Crystal Hefner, former wife of Playboy magnate Hugh Hefner, reveals the truth behind her marriage in her upcoming memoir, “Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself.” The tell-all exposes the darker side of the glamorous Playboy Mansion.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Crystal discloses the lack of true love in her marriage to Hefner, citing a significant age gap of 60 years. She admits to losing herself while trying to conform to Hefner’s expectations. The memoir’s title stems from Hefner’s alleged request to only speak positively about him.
Contrary to the mansion’s public image, Crystal describes it as “kind of run down and gross,” attributing the decay to neglect and excessive partying. She sheds light on Hefner’s controlling behavior, dictating everything from nail polish color to hair roots.
Despite initially accepting Hefner’s proposal, Crystal realized the power imbalance and eventually ran away. Serving as Hefner’s caregiver in his final years, she confesses to caring for him but never being ‘in love’ with him.
In a related revelation, Kendra Wilkinson, a former girlfriend of Hefner, shares the lasting impact of her Playboy Mansion experiences. In an interview with PEOPLE, Kendra details her struggles with mental health, admitting that Playboy “messed [her] whole life up.” Living at the mansion from 2004 to 2009, she faced challenges that led to hospitalization and severe depression.
Kendra, now 38, reflects on regrettable choices and acknowledges her presence at the mansion for the partying rather than a genuine relationship with Hefner. Her story adds to the growing narrative of the hidden struggles behind the glittering facade of the Playboy Mansion, exposing the toll it took on the lives of those within its walls.
