Larry Flynt, Hustler Magazine Founder, Dies At 78

LARRY Flynt, the controversial publisher who founded Hustler magazine, has died at age 78.

His daughter Theresa Flynt confirmed that she was with her father, alongside his wife, when he died Wednesday morning at Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles.

Flynt launched Hustler in the 1970s as a print extension of his adult club of the same name, which featured nude hostesses. As the pornographic publication grew in popularity, Flynt became the target of critics who called the magazine obscene.

Larry Flynt at his home in Los Angeles in March 1979.Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images file

Flynt’s legal battles over the content of his magazine are considered landmark free speech cases. Flynt fiercely defended his right to publish amid prosecution and threats against his life.

Flynt was shot in 1978 as he left the Gwinnett County Courthouse in Georgia, where he was facing trial on charges of distributing obscene materials.