MANHUNT CHAIRMAN RESIGNS

Jonathan Crutchley, the Chairman and co-founder of US gay dating site Manhunt, has resigned following his donation to Republican presidential candidate John McCain.

The news last week that Crutchley had contributed $2300 – the maximum amount individuals are allowed to donate – to the McCain campaign resulted in a furore in the gay media. It also reportedly led some members of the site to cancel their subscriptions.

Of the two candidates in line to stand for President, McCain is seen as the least gay-friendly.

The revelation of the donation is said to have led the company’s board to pressure Crutchley to step down.

Manhunt co-founder Larry Basile subsequently issued a statement confirming Crutchley’s resignation.

“It should be known that Jonathan Crutchley’s donation to McCain left the entire Board in disbelief. I am disappointed that we have lost some customers, and I understand the anger, said Basile. “Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan has stepped down as Chairman.”

It was also reported that McCain had returned the controversial donation to Crutchley, apparently unwilling to be associated with a gay dating site.