Judge refuses to give Larry Flynt privacy

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CINCINNATI, March 4 (UPI) -- An Ohio judge ruled Thursday that Hustler publisher Larry Flynt is not entitled to the sealing of depositions he gives in a legal battle with his brother.

Flynt had argued any statements he gives are likely to end up on the Internet, causing him embarrassment. Common Pleas Judge Steven Martin found that was not a compelling enough reason for secrecy, The Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Jimmy Flynt sued his brother after he was fired last year. He argues he was a partner in the business and entitled to part of the assets, while Flynt says he was simply an employee.

In a brief filed Wednesday, Jimmy Flynt's lawyer argued for allowing everything to become public. Bob Hojnoski called Flynt a "self-proclaimed First Amendment champion."

"It is truly ironic," Hojnoski said.

"Essentially, Flynt is requesting special treatment from this court because he is famous."

During his publishing career, Flynt has often exposed the rich and famous, sometimes literally. In 1975, Hustler ran photos, captured by a paparazzo, of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis sunbathing in the nude.