Icon of the X, a controversial entrepreneur for some and a revered figure in European porn for others, Tim Kruger marked an entire generation with his charisma and unadorned approach. But his sudden death, which occurred under murky circumstances in Barcelona on March 1, 2025, has been stirring up discussions for a few days. Who really was Tim Kruger? And what does his premature departure hide?
The Beginnings of a X Legend
Tim Kruger, whose real name was Marcel Bonn, was born on January 25, 1981, in Düsseldorf, Germany. Initially drawn to cooking, he considered making it his profession and moved to Berlin. However, his interest in artistic expression and the world of imagery quickly took precedence. In this libertarian and vibrant city, he began his ascent.
It was in a specialized sex shop that he discovered the gay porn industry. His athletic physique and magnetic gaze caught the attention of professionals. In 2006, he contacted Raging Stallion Studios and traveled to San Francisco to shoot Monster Bang 11: Bang That Ass. This first shoot was a success, propelling his name onto the international scene.
A Meteoric Rise and the Creation of TimTales
The young German continued collaborations with renowned studios such as Cazzo Film and Hot House Entertainment. His performances set him apart: he embodied raw masculinity, combined with disarming simplicity. His nickname as the ultimate redhead pornstar became a trademark.
In 2009, he founded TimTales with his partner Grobes Geraet. Their approach stripped down the codes of X: scenes without a script, where spontaneity and realism took precedence. This signature appealed to a wide audience in search of authenticity.
For the essayist Didier Lestrade [essayist, journalist, and French LGBT activist, ed.], a great specialist in gay porn:
"TimTales is the best European porn studio – and perhaps even the best gay studio worldwide" [source: Libération].
With the disappearance of Tim Kruger, it is thus the pinnacle of contemporary X that we mourn today. Quickly, Tim Kruger videos became an essential reference in European gay porn, even Western.
The Mystery Surrounding His Disappearance
This weekend, Tim Kruger passed away in Barcelona, at the age of 44. Grobes Geraet announced a "domestic accident" but did not specify the circumstances. This opacity fuels rumors: overdose? Crime? Suicide?
On social media and Reddit forums, fans are questioning. Why was no autopsy publicized? Why did his partner insist on closing the subject quickly? Some draw parallels with other X actors’ disappearances, like Arpad Miklos or Erik Rhodes, who died under unclear circumstances. On Tim Kruger Twitter, tributes pour in, but also questions about the true causes of his disappearance.
A Career Marked by Diversity and Avant-Garde
Far from confining himself to classic studios, Tim Kruger always sought to broaden his horizons. He shot scenes outdoors, in atypical locations, offering a sunny image of gay desire. The aesthetics of his productions fit into a post-PrEP era. This preventive treatment allows HIV-negative people to significantly reduce the risk of contracting HIV. The question of condoms is left to the actors’ discretion.
His popularity extends beyond the circles of the porn industry. In 2013, he was invited to walk at the Barcelona Fashion Week. Some brands saw in him an alternative icon with a hint of scandal, as fashion knows how to exploit scandals. Esteemed colleagues from Libération, Les Inrockuptibles, Têtu, among others, dedicated entire articles to him.
Between Stigmatization and Recognition
Several figures in the X industry like Rhyheim Shabazz, Sir Peter, or filmmaker Bruce LaBruce paid tribute to him. They salute an authentic, passionate artist who redefined the codes of gay porn with boldness.
The journey of Tim Kruger illustrates the paradoxes of the X industry. On one hand, he experienced glory, the adulation of thousands of fans on the internet, and recognition from his peers. On the other hand, he had to face the ostracism endured by sex workers. Particularly in gay porn, this field is heavily attacked by homophobes on social media.
A Name Forever Engraved in the History of X
The overproduction of pornographic videos and their frantic consumption have never been so omnipresent. Even the few women who watch porn seem to avoid hetero, where women are often humiliated. Surprisingly, gay X and the drawn encounters of yaoi manga appeal to a certain female audience. Tim Kruger, an emblematic figure of the genre, established himself as a symbol of emancipation and freedom of expression for libertarians and libertines of all kinds. His sudden death, shrouded in mystery, leaves an abyssal void among his fans. At least, that’s what social media reveals. Yet, his legacy endures: his videos continue to circulate in cyberspace, eternal witnesses of a time when X still had its stars.
