Dutch public television aired the complete, uncut movie on February 23, 2008. It was the first time hardcore porn had been shown on Dutch public television. It led to discussion all the way up to Parliament.
Harry Reems was the first actor ever to be prosecuted for distributing obscenity. Co-star Linda Lovelace and director Gerard Damiano made a deal with the prosecutors in exchange for immunity, so the court focused all attention on him. Reems received open support from Hollywood stars, including Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty. The conviction was overturned on appeal one year later.
As of 2000, the highest-grossing film ever made in Florida.
The profits were used to create Bryanston Distributing, which also handled several non-pornographic features, including The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974).
Star Linda Lovelace later distanced herself from the movie. She claimed in her autobiography that Chuck Traynor, her then-husband, coerced her into participating. She said he often would persuade her to engage in sexual acts in front of the camera and later prostituted her under threat of guns and violence. Several people confirmed that Traynor was controlling and abusive on set, and Traynor himself admitted it.