“Some of whom were married.”
Hugh Hefner, the legendary founder of Playboy, led a life filled with glitz, glamour, and controversy. Over the years, he was known for his relationships with many wives and girlfriends, but few were as notable as his marriage to former Playboy model Crystal Hefner.
Crystal, who became Hefner’s wife on New Year’s Eve in 2012 and remained by his side until his death in September 2017 at the age of 91, first crossed paths with the media mogul at the age of 21. She had submitted a photo to attend one of the Playboy Mansion’s legendary Halloween parties—a dream for many given the mansion’s reputation for hosting grand and extravagant events.
Reflecting on Life at the Playboy Mansion
In the years following Hefner’s passing, Crystal has taken time to heal and reevaluate her experiences at the Playboy Mansion. Her reflections have culminated in a book titled Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself.
Crystal explained the inspiration behind the book’s title, sharing with the New York Post, “Hef once told me, ‘When I’m gone, please only say good things about me.’” For five years, Crystal kept her promise. However, she eventually felt it was important to share her truth. “I’m realizing that it’s OK to speak up and not be OK with some of the things I’ve been through,” she said.
The Reality of Their Intimate Relationship
In her book, Crystal shed light on what her intimate life with Hefner was really like, describing it as a “well-rehearsed” and mechanical routine. She detailed how it followed a predictable sequence:
- Selecting a few women from the party.
- Changing into silk pajamas—the unofficial “uniform” for the occasion.
- Dimming the lights, playing music, and setting the scene with adult films.
- Passing around marijuana before the encounter began.
Crystal revealed, “Hef was just going through the motions of something that had once been fun and sexy. Or maybe it was never fun and sexy.” She noted that he frequently relied on Viagra, referring to it as the “little blue pill” that helped him maintain intimacy as he aged.
The Secret Tapes and Spy Holes
Among the most shocking revelations in Crystal’s book were the claims about Hefner’s alleged recordings of intimate encounters. According to her, Hef had “little spy holes” strategically placed at the foot of his bed, which he used to secretly record his activities.
Crystal disclosed that Hefner often boasted about having tapes of “A-list celebrities” and footage of elaborate orgies involving politicians, business leaders, and other high-profile figures, some of whom were married.
Intimacy That Lacked Connection
Despite the glamour associated with Hefner’s lifestyle, Crystal described their moments together as devoid of genuine passion. “There was nothing sexy about it,” she said, recalling how Hef would often look at her with a disinterested expression during their encounters.
Crystal’s decision to share these insights provides a glimpse into the complexities of her life with Hugh Hefner, balancing the allure of fame with personal challenges. Her revelations have sparked discussions about the untold stories behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures and the intricate dynamics of his relationships.