Jerry Falwell, Jr., Responds to Controversy Surrounding Playboy Cover Appearing in Photo of Him and Trump

Liberty University President Jerry Falwell, Jr., became the subject of some controversy Tuesday afternoon, when he tweeted a photo of him and his wife with Donald Trump.

The seemingly harmless photo, taken in Trump's lavish New York office, garnered the attention of several Twitter users because, upon closer examination, there is a years-old framed Playboy magazine peeking around the shoulder of Falwell's wife, Becki.

Honored to introduce @realDonaldTrump at religious leader summit in NYC today! He did incredible job! @beckifalwell pic.twitter.com/e2eBSbQwb0

— J L Falwell (@JerryJrFalwell) June 21, 2016

It is likely much of the criticism aimed at Falwell was about more than just the photo. Many have slammed the university president for his decision to back Trump, who is known for his brash — and often offensive — language, from his disparaging comments about women to his criticism of the Mexican-American judge presiding over the Trump University cases.

Regardless, it didn't take long for observers to call attention to the cover.

@JerryJrFalwell @realDonaldTrump @beckifalwell Nice Playboy cover in the shot! Really brings out colours of the hypocrisy on display.

— JordanHeath-Rawlings (@TheGameSheet) June 21, 2016

@JerryJrFalwell @realDonaldTrump @beckifalwell pic.twitter.com/bT9zGejWhj

— Gabriel Schoenfeld (@gabeschoenfeld) June 21, 2016

@JerryJrFalwell @realDonaldTrump @beckifalwell Would you post that framed Playboy cover at Liberty?

— Kim K (@kimkuz) June 21, 2016

@JerryJrFalwell So glad my daughter opted against your school.

— Chris St. John (@castjohn) June 21, 2016

But several hours later, Falwell, who participated Tuesday in a forum between Trump and hundreds of other evangelical leaders,  finally took to Twitter to respond to his detractors, saying he was "honored" because the "same hypocrites who accused Jesus of being a friend of publicans and sinners" were "targeting" him over the Playboy cover.

That comment alone set of a torrent of responses, many of which were digs at the high-profile Trump endorser. Much of the social media back-and-forth late Tuesday night was between Falwell and conservative writer Ben Howe, who is obstinately opposed to Trump.

The two men exchanged barbs about Falwell's father, Jerry Falwell, Sr., who famously lead the Moral Majority in the 1970s. It is important to note that, ironically, the elder Falwell was close personal friends with Hustler publisher Larry Flynt, who the televangelist iconically took to court over a satirical article published in the pornographic magazine that outlined a fake incestuous relationship between him and his mother.

@BenHowe @realDonaldTrump @beckifalwell guess you didn't pay much attention at TRBC

— J L Falwell (@JerryJrFalwell) June 22, 2016

@JerryJrFalwell pay attention to what exactly? You think your dad would’ve endorsed a proud philanderer? @realDonaldTrump @beckifalwell

— Ben Howe (@BenHowe) June 22, 2016

Falwell invoked a line he has often used in defense of his endorsement, telling his critics: "Judge not, lest ye be judged," adding that Jesus chose the "sinners over the Pharisees."

He chose get down there to lift them up. Not endorse the Pharisees for Governor. Come on, Jerry. https://t.co/KHevw8ZGSR

— Ben Howe (@BenHowe) June 22, 2016

@BenHowe @GabeSantiago1 come on, we all know who the Pharisees were. If alive today, they wouldn't be supporting Trump

— J L Falwell (@JerryJrFalwell) June 22, 2016

Howe and Falwell, who clarified that he's an attorney and not a preacher, exchanged several more tweets, but both remained firm in their positions. Ultimately, Howe encouraged Falwell to ask Trump "tough questions" because he "has his ear."

"Trust me, I am," Falwell replied.

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