Columnist Michael Musto Thanks Fans and Readers For Support Following Village Voice Exit

BWW reported yesterday, May 17, that The Village Voice continued cuts in its staff this week, including longtime columnist Michael Musto and chief theater critic Michael Feingold. The upheaval, which also included food critic Robert Sietsema, last week caused editors Will Bourne and Jessica Lustig to resign.

Musto took to Facebook today to express his gratitude to his fans and readers for their support:

"Hello, everyone. Yesterday, I was laid off from the Village Voice after 28 years of writing there, as you've probably read. The response has been astounding. I think I got more Facebook posts and tweets than Angelina's breasts, lol! People came out in droves to support me and said they've appreciated my work through the years. The performers, artists, and party people I've long trumpeted rallied to give me love and show their loyalty. The readers who've followed me came out to say how tragic they felt this turn of events was. And I want to tell you how incredibly touched I am by the outpouring. I don't do earnestness very well--and this may well be the last time I even try--but all of your comments have really buoyed me and made me heartened to know that I'm appreciated, and I just want to say THANK YOU for the love. I've tried to thank each person personally--feeling like Joan Crawford as I've done so--but if I missed someone, this is my way of saying I am EXTREMELY grateful the support. To know that none of this happens in a vacuum is a great thing because we can use these social tools to lift each other up and help each other to more glory. Soon I will update you on my future activities (which will be plentiful, I'm sure). In the meantime, MWAH!!!!!!"

Musto, who had written for the Voice since 1984, is also the author of Downtown, and Manhattan on the Rocks. A selection of his columns has been published as La Dolce Musto. He is also a regular guest on television shows such as Countdown with Keith Olberman and programs on the E! network. He is published regularly in several gay publications, including Out Magazine and ShowPeople.