A newly-released 10-part docuseries, Secrets of Playboy, has accused Hugh Hefner of coercing and drugging women into sexual acts at the Playboy mansion and nightclubs. Many former girlfriends of the publisher have come forward, sharing similar stories about his predatory abuse.
Playboy, which has undergone many changes toward healthier sex-positivity since both its conception in 1953 and Hefner’s passing in 2017, has pledged to “actively listen and learn” from the women.
“Today’s Playboy is not Hugh Hefner’s Playboy,” read the company’s open letter. “We trust and validate these women and their stories and we strongly support those individuals who have come forward to share their experiences.”
Secrets of Playboy premiered on A&E earlier this week. According to the network’s website, “the documentary event explores the hidden truths behind the fable and philosophy of the Playboy empire through a modern-day lens. The series delves into the complex world Hugh Hefner created and examines its far-reaching consequences on our culture’s view of power and sexuality.”
In 2020, Playboy stopped printing a physical magazine. It now has a majority female workforce and reassured consumers that the publication and brand will “continue to confront any parts of our legacy that do not reflect our values today.”
New episodes of the Secrets of Playboy docuseries air on Mondays at 9/8c on A&E.
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