Porn Convention Promoters Using Bears Player To Sell Discount Tickets
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The promoters of a huge pornography convention coming to Rosemont next month are capitalizing on a controversy that linked a Chicago Bears player to a similar event in Miami.
The controversy centered around the use of a photo of Bears safety Major Wright to promote an after party at the Exxxotica Expo in Miami last month. Wright said in a statement that he never authorized the use of his image to promote the event. The NFL is investigating a possible intellectual property violation.
But all that hasn't stopped the promoters of the Rosemont event to offer fans a deal. In a news release that never mentions Wright by name, organizers are offering discount admissions by entering the promo code "MAJOR" when buying tickets online.
"In addition, the first 27 people wearing the jersey to EXXXOTICA of the Chicago player in the forefront of the story will receive a free VIP upgrade at the show," the release said. The VIP upgrade offers free DVDs and admission to the exclusive VIP lounge, which includes "a cash bar, sexy dancers, amazing giveaways and much more."
Major Wright's number is 27. While Wright's jersey is not among the featured Bears jerseys for sale, one has to wonder whether there will be a spike in activity to the Bears online fan store.
Wright strongly denied any knowledge of the event and apologized to this fans.
"I am deeply disappointed that my name and likeness was manipulated by the promoters of this event," Wright said. 'The use of my picture in a Chicago Bear uniform was never discussed or approved."
Wright also took to Twitter to denounce the use of the photograph for the event:
EXXXOTICA Chicago runs from July 8-10, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
