Lenny Bruce Gets Obscenity Pardon

NEW YORK, NY – After a long and controversial career that was marred by censorship and criminal charges of indecency and obscenity, the late Lenny Bruce was granted a reprieve from Governor George E. Pataki.

The Governor announced that he had granted a posthumous pardon to the stand-up comedian whose notorious loud mouth and controversial comedy acts landed him in jail 39 years ago after giving what was deemed an "obscene performance."

Bruce's misdemeanor charges and conviction were based on a series of stand-up routines he gave in 1964 at the Café Au Go-Go in New York City where he was accused of "word crimes."

Bruce was sentenced in a Manhattan court to four months in jail for verbal obscenity, and according to reports, he never appealed his conviction or made any attempt to defend his First Amendment rights.

The owner of the Café Au Go-Go was also charged, but his conviction was later reversed.

"The holiday season is a time when we are reminded of the true meaning of compassion, particularly for those who take it upon themselves to improve their lives," Governor Pataki said in a statement.

"The posthumous pardon of Lenny Bruce is a declaration of New York's commitment to upholding the First Amendment. Freedom of speech is one of the greatest American liberties and I hope this pardon serves as a reminder of the precious freedoms we are fighting to preserve as we continue to wage the war on terror," the Governor concluded.

The push to grant Bruce a pardon was helmed by a group of comedians like Robin Williams and Penn and Teller who petitioned the New York State Governor earlier this year.

Also among the group was First Amendment lawyer Floyd Abrams.

Bruce's pardon is reportedly the first posthumous pardon ever granted by Governor Pataki, and the first-ever posthumous pardon granted in New York State.

Bruce died of a drug overdose in 1966 and is survived by a daughter, now 48-years-old, named Kitty Bruce.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

European Commission to Assess Pornhub, XVideos, XNXX Compliance With Digital Services Act

The European Commission plans to conduct a study to determine how well adult sites Pornhub, XVideos and XNXX are addressing illegal content and other potential harms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

German Higher Court Upholds Ban on PornHub, YouPorn

The Higher Administrative Court of Rhineland-Palatinate on Thursday upheld a “network ban” on Aylo-owned adult sites Pornhub and YouPorn for failing to comply with German age verification regulations.

Alabama Notifying Adult Sites of New Tax Set to Take Effect Sept. 1

The Alabama Department of Revenue has begun sending notices to adult site operators about a new 10% tax on their revenues, set to be enforced starting Sept. 1.

Ofcom Investigates 4 More Adult Companies for OSA Compliance

U.K. media regulator Ofcom has launched investigations into whether four companies operating adult websites have implemented requisite age assurance measures under the Online Safety Act, the agency announced Thursday.

Kyrgyzstan President Signs Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan on Tuesday signed into law legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

NC Legislature Overrides Veto of Extreme Anti-Adult Industry Bill

The North Carolina state legislature on Tuesday voted to override Gov. Josh Stein’s veto of a bill imposing regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most creators and content.

Report: VPN Downloads Soar in UK Following Age Verification Deadline

Virtual private network apps, which can be used to circumvent geo-specific age verification requirements, are topping Apple App Store downloads in the U.K. in the wake of new Online Safety Act rules, the BBC is reporting.

Strike 3 Holdings Sues Meta for Pirating Vixen Media Group Content to Train AI

Vixen Media Group owner Strike 3 Holdings filed suit in federal court this week, accusing Facebook parent company Meta of copyright infringement and alleging that Meta has extensively pirated VMG content to train its artificial intelligence models.

Friday is Final AV Compliance Deadline in UK

Friday, July 25 marks U.K. media regulator Ofcom’s deadline for user-to-user services such as tube, cam and fan sites to implement its requisite “highly effective age assurance” measures for preventing minors from viewing adult content.

Two Texas Bills Restricting Sex Toy Sales Fail to Pass

Two bills aimed at restricting sales of sex toys have failed to pass the Texas state legislature during its 2025 session.

Show More