Sun > Status Update

Elena wrote: "Kaje wrote: "I guess it will be up to those of us who comment there to keep the membership eye on the issue without igniting a firestorm (to which the group is prone.) - At least with regard to SH'..."

You can warn people without arguing. You can tell people "maybe you should be aware that the author of that book has been found guilty of manipulating people to get their stories written. You can still buy the book but they've been dropped by publishers."
No arguments, no opinions, just facts.

If they want to know more, google is their friends. If they ask more, you can link to Riptide statement (this thread is filled with opinions, so it's maybe not the best idea, even if I wish it was). Why Riptide? Because it's a business, it's not opinion on their part, it's facts.

I don't know if it would work or be deleted, but you only start an argument if you give your opinion. If you keep it short and factual, then I don't see why it would be a problem.

+1

EmilieSA wrote: "You can warn people without arguing. You can tell people "maybe you should be aware that the author of that book has been found guilty of manipulating people to get their stories written. You can still buy the book but they've been dropped by publishers."
No arguments, no opinions, just facts."

I certainly can, Emilie, but I'm pretty sure it would take just one SH's fan still believing them in that thread to make the conversation ignite. I can guarantee not to engage, but I can't control other people.

A suggestion, if you may, for those who choose to get rid of their physical copies:

Don't resell them, don't donate them. Recycle/burn/garbage them. Don't make them available for someone else to read and create the possibility of SH gaining a new fan. Even if all SH's releases through publishers are pulled, there are still the self-published books, Patreon, etc.

~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ wrote: "MostlyDelores wrote: "How could you possibly write off a person's claim that they were groped?

What if Vanessa claimed it happened, because... it happened? You cannot choose to disbelieve her jus..."

I believe you, Dani.

"If you've followed Vanessa at all, you would have seen a pattern in her behavior. She's the first to jump in as a bully and attack"

I've strayed from the genre, but I, too, have seen Vanessa North 'in action' here on GR plenty times, screaming in selective outrage with her clique of popular friends and ganging up on members who dared to express different opinions. 

Elena wrote: "EmilieSA wrote: "You can warn people without arguing. You can tell people "maybe you should be aware that the author of that book has been found guilty of manipulating people to get their stories w..."

But then YOU didn't argue, THEY did. Do you think you woul dbe banished or scolled even if you aren't the one arguing? If you don't engage and answer to them?
(it's a genuine question, not a rethorical one).

EDIT : also, hi Elena! I just realized it was you ;)

I haven't seen this posted yet, new statement from Megan Erickson.

http://meganerickson.org/statement-an...

quite a change of heart?

Thebomb wrote: "quite a change of heart?"

Or maybe just someone who had the time to start processing something they thought were true and real actually wasn't.

~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ wrote: "MostlyDelores wrote: "How could you possibly write off a person's claim that they were groped?

What if Vanessa claimed it happened, because... it happened? You cannot choose to disbelieve her jus..."

You may not be feeling strong right now so I'm going to bring a mirror into this conversation to show you.

💪💪💪

I admire your strength in speaking up for others and for yourself.

EmilieSA wrote: "But then YOU didn't argue, THEY did. Do you think you woul dbe banished or scolled even if you aren't the one arguing?
(it's a genuine question, not a rethorical one)."

I don't think so, no, the Mods there have always seemed pretty reasonable and ready to listen, but to be honest I got the impression they didn't want the matter discussed at all in the group. I understand they have valid concerns, it's just difficult to accept, that's all.
I read their post again, though, and it doesn't actually said not to mention the matter altogether.
You know what? I'm going to send a DM to one of the Mods and ask which are the boundaries.

Maybe I'm dumb or just not meant for conman conspiracies....I've read it all and I STILL don't understand...

There is Alisha, Santino (Marvin) and the Roomate Mike (Marvin)...

Who were these people hanging out with? Santino? If so, when they said they were friends with the roommate...who the hell is that?

Megan: "I befriended a person I was told was his roommate."

Did "Santino" go on these vacations without Alisha? I know she went to the con's with him but how does anyone meet the roommate? Who is playing the roommate if they were both Marvin?

Thebomb wrote: "quite a change of heart?"

I'm just speaking as a reader in general, and not someone personally impacted in this particular case, but she doesn't apologize for something that bothers me about what she's said to have done, and she doesn't say what it is I would have liked to have seen. But, perhaps that'll come.

And either way, it's what those who have been hurt and affected think that truly matters.

But personally I would like to see her, and others, acknowledge specifically their behavior in attacking readers, etc., under the guise of "defending my friend", and state they realize that behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable, and never justified, regardless of the situation.

Even when/if at the time they believed they were defending a friend, going on the attack, personally attacking readers and fans, targeting them, naming them, sending their fans after them, etc., is not ok. At. All.

The position of author, interacting with readers is not equal to that of readers interacting with authors. And authors should be held to a standard of professional behavior. Sure, they can be casual and let their hair down so to speak, if they want. But they should never lose sight of the fact that they are speaking as a business owner to their customers, and/or about other readers in view of their customers.

Again though, it's what you guys think that matters. And I expect individuals will decide what to think for themselves - which is how it should be.

Ariadna wrote: "Ah, noted. I*know* I saw the revised version yesterday. Thanks for mentioning it."

Gay Book Reviews has now removed all of the reviews for SH's books.

Elena wrote: "EmilieSA wrote: "But then YOU didn't argue, THEY did. Do you think you woul dbe banished or scolled even if you aren't the one arguing?
(it's a genuine question, not a rethorical one)."

I don't th..."

The way I understood the post was that we couldn't argue, not that we couldn't present facts, but please do let us know if/when they answer you. Seeing that strong signal rec is killing me.
I think it's a problem if we respond to the person arguing, and it'll be hard to keep it shut but well...

JenMcJ wrote: "Maybe I'm dumb or just not meant for conman conspiracies....I've read it all and I STILL don't understand...

There is Alisha, Santino (Marvin) and the Roomate Mike (Marvin)...

Who were these peop..."

Remember one of the M's (can't remember if Santino was suppos d to be Mike or Marvin...too many m's) was supposedly married to Alisha, so that would make the couple Santino's roommates. I believe Megan is referring to Alisha.

I am not an author, or a blogger, or follower (of anyone), or even a poster, on GR or anywhere else. I am just a reader. I read lots of books, from many genres, by many authors. I am old (60s). I am not very interested in knowing more about authors, or being friends with authors. I just like to read books. I discovered SH as an author a few years ago and read more than a couple of books, including some co-authored. I liked some a lot, ho-hum about others, DNF’d some, but overall thought the writing was good and compelling. I only discovered the SH situation and history a few days ago, following a vague reference I saw about “the situation” on some review site (I read a lot of review sites). I have now read lots and lots and lots from all the sources I have been able to find.

I have experienced being tricked, manipulated, gaslighted, and catfished in both my personal and professional life, and it is awful—it takes a long time to heal, to regain a sense of trust in ones self and in others. It takes a long time to recover from corrosive anger and bitterness and sorrow. My heart goes out to all of you who have been hurt in the many ways that the hurting happens, and I extend as much compassion and caring as is possible through the ether of the Internet. I have only been duped as a reader, and I can fairly easily move on (after deleting a bunch of books).

But three things: First, I will never, ever knowingly read another book by this author, because of all the reasons, but especially because what I have read about the soliciting of people’s personal stories, including sexual experiences, trauma, and abuse, and then using these stories in the books. Many of the reviews I have read talked about how real the stories in the books felt, how readers felt like they “knew” the characters. Well, now we know why. This is beyond repellant, immoral, unethical, fraudulent, abusive, and unforgivable. This kind of thing does not happen by accident.

Second, on a positive note, because of the discussions on this thread I have discovered a number of previously unknown to me authors whose books I now will seek out. I have already bought 5 or 6.

Third, when I first contacted Amazon (where I purchased these SH e-books) about getting refunds, they said they would not because they were purchased more than two weeks ago. I emailed again with a more detailed message and I just got an email that they will be refunding my purchases.

The discussions on this thread have been heartbreaking, eye-opening, and deeply transformative. Thanks to all of you who persisted, and who are re-engaging, and finding ways to move forward. Sorry about my long post. I hardly ever want to add my two cents to a discussion, but somehow this one got to me.

Alexandra wrote: "But personally I would like to see her, and others, acknowledge specifically their behavior in attacking readers, etc., under the guise of "defending my friend", and state they realize that behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable, and never justified, regardless of the situation. Even when/if at the time they believed they were defending a friend, going on the attack, personally attacking readers and fans, targeting them, naming them, sending their fans after them, etc., is not ok. At. All."

THIS.

Tamara (緑) wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "But personally I would like to see her, and others, acknowledge specifically their behavior in attacking readers, etc., under the guise of "defending my friend", and state they re..."

no amount of apologizing is going to be enough, trust is gone.

~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ wrote: "MostlyDelores wrote: "How could you possibly write off a person's claim that they were groped?

What if Vanessa claimed it happened, because... it happened? You cannot choose to disbelieve her jus..."

~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ wrote: "MostlyDelores wrote: "How could you possibly write off a person's claim that they were groped?

What if Vanessa claimed it happened, because... it happened? You cannot choose to disbelieve her jus..."

Dani(ela), I knew someone-a short term roommate- who had a pattern of doing this. She told me all kinds of stories about being abused and I felt for her as I had my own history. Next thing I knew, she was accusing a male friend of ours who I knew was a virgin, and anxious about his first time. I didn't say anything to her or call her out on it because I kept thinking maybe I was wrong. Then she did it to me, but instead of it being against her, she told my boss I'd had an inappropriate relationship with someone else. I was lucky. The person she chose, and his family, thought it was hilarious. I was devastated. She owed me $800 in rent, and it turned out she had a pattern of saying things like this or accusing all her previous roommates and landlords of something sexual. Every single time a person does this, it damages those who do come forward with truth. I look for patterns now when I hear the stories. I do not automatically believe or disbelieve...I just look for facts and patterns. Btw, I never did get my money. I was too hurt to pursue it.

I was even luckier in that this was a very short term roommate so I wasn't that close and did not really feel harmed in the end except for the money which I desperately needed.

Anyway, I totally get what you are saying, having been there myself.

JenMcJ wrote: "Maybe I'm dumb or just not meant for conman conspiracies....I've read it all and I STILL don't understand...

There is Alisha, Santino (Marvin) and the Roomate Mike (Marvin)...

Who were these peop..."


Hey Jen, "they" couldn't keep their stories straight so how are we expected to? LOL

It is my understanding that SH is a married couple, Alicia and Marvin Hassel who may or may not have a child. Alicia is likely the true writer of the stories.

The lies include:
-SH being a single, bisexual dad of two boys, one of the boys gay
-His ex-wife cheated on him with his cousin causing the divorce
-SH being a High School special ed teacher thereby requiring annonymity in the romance novel world
"Alisha" aka Alicia and "Mike" aka Marvin, were fictional roommates to the fictional SH. That couple had a child.
-Alicia (the real one) posed as assistant to SH and another time as assistant to ME.
-Lots and lots of claims of health issues, including cancer, from SH - over the years.
-Horrendous gaslighting and bullying by SH and his "inner circle" of friends - over the years.
-WORST of all - SH befriending people under false pretences and using their real life heartbreak as fodder for "their" stories. Then, of course, dropping the fake friendships like hot potatoes.

I've probably missed some. But I feel sick just listing this much so...

JFC - I was a f*ucking fan of this piece of sh*t. I don't think I can ever forgive myself.

ETA
Deleting books and reviews doesn't feel like nearly enough

Riptide has amended their statement: http://riptidepublishing.tumblr.com/p...

Anonymous asked: Why did you drop Santino Hassell? What did he do wrong? Will you be dropping any of his co-writers? Surely you had to know what was going on, were you mailing him checks attention Santino Hassell or was it to Marvin and Alicia? Surely he's not the only author on your books with a pen name?

The way payment arrangements work at any publishing house with an agented author is that the publisher sends the royalty checks to the agent, made out to the agency, and it’s then up to the agent to disperse the author’s share of funds to the author. This arrangement is actually codified in the contract itself in a section called an agency clause; the agent is spelled out as the official representative of the work for the lifetime of the contract (and sometimes for the lifetime of the work).

When we sign an agented author, we receive the tax ID number for the agency rather than the author, since it’s the agency we’re paying, and an electronic signature from the author, and that’s it. (When we sign an unagented author, we get a tax ID number for the author directly.) There are no requirements for the author to send photo IDs or to meet us in person or to speak with us on the phone or to provide any other personal details. However, the contract the author signs includes a series of author representations–basically a legal assurance by the author that that they are who they claim to be, that they are the legal owner of the copyright to the work, and that no one else has any legal or moral claim on the work (among other things). We were of course aware of his legal name because he signed the contract with it, but most authors in our space use pen names, so it seemed perfectly normal.

You can find our statement about this situation here: http://riptidepublishing.com/a-statem...

ETA: I wrote this at 3am; apologies for missing two very critical points.

First, we actually do have unagented work with Santino. Those contracts, as described above, were signed with his legal name, and we received his tax ID number for those. Like the agented contracts, they contain all the same author representations/warranties wherein the author gave his legal word that he was who he said he was, had unencumbered rights to the work, etc.

Second, an agent requires no more from an author than a publisher does. It’s the same situation: the author gives the agent their legal name, address, tax ID number, and address to mail checks, and then signs a contract legally stating they are who they say they are, etc. An agent typically knows no more about the author than a publisher does, is no more likely to meet the author in person, etc. We work with Santino’s ex-agent on a regular basis, and to the best of our knowledge, she was as unaware of the truth as we were.

I get all of that...but if Alisha and Marvin = Santino, Alisha and Mike... and Megan says she befriended his roommate...who was that?

I'm just confused how they befriended the roommate...online? in person? How does this play a part in the scam? How does this matter in the narrative since it keeps coming up. Does she mean the roommate was Alisha? if so how can Alisha be the roommate and the PA? I am just trying to figure out how they met three people (Alisha, Santino and Mike ) when there is only Alisha and Marvin (santino/mike).

Dani, you don't want to litigate that kind of accusation on the internet. You need an attorney, like asap. Not even kidding here.

just fyi:

From a vox article:

No state classifies “groping” as either rape or sexual assault, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a crime. Most state criminal codes also prohibit both sexual and nonsexual “battery” — an offense that involves unwanted touching of a person’s body and that reflects our deeply held sense that people have a right to be left alone. This conduct is usually a misdemeanor, especially for a first offense.

JenMcJ wrote: "I get all of that...but if Alisha and Marvin = Santino, Alisha and Mike... and Megan says she befriended his roommate...who was that?

I'm just confused how they befriended the roommate...online? ..."

My understanding is

Alicia was presented as SH's roommate and later his assistant. Even later, as ME's assistant.

I've been following this entire mess the past week with growing horror.

I read books, I review and chit chat here on GR, but I don't follow authors on social media. I've never been in any of these author's friend circles. I just don't care to be that close to an author- to me, it's about the books.

But this whole situation has tainted everything these authors have written for me. I can't, in good conscience, recommend them anymore. I removed all my ratings and reviews. I didn't demand any refunds, because I read the books.

I do have this to say: you can't go throwing your personal business around (true or not) all over social media, and then start crying about personal privacy when someone asks questions. I don't think anyone here would have cared if these books were written by a man, a woman, or a married couple, if it weren't for all the lies. No one cares about what's in an author's pants, or how that person identifies. No one cares about their relationship status. But when an author puts out these "Facts" about themselves, as a way to draw readers into their circle, again, they give away their right to cry about privacy.

But then you add in the stories about illnesses, and the personal attacks, and the gaslighting, and the appropriation of other people's stories to sell books, and it just grows ever more disgusting.

As to all the other authors involved: some I might give the benefit of the doubt. We can never really know how much the friends and co-authors knew. Maybe they knew Alisha and Marvin were co-writers, and married, but let it go because they believed the rest of the lies, too. Maybe not. We'll probably never know.

But their behavior in all of this is the most telling for me. The ones that bullied and name called this past year, the ones that are trying to twist the narrative now to make themselves the victim (here's looking at you, Vanessa), the ones that issued insincere "poor me" apologies, but kept on defending, and yes, trying to bully people into silence, are now on my DNR list.

The saddest part of all, to us mere readers, is that these books were GOOD. They didn't NEED all this bullshit. They didn't need the lies and the personas and the self defense.

At this point, I think these people must get off on it. They get off on lying and taking people in, and if they can make money off it, such the better. They aren't sorry right now, they are covering their asses, and will probably be back, under different names.

I just hope someone recognizes the authors' tone in the writing, and is quick to point it out to the rest of us, instead of sitting on it, not wanting to make waves.

To all those people who came forward, thanks and appreciation, and also, I'm SO very sorry for all you went through, this past year, the past few years, however long this has been going on. To Nikki and Jenn and Noah and the two Danis and everyone else- stay strong. Don't let this bullshit drive you off GR and other social media. Step back for a bit, if you must, but know that we'll be here, waiting for you to feel able to return, always sending our support and love.

Elena wrote: "EmilieSA wrote: "But then YOU didn't argue, THEY did. Do you think you woul dbe banished or scolled even if you aren't the one arguing?
(it's a genuine question, not a rethorical one)."

I don't th..."
I support the way the group has handled it but I did go through and try to remove comments I'd made about the books so others wouldn't be encouraged to read/listen to them. As well as returning/deleting the books and altering my reviews on the main site.

Lisa wrote: "~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~ wrote: "MostlyDelores wrote: "How could you possibly write off a person's claim that they were groped?

What if Vanessa claimed it happened, because... it h..."

I never comment on authors (I'm really careful about what I say online), but Vanessa North has been acting horribly for a long time and it has been escalating more and more. I used to be friendly with her as well.

Then I noticed her subtweeting and punching down on more and more readers, making snide comments and then virtue signaling, and getting close with toxic people.

After this mess with SH, she is still making the situation about her. She really hurt a lot of people, and she can't get past focusing on herself. She needs to step away from the computer and think really hard about her actions. She is acting shamefully, unprofessionally, and I won't be reading her ever again.

Jen, I tried to add...

My understanding is that Alicia was presented as both, SH's roommate or ex-roomate as well as his current PA.

But, at this point, it's so convoluted that your guess is as good as mine.

It's too bad that SH can't just come clean with the facts now that they've been caught.

Fabi wrote: "My understanding is

Alicia was presented as SH's roommate and later his assistant. Even later, as ME's assistant. .."

Wouldn't that mean Megan had Alicia full legal name to pay her?

And so, there was never anyone that met "Mike" the husband of roommate Alicia?

Tamara (緑) wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "But personally I would like to see her, and others, acknowledge specifically their behavior in attacking readers, etc., under the guise of "defending my friend", and state they realize that behavior is unprofessional and unacceptable, and never justified, regardless of the situation. Even when/if at the time they believed they were defending a friend, going on the attack, personally attacking readers and fans, targeting them, naming them, sending their fans after them, etc., is not ok. At. All."

THIS."


+2

Vivian wrote: "Tamara (緑) wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "But personally I would like to see her, and others, acknowledge specifically their behavior in attacking readers, etc., under the guise of "defending my friend"..."

+3

JenMcJ wrote: "Fabi wrote: "My understanding is

Alicia was presented as SH's roommate and later his assistant. Even later, as ME's assistant. .."

Wouldn't that mean Megan had Alicia full legal name to pay her?..."

Exactly.

Except Susan who started this discussion here. She worked with "Marvin/Mike" - presented to her as the male roommate to SH.

And yes, ME has repeatedly admitted to knowing his/her/SH legal name.

Do I get an A in class for understanding the discussion or did I flop it? 🤣

I know it's a lot to read through but this is the best place to start: https://twitter.com/ease_dropper/stat...

In a nutshell, Alicia is the writer. Marvin is her husband. At one point she was referring to him as her "roommate" Mike. The married couple were actually Marvin & Alicia. He posed as Santino for the podcasts, etc. Mike does not exist. Nikki has this well documented with IP addresses etc & a whole lot of making up personas.

Fabi wrote: "Do I get an A in class for understanding the discussion or did I flop it? 🤣"

How does she claim to not know he was a married man if she knew the legal names of both Alisha and Marvin/Mike?

Megan: I believed what he told me, that he was a bi man who wrote books,

Oh, wait, she leaves out Single...


And to then Susan's company hired Mike who was presented as the roommate to Santino and married to Alisha? But Mike was actually Marvin who was actually Santino?

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "I know it's a lot to read through but this is the best place to start: https://twitter.com/ease_dropper/stat...

In a nutshell, Alicia is the writer. Marvin is her husband. At one..."

Aaaand that's why I don't write. It took you one post and half a dozen sentences to clearly explain it. I failed. :-/

Thanks for posting this!

JenMcJ wrote: How does she claim to not know he was a married man if she knew the legal names of both Alisha and Marvin/..."

Maiden name?

Shelby wrote: "JenMcJ wrote: How does she claim to not know he was a married man if she knew the legal names of both Alisha and Marvin/..."

Maiden name?"

Torres?

Fabi wrote: "Torres?"

So, if her legal name was Torres, that could potentially explain not knowing they were married even while knowing their legal name.

JenMcJ wrote: "Fabi wrote: "Do I get an A in class for understanding the discussion or did I flop it? 🤣"

How does she claim to not know he was a married man if she knew the legal names of both Alisha and Marvin/..."

Santino is a myth. Has never existed.

I have no doubt ME knew the names and married status of the person she spent time with. After all, she's married too. It would be hard to explain to your spouse taking a vacation with a single bi-man. But a vacation with the couple Hassell is not so far-fetched.

EmilieSA wrote: "The way I understood the post was that we couldn't argue, not that we couldn't present facts, but please do let us know if/when they answer you. Seeing that strong signal rec is killing me.
I think it's a problem if we respond to the person arguing, and it'll be hard to keep it shut but well..."

They answered immediately and your take on things was correct, Emilie. :)

We can write something generic, like “please be aware that the publisher dropped this author and pulled the books from distribution, you can find the publisher's statement here” and they suggested also linking to the Mod’s statement, if we want.
The “keep the threads free of arguments” in the statement was about avoiding escalating things in case someone starts an argument and they also ask to contact one of the mods if we notice things getting out of hand on the threads, since they can’t keep an eye on thing 24/7.
That's at least one problem solved.

EDIT: I can't find the recommendation for Strong Signal on the thread "Looking for a book about..." anymore. Has it been canceled by the member who made it or am I missing it?
It's very late here and I've to go, so if you, Linda or Kaje read this and find the right message, could one of you please post the warning?
Thank you!

Fabi wrote: "Aaaand that's why I don't write. It took you one post and half a dozen sentences to clearly explain it. I failed. :-/

Thanks for posting this! "

Nah, I've just been stalking this situation for awhile. 🤗

Optimist ♰King's Wench♰ & MANTIES Champion wrote: "I know it's a lot to read through but this is the best place to start: https://twitter.com/ease_dropper/stat...

In a nutshell, Alicia is the writer. Marvin is her husband. At one..."
I am in awe of Nikki. Give her a couple days and she will figure out this whole Trump/Russia thing. I say that with the utmost respect :)

I'm really late to this post. New job and I'm not on GR much these days.

Does anyone know if there is a condensed version of events and people/authors involved? I don't think I'll ever make it through the 1500 replies here.

I hope that doesn't sound callous. If authors don't deserve my support, I'd like to know about it. If anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd be grateful.

Duck wrote: "I'm really late to this post. New job and I'm not on GR much these days.

Does anyone know if there is a condensed version of events and people/authors involved? I don't think I'll ever make it thr..."

https://thesaltminers.tumblr.com/post...

Shanen wrote: "I am in awe of Nikki. Give her a couple days and she will figure out this whole Trump/Russia thing. I say that with the utmost respect :)"


I know! She should apply at the CIA or FBI. Smart girl is wicked smart. If Mueller only knew the resources he could have at his fingertips...

JenMcJ wrote: "And to then Susan's company hired Mike who was presented as the roommate to Santino and married to Alisha? But Mike was actually Marvin who was actually Santino?."

This actually happened long before Megan met "Santino". Susan met Mike/Marvin in NYC, giving him a job, before they moved to Texas. Susan, despite all her pleading, back then never met "Santino". The pictures she posted then of Mike/Marvin look an awful lot like current pictures of "Santino", which is one of the things that got this whole thing rolling.

I think I have that right? Correct me if I don't.

From what I read, the married roomates’ last name was Hassell and “Santino” used it as a joke. So, in effect, they used their real last name.

This is one of those situations where the truth is stranger than fiction.

edit: on second thought I DONT want to derail this. Keep keeping on! Esp if it's to kudos nikki, susan, jenn, #nastybirds, noah etc etc