Summary: Larry Levenson was the founder of the infamous New York sex club Plato’s Retreat, which operated in the 1970s. He died in 1999 at the age of 62, and his death caused controversy as some alleged that he may have been murdered.
1. The Rise and Fall of Plato’s Retreat
Plato’s Retreat was a popular swingers’ club located in Manhattan that operated from 1977 to 1985. The club was founded by Larry Levenson, who wanted to create a space where people could fulfill their sexual fantasies without judgment. At its peak, Plato’s Retreat had over 4,000 members and was known for its wild parties and orgies.
However, the club faced controversy and legal troubles throughout its existence. In 1980, the city of New York shut down Plato’s Retreat for health violations, but it reopened shortly after. Levenson was also arrested multiple times on charges ranging from tax evasion to promoting prostitution. Eventually, the club closed due to financial problems and pressure from the community.
Despite its short life span, Plato’s Retreat remains a cultural icon and symbol of sexual liberation in the 1970s.
2. The Mystery of Larry Levenson’s Death
Larry Levenson died on November 23, 1999, at the age of 62. He was found by his housekeeper in his apartment in Manhattan. According to the official cause of death, Levenson died from a heart attack.
However, some speculate that Levenson may have been murdered. Shortly before his death, he had been working on a book about his experiences running Plato’s Retreat. Some believe that someone may have wanted to prevent him from revealing too much information. Others point to the fact that Levenson had received death threats in the past.
Despite the rumors, no evidence of foul play was found, and the official cause of death remains a heart attack.
3. Larry Levenson’s Legacy
Despite the controversy surrounding Plato’s Retreat and his death, Larry Levenson left behind a legacy as an advocate for sexual freedom and expression. He believed that people should be able to explore their sexual desires without judgment or shame.
Levenson’s vision for Plato’s Retreat was ahead of its time and paved the way for future sex-positive movements. Today, there are numerous sex clubs and communities that promote the same values that Levenson championed.
While his methods may have been controversial, there is no denying that Larry Levenson played an important role in shaping attitudes towards sexuality and helping to break down taboos.
Conclusion:
Larry Levenson’s life and death were marked by controversy and speculation. On one hand, he was a pioneer for sexual freedom and expression, creating a space where people could explore their desires without shame. On the other hand, his business practices and legal troubles often overshadowed his message.
His death only added to the mystery surrounding his legacy, with some suggesting foul play while others accepting the official cause of death. Despite this, his impact on sexual culture cannot be denied, and his vision for a more open and accepting society lives on today.
Lastly, it is up to us to ensure that his message continues to be heard and that we continue to fight for sexual freedom and expression for all.
