Hendrix Estate Disputes Sex Tape

by Jarrett Martineau | May 2, 2008 at 05:00 pm | 745 views | add comment

UPDATE | 2 May - 4:58pm The estate of Jimi Hendrix is calling into question the authenticity of the sex tape, released this week by Vivid Entertainment, that allegedly features Jimi Hendrix.

The estate of Jimi Hendrix says it questions the authenticity of a sex tape released this week allegedly starring the deceased musician.

"We strongly dispute the claimed authenticity and affirmatively state that Experience Hendrix is neither involved in, nor have we authorized the distribution of this film," Experience Hendrix, the company that controls the rights to Hendrix's music and likeness, said in a statement released Thursday.

Experience Hendrix called the distribution of the tape a "callous attempt to trade on the image and reputation of a deceased artist who is unable to defend himself against such an outrageous and baseless assertion. We are highly offended by the disgraceful portrayal."

In response, Vivid Entertainment co-chairman Steven Hirsch released a statement saying Experience Hendrix's statement "is not in any way a refutation of the authenticity of 'Jimi Hendrix the Sex Tape.' Vivid took considerable time and spent a substantial sum of money to authenticate the footage and we are very comfortable that this is the real thing."

UPDATE | 29 April - 11:52am -- Hendrix Tape Hits Market (that was fast!)

Update:
Vivid has taken the website for the sex tape live. Click through to see the NSFW Jimi Hendrix sex tape trailer or scroll down for some sample, edited screengrabs of the risky trailer.

What is it with all the celebrity sex tapes in the last few years?

New ones are being made left, right, and centre and, seemingly miraculously, old film reels of 60s celebrity romps are simultaneously being unearthed, featuring icons like Marilyn Monroe and now...Jimi Hendrix?

The sex tape seems to have become the de facto new path to celebritized cultural immortality.

It's no longer sufficient for the questionable merits of one's singing, acting, or musicianship to guarantee them a permanent star on that big 'walk of fame in the sky' — no, apparently, we also need to see a filmed document of them doin' it first.

Vivid Entertainment is releasing a sex tape allegedly starring Jimi Hendrix.

The Los Angeles-based adult entertainment company said they obtained the footage of the music legend shot in a hotel room about 40 years ago from a memorabilia collector.

The footage features Hendrix engaging in various sexual acts with two women, according to a statement released by Vivid. The company said they consulted with several experts to authenticate the footage.