three underage boys between June 1995 and January 1997.
"The reporting at this time in my life, as if it were some revelation, only serves to publicly humiliate me," said Schlessinger. "Since then, I have worked diligently to better my neighborhood and community."
Schlessinger is backing the project through his company, Chitown Entertainment. He and producers from Los Angeles held two open casting calls in Chicago the weekend of April 15, which drew hundreds to the reality show project.
A statement provided to ChicagoPride.com by Chitown Entertainment said the show is not in jeopardy and noted that discussions continued on Thursday about possible locations for ‘Boystown,' including Circuit, Spin Nightclub and Hydrate.
When contacted by ChicagoPride.com for confirmation on Thursday evening, a Hydrate spokesperson said the club has decided not to participate. Spin Nightclub has reportedly disputed the claim. Scarlet and Minibar, previously told Windy City Times that they would not be participating in the series after learning of Schlessinger's criminal record.
Circuit owner Mike Macharello told the RedEye that he plans to continue to participate as the project moves forward.
"This reality show is something that he's trying to do in his life that is a positive thing," said Macharello. "I have chosen to just give the guy a chance and help him out."
ChiTown Entertainment's statement also indicated there have been ongoing discussions with the prospective cast members with each of them still interested in the project.
"I would ask that the public base their judgments on all of the good and noteworthy things that I have done for Chicago's community within the past 15 years," concluded Schlessinger. "I think that is what should stand out, not something negative from the past."
"I have and always been truly sorry for the mistakes that I made 15 years ago," Schlessinger said in a statement released to the media by his publicist. "I have taken responsibility for these actions and their consequences. If anything, I have used them as a learning experience to help me grow to become a better person."
According to court records obtained by the Windy City Times, Schlessinger, 45, pled guilty and was convicted of charges in September 1998 related to his assaults of three underage boys between June 1995 and January 1997.
"The reporting at this time in my life, as if it were some revelation, only serves to publicly humiliate me," said Schlessinger. "Since then, I have worked diligently to better my neighborhood and community."
Schlessinger is backing the project through his company, Chitown Entertainment. He and producers from Los Angeles held two open casting calls in Chicago the weekend of April 15, which drew hundreds to the reality show project.
A statement provided to ChicagoPride.com by Chitown Entertainment said the show is not in jeopardy and noted that discussions continued on Thursday about possible locations for ‘Boystown,' including Circuit, Spin Nightclub and Hydrate.
When contacted by ChicagoPride.com for confirmation on Thursday evening, a Hydrate spokesperson said the club has decided not to participate. Spin Nightclub has reportedly disputed the claim. Scarlet and Minibar, previously told Windy City Times that they would not be participating in the series after learning of Schlessinger's criminal record.
Circuit owner Mike Macharello told the RedEye that he plans to continue to participate as the project moves forward.
"This reality show is something that he's trying to do in his life that is a positive thing," said Macharello. "I have chosen to just give the guy a chance and help him out."
ChiTown Entertainment's statement also indicated there have been ongoing discussions with the prospective cast members with each of them still interested in the project.
"I would ask that the public base their judgments on all of the good and noteworthy things that I have done for Chicago's community within the past 15 years," concluded Schlessinger. "I think that is what should stand out, not something negative from the past."