It is with a heavy heart we must inform you that our beloved friend and editor Harlan Yaffe has passed away.
Harlan was an industry insider and huge NakedSword fan for many years. Everyone here was so excited when he agreed to become editor-in-chief of TheSword.com. Harlan’s can-do attitude and bright smile brought our regular Skype meetings to life.
A friend for more than 15 years, NakedSword/Falcon President and CEO Tim Valenti will miss Harlan dearly and only has laugh-out-loud stories and fond memories of his dear friend.
We are preparing an “official” statement that will go out in a Press Release very soon but we wanted to let you, our loyal readers, hear it here first. There will be a transition period but we will do our best to keep you apprised of everything happening in the world of porn and beyond. In the meantime please stick with us, we know Harlan is. Rest in Peace dear friend.
I wanted everyone to know that yesterday we had a brief technical glitch that deleted a few comments from this post, all of which expressed heartfelt thoughts about our friend Harlan. Among them was one from Harlan’s own brother Hal, who talked about his admiration for his out and proud sibling, and expressed thanks for all of the wonderful comments here on the Sword which he noted was helping the family through this difficult time.
I just heard the news (Thanks John Tegan). This is very sad news, I loved working with that man and he is going to be missed greatly.
Such tragic news. May he rest in peace.
I will always remember Harlan as a very helpful, nice and funny man. I have nothing but good memories with him.
Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I will miss you Harlan you have supported me for so many years, I’m forever grateful at the opportunities you gave me. Harlan gave me a voice on this blog doing “I have something to say” Harlan and I would talk and laugh about the shows or comments. Harlan never edited my content or told me what I could say or not. He let me just be me. This hurts..
Always had a smile and always gave me a Hug..
My heart goes out to his Family and friends and people that knew him. He was a good man and I have ONLY fond memories of Harlan…
RIP Harlan Yaffee…
Thank you for your sweet post Diesel. Your memories of of Harlan are shared by us all. His upbeat attitude and that smile will be missed. xo Roma
To my frequent collaborator, some-times competitor but full time friend Harlan Yaffe: I will miss our daily chats on porn & politics but will remember you with the love, kindness and respect you treated me and everyone else
John, thanks for your comforting words. Notes are coming in from all over and we are very touched. I know for a fact, Harlan loved his time at TheSword.com and we were all overwhelmed via all the responses regarding his character & reputation. We may not have been fully aware of the size of his legacy in the Adult industry.
The family thanks you for your comforting comments.
Hal Yaffe. (brother)
Harlan was one of the first people I met in the industry and gave me guidance in those early years. He was always happy to see me and he had a contagious smile. I remember he used to have long hair, but then he cut it so he could donate his hair to Locks of Love. You were a good man Harlan.
I’m really gutted by this. Harlan always greeted me with a hug and a smile. He made me laugh a lot. When I thought I had no friends left in the industry (many years ago), he was the first to reach out to me privately and defend me publicly. He was a wonderful man and I really loved him a lot. Have known him since I first got into this crazy industry back in 2002 and I’m not sure I can imagine it without him. He’s missed already.
There are no words. Goodbye, Harlan, we will miss you our friend.