Michael Warner, An Adult Industry Founder, Succumbs to COVID

LOS ANGELES—Michael Warner, a founding member of the Free Speech Coalition and owner of Great Western Litho, one of the primary boxcover and packaging printers for the adult industry, has died after having contracted COVID-19. According to information provided to AVN, Warner contracted the coronavirus around Christmas while he was visiting Palm Springs, and as his symptoms continued to worsen, he was admitted to a hospital in the Palm Springs area until his death early today. Warner's family released this statement: "To Michael’s Friends Whom He Loved Very Much... As everyone knows, for the past few weeks, Michael has been battling COVID. It is with great sadness that we must share heartbreaking news. Early this morning, due to the effects of the virus, Michael passed away. Michael was one-of-a-kind and the center of our universe. He had a huge heart, cared deeply for his family, friends and colleagues and, through his love and generosity, enriched the lives of so many. This is an unimaginable loss for everyone close to him and it occurs at a time when Michael’s best qualities—kindness, empathy and compassion—are needed most. There is no better way to honor Michael’s legacy than for each of us to embody those qualities and care for each other during this difficult time." Warner was well-known to nearly all studio heads and adult novelty manufacturers from the early days of the adult industry. Several who AVN contacted today at post time were too upset at the news to provide comments right away. Warner served for more than 10 years on the Board of the Free Speech Coalition, and was one of its founders, back when it was known as the Free Speech Legal Defense Fund, but in the late 1990s, he and several other Board members including Vivid Entertainment co-chairman Steven Hirsch, Wicked Pictures' Steve Orenstein and the late Christian Mann resigned en masse in order to allow for new blood to serve at the Coalition's helm, though some cited family and work commitments for taking their leave. But Warner continued to support the organization for his entire career, printing flyers and other documents and notices for FSC at no charge whenever requested to do so. "Michael Warner was a universally respected pillar for the adult industry," attorney and Free Speech Board Chair Jeffrey Douglas told AVN in a statement. "Although adult content was only a small part of his publishing business, Michael consistently provided generosity, leadership and wisdom to the rest of the industry. In 1990, the Bush Administration tried to destroy everything he had built, based upon him producing pennies worth of video box covers. Michael Warner stood upright, unbowed. The Government failed in its forfeiture efforts, but yet imprisoned him as part of an FBI sting operation that targeted several company heads. He provided all forms of support for other defendants in the anti-pornography hysteria-based prosecutions. He was a pleasure to work with during his years on the Free Speech Coalition Board of Directors. He was a man of caustic humor, enormous strength and gentleness." Warner generally adopted a low-key attitude regarding industry politics, though he often contributed monetarily to industry members who faced prosecution, and he attended nearly all industry and FSC events and received several industry awards, including its Industry Founder Award. Great Western Litho made the news, however, back in 2003 when a massive fire swept through its factory, causing more than $1 million in damages, destroying one of the company's three printing presses and leaving one employee severely burned. Warner told the media that, "We are deeply saddened by the accident, but our commitment to serving our customers remains as strong as ever."