Behind the Website: the Dirty's Nik Richie

Nik Richie is definitely making some of us laugh by posting embarrassing photos of unsuspecting people to his website, The Dirty.com. These pictures are not family snapshots and in fact sometimes could be described as semi pornographic. Captions are always provided by the self serving, white boy humor of the self described "first reality internet blogger" Nik Richie.

I first came across The Dirty about a year and a half ago. As a mother, my first reactions were of pity and embarrassment for those subjected to such humiliation. Luckily it only took about two seconds before I thought, "if you can't laugh with them, you might as well laugh at them."

Most of the pictures posted are of girls in bikinis (or less), men with muscles, and a lot of drunken college kids. Nik Richie then provides his own - usually less than favorable - opinions on the photos. Not all of the photos are of non suspecting civilians.

The Dirty has been notorious for displaying many naked pictures of reality actress Gretchen Rossi. Photos of the Rossi posed on a toilet to photos of her with naked with a choice sex toy have since been compiled into The Gretchen Chronicles.

Arizona State University decided to end its cheerleading program after photos of six cheerleaders appeared on thedirty.com. Those six girls were not nude and were posing in what could to be the bras and panties of any average girl. I personally doubt that these six girls (who were not naked or very suggestive) are really responsible for the disbanding of the whole team, but that is the reason the school's athletic department is giving.

It wasn't long after my first visit that I wondered, "who is Nik Richie?"

After a couple of Google searches, I found out that Nik Richie's real name is Hooman Karamian. He has used various aliases in the past. With a name like Hooman who wouldn't? It is also reported that he was born in 1979.

Nik Richie has been accused of being involved in various talent businesses that allegedly scammed hopeful musicians. It is reported that various music artists were allegedly duped out of thousands of dollars for empty promises of a record deal.

While writing this article I felt it necessary to start researching again. The newest and most surprising gossip found was about his divorce in July 2009 to a beautiful, yet natural looking Amanda Toney.

For every negative on Nik Richie you could probably find a positive. He has supported various charities in the past and is currently set to host an auction to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Just yesterday, he posted photos of a woman with what appeared to be an obvious and alarming eating disorder. The young woman had sent pictures to Richie in hopes that he might date her. Instead of any sarcastic remarks, Richie posted, "you need help and I need a family member or friend to step up in your life. You don't need to look skinny to date me or any other guy."

I may not fit in the typical demographic of The Dirty's readers or have the same beliefs as the site's creators. However, I enjoy getting to see what I am missing out on by living my normal, stay at home mom life. If I wondered in the back of my head if I was missing out on something, Nik Richie and The Dirty have confirmed that I am not.

Sources: www.thedirty.com
Phoenix New Times
www.dirtyscottsdalediscovered.blogspot.com