The controversy reignited in 2010, when the December issue of Vanity Fair and the October issue of Grazia brought renewed public attention to the film. In these articles, Rivers’ now-adult daughter, Emma, demanded that the footage be removed from the archives. She voiced serious concerns about the nature of the content, questioning whether the archive was unknowingly harboring child pornography. Both of his daughters have publicly stated that while their father never physically touched them inappropriately, his actions in creating Growing were deeply traumatizing and contributed to long-term struggles with eating disorders and the need for extensive therapy.

Unearthing a Counterculture Classic: The Legacy of Larry Rivers’s 1981 Documentary 'Growing'

If you are a researcher or student with a legitimate academic need to view the film, your most direct route would be to contact the New York University archives directly to inquire about access policies. However, the lack of public availability underscores the importance of approaching the subject with sensitivity. The controversy around the film has often overshadowed Rivers' broader contributions to art, which are more widely and appropriately accessible.

The title "Growing" refers to Rivers’ obsession with transformation. The film follows him over 18 months as he: