#United States #California #First Amendment #Flynt Management Group #Larry Flynt

Liz Flynt Takes Legal Action in Supreme Court

Nearly four decades after Larry Flynt secured a crucial Supreme Court ruling, his widow, Liz Flynt, is now stepping into the legal arena to continue her husband's legacy. As the chairwoman of Flynt Management Group, she is challenging the constitutionality of California's business laws, which she believes unfairly restrict business owners from competing in a nationwide marketplace.

Liz Flynt's commitment to this cause stems from the significance it held for her late husband. Larry Flynt, the founder of the HUSTLER® brand, was a prominent figure in defending free speech rights, and now Liz is advocating for business rights under the First Amendment. "My husband fought for free speech rights, and now it is imperative to stand up for business owners facing illegal restraints on their competitive practices due to California's unconstitutional laws," she stated.

The legal battle began with a case initiated by Larry Flynt in 2016, which challenged a California law compelling gaming proprietors to choose between participating in the state's gaming market or in markets of other states. This law was originally designed to prevent organized crime from infiltrating California's cardrooms, but Larry Flynt and his fellow operators labeled it an outdated regulation. They argued that such a law infringed on their rights to operate freely across state lines.

Larry Flynt passed away on February 10, 2021, yet Liz chose to carry on his fight. With the case now before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, an initial ruling upheld California's licensing restrictions, prompting concerns of an unjust ruling against business owners. Liz's attorney, Erin McCampbell Paris, countered these concerns by highlighting that the Supreme Court has clearly indicated that such coercive choices are against the principles of the Commerce Clause.

On August 11, Paris filed a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari with the Supreme Court, arguing that if states can impose discriminatory laws against the gaming industry, other sectors might face similar injustices. This case, if taken up by the Supreme Court, could set a precedent for free business practices across the nation, marking a significant shift in how such laws are enforced.

Liz Flynt emphasized the importance of this case in restoring freedoms for business owners, stating, "Just as Larry championed free speech, we aim to reinstate the freedom for businesses to operate across state lines without facing California's unfair regulations."

Should the Supreme Court choose to review the case, Liz Flynt will have the opportunity to argue a potentially transformative case before the justices, continuing her husband’s legacy. The outcome could redefine how states regulate commerce in the gaming sector and beyond.

About Flynt Management Group, LLC

Flynt Management Group, LLC, operates as the parent organization of the iconic HUSTLER® brand, established by Larry Flynt in 1967. The company, with over 2,500 employees worldwide, manages various business facets, including publishing, casinos, retail, broadcasting, and adult entertainment venues across multiple locations globally.