Adult Industry, Admirers Respond to News of Flynt’s Passing

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

— Cindy Gallop (@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