Larry Claxton Flynt Jr. was a prominent American publisher and the president of Larry Flynt Publications (LFP). LFP primarily produces pornographic magazines, most notably Hustler, along with pornographic videos and three Hustler TV channels. A staunch advocate for First Amendment rights, Flynt was involved in several significant legal battles concerning freedom of speech. He also made an unsuccessful bid for public office. In 1978, a failed assassination attempt by serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin left Flynt paralyzed from the waist down. His influence within the adult entertainment industry was significant, as evidenced by his top ranking on Arena magazine's "50 Powerful People in Porn" list in 2003.
1973: Miller v. California Supreme Court Decision
The 1973 Miller v. California Supreme Court decision established the obscenity exception to the First Amendment, a ruling that Larry Flynt frequently challenged.
July 1974: Launch of Hustler Magazine
In July 1974, Larry Flynt published the first issue of Hustler magazine, evolving from the Hustler Newsletter used to advertise his clubs. The magazine's graphic content initially faced distribution challenges.
August 1975: Publication of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Photos
In August 1975, Hustler magazine published nude paparazzi photos of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, a controversial move that significantly boosted the magazine's notoriety.
1976: Libel Suit by Kathy Keeton
Kathy Keeton, girlfriend of Penthouse publisher Bob Guccione, filed a libel suit against Flynt in Ohio in 1976 due to a derogatory cartoon in Hustler. The suit was dismissed for missing the statute of limitations deadline.
1976: Obscenity and Organized Crime Charges
In 1976, Larry Flynt faced obscenity and organized crime charges in Cincinnati, brought by Simon Leis, leader of a local anti-pornography committee.
1976: Marriage to Althea Leasure
In 1976, Larry Flynt married his fourth wife, Althea Leasure.
1976: Establishment of Larry Flynt Publications
Larry Flynt founded Larry Flynt Publications (LFP) in 1976, expanding beyond Hustler magazine to other publications and distribution.
1977: Brief Conversion to Evangelical Christianity
In 1977, Larry Flynt claimed a brief conversion to evangelical Christianity after a purported vision from God while flying with evangelist Ruth Carter Stapleton. He continued publishing Hustler magazine despite this, vowing to "hustle for God." He later identified as an atheist.
1977: Launch of Ohio Magazine
LFP launched Ohio Magazine in 1977, marking a foray into mainstream publishing.
1981: Supreme Court Review of Flynt's Case
An argument stemming from Flynt's 1976 obscenity charges was reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981.
1983: Lawsuit by Jerry Falwell
Reverend Jerry Falwell sued Larry Flynt in 1983 for "emotional distress" over an offensive parody ad in Hustler.
1983: Supreme Court Case on Personal Jurisdiction
In 1983, a Supreme Court case arising from Keeton's libel suit against Flynt addressed personal jurisdiction over a defendant. Flynt lost the case.
1983: Arrest and Unconfirmed Allegations
Flynt's FBI file, released in 2021, detailed his 1983 arrest for disrupting the Supreme Court and unconfirmed claims about a planned attack during the Keeton hearing.
1983: Leaking of John DeLorean FBI Tape and Flag Desecration Charge
In 1983, Larry Flynt leaked an FBI surveillance tape of John DeLorean's arrest and was jailed for six months for flag desecration after wearing a U.S. flag as a diaper during the trial.
1987: Death of Althea Leasure
In 1987, Althea Leasure, Larry Flynt's fourth wife, died at age 33. While Flynt reported she had AIDS-related complex and drowned in a bathtub, toxicology reports were inconclusive.
1988: Hustler Magazine v. Falwell Supreme Court Victory
In 1988, Flynt won the Supreme Court case Hustler Magazine v. Falwell, which established that public figures cannot claim damages for emotional distress over parodies.
1994: Purchase of Gulfstream II Jet
Larry Flynt bought a Gulfstream II private jet in 1994, the same one used in the movie "The People vs. Larry Flynt."
1996: Portrayal of Judge in "The People vs. Larry Flynt"
Larry Flynt played the judge who sentenced him in the 1996 film "The People vs. Larry Flynt," a movie based on his legal battles.
1996: Sale of LFP Distribution Business and Mainstream Magazines
Starting in 1996, LFP began selling off its distribution business and several mainstream magazines.
April 1998: Obscenity Charges Related to Sex Video Sales
In April 1998, a sting operation led to obscenity charges against Flynt for selling sex videos to a minor in a Cincinnati store he owned.
1998: Entry into Pornographic Film Production
In 1998, LFP entered the pornographic film industry through Hustler Video.
1998: Marriage to Elizabeth Berrios
Larry Flynt married his fifth wife, Elizabeth Berrios, in 1998.
1999: Guilty Plea and Agreement to Stop Selling Adult Videos
In 1999, LFP pleaded guilty to two counts of pandering obscenity and agreed to cease selling adult videos in Cincinnati as part of a plea agreement.
1999: Previous Agreement Cited
The 1999 plea agreement, in which LFP pleaded guilty to pandering obscenity, became the basis for attempted revival of charges in 2003.
June 22, 2000: Opening of Hustler Casino
On June 22, 2000, Larry Flynt opened the Hustler Casino in Gardena, California.
June 2003: Attempted Revival of Obscenity Charges
Prosecutors attempted to revive obscenity charges against Flynt in June 2003, claiming violation of the 1999 agreement, but Flynt argued he no longer had an interest in the Hustler Shops.
2003: Acquisition of VCA Pictures
Hustler Video, under LFP, acquired VCA Pictures in 2003.
2005: Upgrade to Gulfstream IV Jet
In 2005, Larry Flynt upgraded his private jet to a Gulfstream IV.
January 2009: Lawsuit Against Nephews for Trademark Infringement
Larry Flynt sued his nephews, Jimmy Flynt II and Dustin Flynt, in January 2009 for using the Flynt name in producing what he deemed inferior pornography. He won the trademark case but lost on privacy claims.
October 2014: Death of Daughter Lisa Flynt-Fugate
In October 2014, Larry Flynt's daughter, Lisa Flynt-Fugate, died in a car crash in Ohio at the age of 47.
2014: Shift in Revenue and Prediction of Hustler's Demise
By 2014, Flynt stated that print publications made up only 10% of LFP's revenue, predicting the decline of Hustler magazine due to internet competition.
May 2021: Release of Flynt's FBI File
VICE News published Larry Flynt's FBI file in May 2021, obtained via a FOIA request, revealing details of his 1983 arrest and unconfirmed claims of a planned Supreme Court attack.