More on John Zuccarino and Silver Springs Winery

July 28th, 2009 → 8:47 am @ Josh Hermsmeyer


Part 1 of the John Zuccarino fiasco is here.

Due to some events last night, I feel compelled to post the following items.

First I’d like to point you toward this video.

I share this for two reasons.

1. It goes to credibility. You must discern for yourself the credibility of the man who is accusing me of the most heinous charge that can be leveled against a person.

2. John Zuccarino very clearly believes I am behind the dgiovannisucks Twitter account.

I’m not. Moreover, I have no idea who is behind it. The day this all went down I was enjoying the opening day of the Wine Blogger’s Conference with 275 other bloggers. But it is instructive to note that his believing I have something to do with this might account for his behavior toward me.

I’d also like to point without comment to this post by John on erobertparker, from today. Specifically this quote:

I will not be mocked or libeled in any way…not even on this BB…I expect to see deleted posts that are not true…TY

I have not had anything close to a bottle of wine for over 7 months…you can find the thread in SH …I went on my wine break this lasted over 6 weeks without symptoms of withdraw so enough about being drunk…I drink a glass a day lunch and one dinner…if that now…

Last night someone calling from the Circulation Department of the Finger Lakes Times and, claiming to be a reporter, spoke with a former board member at a non profit organization of which I was previously a board member and President.

The caller did not leave his name. I called and spoke with Jim Miller at the Finger Lakes Times and he said he had no knowledge of any story being pursued about Zuccarino, myself or Lenn. He also said it was very strange that a call seeking comment would originate from Circulation. I will be speaking with the managing editor later today about this.

Despite all this, the board was forced to draft and vote on a statement. I republish it here:

“Josh is an outstanding person of the highest integrity. We will not comment on any outrageous and false accusations made about him by any individual.”

That this had to even be drafted, and that these ridiculous allegations are being considered for even a moment by people with whom I work and respect causes me the greatest distress.

Finally, I have never in my life either viewed or trafficked in child porn.

I can’t express how unbelievably frustrating it is to have to deny a charge for something so repugnant. Freedom of speech is sacred and should always be defended, but there are some words that you can never take back. There are words that stain, that do not wash out. The people who utter those words should do so with the utmost care. And, if they don’t, they should be held accountable.

I demand a public apology from John Zuccarino, and that he recant every hateful word that he has written to besmirch my reputation.

Thank you to everyone for your kind comments and support.