What the hell happened to Luke Ford?

Hey! What's going on with pioneer blogger and charismatic Internet personality Luke Ford? The Woodstein of the pornography industry-turned-conflicted Orthodox Jew has always been a controversial figure, but as long as we've known him, he's also been a well-groomed, camera-ready media star.

So imagine our surprise when we strolled though his site to see a photo of Luke looking like he'd been voted off Survivor, escaped from Josef Fritzl's cellar or at the very least stepped off a Chabad mitzvah tank.

We asked Luke what’s up.

TB: Nice new look. Is it religious-inspired or are you preparing for a movie role?

Luke: Yeah, the beard is a religious thing. I read an article in the February issue of Commentary magazine on the role of the beard in Judaism and then went to lunch and sat next to a guy with a beautiful long white beard -- the singer Rick Moses, a fellow convert to Judaism -- that I decided to grow a beard.

Have you indeed given up the porn coverage?

I sold lukeisback last October and have not written on porn since (not for any sites that have porn advertising anyway, I guess I've mentioned the topic a few times on lukeford.net).

Have you given up all secular pursuits?

I have not given up all secular pursuits by any means.

Who do you endorse for president?

I don't endorse anyone for president, but expect I'll be voting for McCain. Uggh.

Anything else to report?

Could you mention or link to my live cam?

You got it.

CLICK HERE FOR LUKE FORD ‘S LIVE CAM.

OLD LUKE↓