Michael Alig, a longstanding tabloid fixture of New York City and a notorious promoter of its nightlife, died on Friday at his apartment in Washington Heights. The New York Police Department confirmed his death on Saturday. The city medical examiner’s office said the cause of death was pending further investigation. Mr. Alig was known in New York City nightlife circles as a creative, canny promoter and as a pioneer of visual spectacle long before he became infamous. He appeared on the cover of New York magazine in March 1988 under the headline “Club Kids.”That article gave him and his followers both a name and a platform to open shock attacks upon American culture, such as during an appearance in 1993 on Phil Donahue’s daytime talk show.

Source: New York Times December 26, 2020 22:49 UTC