Larry Flynt Offers $1M for Proof of 'Illicit' Affairs Involving Rick Perry
Larry Flynt, pornographic magazine publisher, has made a $1 million offer to anyone with evidence of "illicit sexual or intimate relations" with Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry.
The ad, offered by Flynt and Hustler magazine, read:
Have you had a gay or straight sexual encounter with Governor Rick Perry?
Can you provide documented evidence of illicit sexual or intimate relations with the governor? Larry Flynt and HUSTLER Magazine will pay you up to $1 million if we choose to publish your verified story and use your material.
In the past Flynt has targeted other public figures, whom he dislikes, in an effort to embarrass them.
"I've been doing this for 35 years," Flynt told Reuters. "We’ve found running these ads were very successful in finding sources to come forward."
The Hustler magazine publisher took out full-page advertisements in The Onion, a U.S. satirical tabloid, and the Austin Chronicle, a Texas alternative paper, asking anyone with proof of a sexual encounter with Texas Gov. Perry to contact Larry Flynt Productions.
The Christian Post contacted a spokesman for Perry for comment but the call was not returned by press time.
Soon after the Republican Texas governor announced his presidential bid in August, the Austin Chronicle ran a full-page ad asking: "Have you ever had sex with Rick Perry?"
A Ron Paul supporter had purchased the advertisement.
Flynt is credited with bringing to light U.S. House Speaker Robert Livingston's extra-marital affairs during President Bill Clinton's impeachment hearings. Livingston resigned in 1999 following the alleged evidence of an affair, uncovered by Flynt.
Flynt also offered $1 million for proof of sexual encounters with congressional Republicans looking to impeach Clinton over allegations that he lied, while under oath, about his encounters with Monica Lewinsky, a White House Intern.
In addition, Flynt has been credited with helping to expose Sen. David Vitter as a client of a Washington, D.C. prostitution ring.