Richard Grieco Denies Having Been Paid for Sex

Dear Radio Guys:

Just so you know, "have you ever been paid for sex?" is not actually a normal or appropriate question to ask your celebrity guest. I draw this conclusion not only from basic common sense, but because I've never heard an interviewer ask any celebrity other than Richard Grieco this question. Just to be sure, though, I asked around a bit. The only possibly affirmative response I got was, "Maybe Howard Stern."

So, why have I heard Richard asked this question two or three times just in the past few months?

I mean, yes, I've seen him. And yes, he did start out bartending while waiting to break into the acting business and probably didn't have a lot of money. And yes, he even bartended at a nightclub that was as hot as he was, populated by people with money to throw around and judgment-decreasing substances coursing through their veins.

But, none of that is very unusual for an up-and-coming star.

Here are some theories I've put together as to why you might keep asking Richard Grieco this question:

• For some reason, you just look at him and think, "That guy has taken money for sex."
• For obvious reasons, you look at him and think, "People have offered that guy money for sex."
• You like to ask provocative questions and he seems like a guy who won't kick your ass or hang up on you if you cross the line.
• You're kind of hoping to find out you can rent him.
• You know he's consistently said that he "never went that route" on other programs and are hoping to cut your journalistic teeth by getting him to admit to something.
• You want to be Howard Stern, but don't really have the nerve to try it with most people.
• You're thinking that since Richard produces a "reality show" about gigolos, he must have some personal tie to the industry.
• You're thinking that since Richard produces a "reality show" about gigolos, you can get away with asking the question.

I'll admit, the Gigolos connection seems most likely, but come on...didn't the guy JUST tell us that show was the result of a chance encounter with a male prostitute in Vegas? (But that's another story for another day, right?)

Of course, I suspect that you're as unlikely to share your true motivation for asking this question as Richard is to admit that he's been paid for sex.  If that ever happened. Which it didn't, right? He clearly said it didn't. But, you know, keep asking.