Hefner Sons Dismiss Widow's Alarming Claims About Scrapbook Contents
Cooper and Marston Hefner, sons of the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, have firmly rejected disturbing allegations made by their father's widow, Crystal Hefner, regarding the contents of his extensive scrapbook collection. The brothers issued a detailed statement to HuffPost, categorically denying that the materials contain any inappropriate images of minors, as Crystal Hefner had suggested during a recent news conference.
Decades of Review Find No Evidence
The Hefner brothers emphasized their extensive personal familiarity with the scrapbooks, noting they have "personally reviewed these materials extensively over many years," alongside numerous historians, filmmakers, and journalists. They stated that over more than a quarter century of examination, they have never encountered any images of minors that would be considered inappropriate.
They described the scrapbooks as documenting "decades of personal, professional, and family history," assembled by their father as a historical record with the intention of preservation and responsible public access. The brothers stressed that claims of such magnitude should be supported by concrete evidence and precision, rather than implication without proof.
Crystal Hefner's Allegations and Legal Actions
On Tuesday, Crystal Hefner, who was married to Hugh Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017, expressed deep concern about the scrapbooks and journals potentially becoming public. She alleged they contain images of nude women taken without consent and even images of underage girls. Her lawyer, Gloria Allred, added that the journals include detailed descriptions of sexual exploits, specific acts, and efforts to track women's menstrual cycles.
Although no images or journal entries were displayed publicly, Crystal Hefner and Allred have filed regulatory complaints with the attorneys general of California and Illinois, requesting an investigation into the Hugh M. Hefner Foundation's collection. An Illinois spokesperson confirmed receipt of the complaint, while California's office did not respond to requests for comment.
Foundation Controversy and Mission Statement
Crystal Hefner revealed that after voicing her concerns, she was removed as chief executive of the Hugh M. Hefner Foundation. The foundation, established in 1964, states on its website that it supports pioneers defending civil liberties, with emphasis on First Amendment rights and rational sex and drug policies. Crystal Hefner criticized this mission statement as hypocritical and disturbing given the alleged contents of the scrapbooks.
The Hefner brothers concluded their statement by affirming their support for preserving the scrapbooks in partnership with a university or museum, ensuring responsible public access in line with their father's longstanding wishes. The foundation has not commented on the allegations or Crystal Hefner's removal.
