SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Former gay film star Ryan Idol is looking to get a new trial to overturn the attempted murder conviction he received last year for striking his ex-girlfriend in the head with a toilet tank lid.
Idol, whose real name is Marc Anthony Donais, is set to be sentenced on Sept. 21, unless he can get the Sacramento Court to grant his motion for a retrial due to "ineffective assistance of counsel."
Idol was convicted for attempted murder on Sept. 20, 2011 after failing to convince a Sacramento Superior Court jury that he acted in self defense when whacking his ex with the toilet tank lid, claiming that he thought she had pulled a knife during their post breakup fight in her bathroom.
"I just hope I can put this whole unfortunate episode behind me and get on with my life," Idol said today in a statement. "I’ve made some big mistakes and let myself and others down, but I’m always amazed at how many people remember me and wish me well. My gay fans, in particular, are an amazing source of support and I really appreciate their thoughts and prayers.”
Idol first broke into the adult industry in 1989 as a Playgirl centerfold (February, 1989). He was one of the '90s most popular gay performers, despite only starring in less than 20 videos. He retired in 1996 after toplining such eponymously titled features "Idol Eyes," "Idol Worship," "Idle Thoughts," "Idol Country" and "Idol in the Sky."