Reply
Tue 1 Sep, 2020 12:50 pm
Interesting article by Larry Flint, former publisher of Hustler Magazine and outspoken first amendment advocate.
Quote:When I heard that Jerry Falwell Jr. had resigned the presidency of Liberty University in disgrace, it struck me as the belated ending to a long personal saga with the Falwell clan—and an essential footnote to the role of religion and free speech in America. For those unfamiliar with ancient history, it began in the 1970s, soon after I started publishing Hustler.
Jerry Falwell Sr., then head of the Moral Majority Christian interest group, sued me for libel and the “intentional infliction of emotional distress” over a Hustler parody of a Campari ad that used the liqueur’s slogan: “You’ll never forget your first time.” The parody featured an interview with Falwell waxing nostalgic about his “first time”—with his mother in a Virginia outhouse.
The legal battle lasted five years, from 1983 to 1988, including three decisions against me in federal courts. There was an important principle at stake: the right of artists, writers, and publishers to satirize public figures. Finally, I was vindicated by the Supreme Court in a unanimous decision written by conservative Chief Justice William Rehnquist. This case is often cited as a landmark ruling for the preservation of our First Amendment rights to free speech.
@engineer,
Larry Flynt wrote:You never see pretty women marching for women's rights.
I love Larry Flynt because of his willingness to attack the hypocrisy on all sides. He went after religious hypocrisy and feminist hypocrisy almost in the same breath.
If there is a Saint of Offending the Hypocritical.. Larry Flynt is the man.
Larry is the epitome of living longer than ones enemies as the best revenge. I appreciate his fights over free speech.
I always felt Falwell sued Flint because it was too close to the bone, in reality or in his psyche.
Larry is unique, but I'd probably reach for the Purel if i shook his hand. Tough old man is still alive and pretty darn sharp. Good for him!
Flint published a lot more Bukowski than Playboy did. I could explain Bukowaki or Playboy to my mom -once, but there's no explaining Hustler even once - Bukowski or not.
Who's mother looked in the pockets of CLEAN clothes hanging in the closet?
Besides mine?