Larry Flynt, the Controversial Publisher of Hustler Magazine, Passes Away at 78
Renowned publisher Larry Flynt, who made headlines for launching a porn empire, has sadly passed away at the age of 78. The mogul, best known for creating the infamous Hustler magazine, died in Los Angeles on Wednesday morning after suffering from heart failure, according to family sources.
For almost half a century, Larry Flynt was a prominent figure in the adult entertainment industry. He shot to fame and amassed a fortune when Hustler skyrocketed in popularity after its debut in 1974. However, along with success came numerous legal battles and controversies.
Flynt’s fights for First Amendment rights became legendary and were even depicted in the Oscar-nominated film The People vs. Larry Flynt. The biopic, featuring Woody Harrelson as Flynt, chronicled his relentless pursuit to defend freedom of speech.
Tragically, Flynt’s notoriety for his magazine also made him a target. In 1978, he was the victim of a murder attempt by serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin, who shot him. The incident left Flynt paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He suffered from constant pain and various medical complications as a result.
Beyond Hustler, Flynt was the president of Larry Flynt Publications, overseeing the production of other adult magazines like Barely Legal, pornographic videos, and Hustler TV. In 2000, he even ventured into the world of gambling by opening the popular Hustler Casino near Los Angeles.
Aside from his business ventures, Flynt dabbled in politics, albeit controversially. In 1984, he embarked on a brief presidential run, and in 2003, he ran for Governor of California during the recall election. He even made headlines during Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial when he offered a $1 million reward for evidence of sexual transgressions through his publication, The Flynt Report.
Larry Flynt’s personal life was marked by five marriages. He tied the knot with his current wife, Elizabeth Berrios, in 1998. The publisher leaves behind five daughters, a son, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
The passing of Larry Flynt marks the end of an era in the adult entertainment industry. Despite the controversies surrounding him, there is no denying the impact he had on the world of publishing and his unwavering commitment to freedom of speech. Larry Flynt will be remembered as a prominent figure who pushed boundaries and fought for the rights he believed in.
