In the aftermath of hearing the news that adult industry pioneer and free speech icon Larry Flynt had passed away at the age of 78, social media platforms lit up with remembrances, “rest in peace” messages and personal anecdotes about peoples’ experiences with the man who founded one of the adult industry’s most recognizable brands.
Flynt was arguably more recognizable than any other figure in the history of the adult industry, even those who have spent their entire careers in front of the camera. Not only was he a master of generating controversy and capturing widespread attention in the process, his role as a stalwart defender of free speech ensured that his legacy extends far beyond the confines of the adult industry.
“RIP to a trailblazer for the adult industry,” tweeted the official account of the Free Speech Coalition. “He lived the life of a legend & paid hard prices to protect our 1st amendment rights. A true Free Speech hero, RIP Larry Flynt.”
Many of those who commented echoed the same manner of respect and admiration for Flynt’s free speech battles – like his involvement in the landmark case Hustler Magazine v. Falwell – and his central place in what Cindy Gallop termed the “Social Sex Revolution.”
We are saddened to hear of the passing of industry pioneer Larry Flynt. His fight against censorship and the protection of our first amendment rights was legendary. He will be missed. Rest In Paradise.
— APAG – Adult Performance Artists Guild (@APAGunion) February 11, 2021
RIP @ImLarryFlynt. I interviewed Larry for @PromaxBDA years ago, and we got on so well he invited me to lunch. When I called him a pioneer, he said, "I never thought of myself as a pioneer – because I didn't think I was doing anything wrong." THAT's the the Social Sex Revolution! pic.twitter.com/Rb6xlg1ltR
— cindygallop.eth (@cindygallop) February 10, 2021
Severe Society Films co-owner and director Jimmy Broadway noted that “We couldn’t do what we do without the groundwork (Flynt) laid.”
“Everything adult – porn, gambling, alcohol- suffered a loss today,” Broadway added. “RIP Larry Flynt.”
The Walters Law Group described Flynt as a “friend of the First Amendment and tireless advocate for sexual freedom” – a theme echoed by many others from the legal community.
Could not tell you how many times in our work we've cited to Hustler Magazine, Inc. v. Falwell, or how many times its authority has stopped a censorious administrator in their tracks. It's one of the all-time greats, and for that we're in Larry Flynt's debt. pic.twitter.com/XReZ3THbBY
— Peter Bonilla (@pebonilla) February 11, 2021
Some in the industry opted for brief, heartfelt expressions of condolence, celebrations of Flynt’s life, or best wishes for his foray into the next life.
Enjoy your next journey Larry Flynt. @hustler #RIP
— Charlotte Stokely 🐝 (@char_stokely) February 11, 2021
https://twitter.com/APclipsCEO/status/1359644557944651778
Expressions of admiration and respect flowed from outside the adult industry, as well, including writer/producer Hunter Braithwaite’s reminder that Flynt published more than just pornographic magazines and videos.
https://twitter.com/_hbraithwaite/status/1359649488529481733
“Hate him, love him – Larry Flynt was one of a kind,” tweeted Larry Karaszewski, one of the writers who helped craft the script for The People vs. Larry Flynt.
Hate him, love him – Larry Flynt was one of a kind. The events of today remind me that during Clinton’s impeachment a Flynt investigation exposed the hypocrisy of the Republicans & caused the Speaker of the House to resign. He call us chuckling “Boys, I’m working on the sequel!” pic.twitter.com/RwamCOfvl6
— Larry Karaszewski (@Karaszewski) February 11, 2021
There are countless other examples from within the adult industry and outside it, of course. I’ll close with one from The Daily Beast‘s Marlow Stern, who notes that Flynt kept on needling his adversaries and pushing the envelope, maintaining his role as the porn industry’s greatest provocateur, right up to the end of his amazing journey through life.
RIP first amendment warrior Larry Flynt. Got him to write this piece for us late last year: his final *fuck you* to the Falwells https://t.co/4Wg7oaTDVD
— Marlow Stern (@MarlowNYC) February 10, 2021
