The Exotic Erotic Ball announced today that Larry Flynt will be awarded its Lifetime Achievement Award for his lifelong efforts in protecting First Amendment Rights. The award will be presented to Flynt the night before the Ball at 7 p.m. Friday at the Cow Palace during the Exotic Erotic Expo.
The Exotic Erotic Ball is now in its 26th year and has expanded its format to include the Expo, which features panel discussions on free speech and First Amendment issues. The First Amendment Project is a beneficiary of the event and has been instrumental in the creation of the award.
"Larry Flynt is a man of conviction who has never shied away from controversy," said Perry Mann, founder of the Exotic Erotic Ball. "His contribution to free speech and First Amendment issues is both substantial and unquestionable. People frivolously use expressions like 'taking a bullet for a cause' and 'putting your money where your mouth is.' Well - this man literally took a bullet to protect the U.S. Constitution and has literally used his extensive wealth to root out corrupt politicians and defend unjust lawsuits in cases involving attempts to curtail our freedom of expression. There is no better recipient for this award, and I am proud, thankful, and humbled to be able to help present it to Mr. Flynt."
Flynt, the founder of Hustler and LFP Inc., was shot by white supremacist John Paul Franklin on March 6, 1978 while leaving a Lawrenceville, Ga. courthouse involving a legal battle regarding obscenity. That same year Flynt created the Flynt Foundation for Human Development. The foundation assists workers and business owners in the adult industry who are battling legislative issues in the adult industry, or legal prosecution on municipal, state or federal levels.
Flynt's landmark Supreme Court case, decided February 24, 1988, pitted him against conservative Jerry Falwell and polarized him with the Moral Majority. He brought down Senator Bob Livingston on Dec. 19, 1999, a big factor in preventing the impeachment of then-President Clinton, and received over 15,000 votes in California's recall gubernatorial race which placed Arnold Schwarzenegger in office.
"We appreciate the efforts of the Exotic Erotic Ball and are honored to be the beneficiary of the event," said Clinton Fain, president of the Board of First Amendment Project. "The First Amendment remains under constant threat, and this creative and unique event coupled with panels that address important political and legislative issues impacting free speech are a great way to entertain and educate at the same time."
According to an Exotic Erotic Ball release, Democratic Senator Charles Schumer of New York last month returned a $2500 campaign contribution from Flynt, and he is now reconsidering his party affiliation.
