Cooper and Marston Hefner, sons of the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner, have publicly refuted allegations made by their stepmother, Crystal Hefner, that his personal scrapbooks contain exploitative images of underage girls. The statement, released to HuffPost, asserts that the brothers have extensively reviewed the materials over decades alongside researchers and journalists—and found no such evidence.
The Core Dispute
Crystal Hefner, who was married to Hugh Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017, made the claims at a press conference alongside attorney Gloria Allred. She alleges the scrapbooks contain non-consensual nude photographs, including those of young women, as well as detailed descriptions of his sexual exploits. No images or journal entries were displayed at the conference. The pair filed regulatory complaints with the attorneys general of California and Illinois, demanding an investigation into the Hugh M. Hefner Foundation’s collection.
The Sons’ Defense
Cooper and Marston Hefner insist that the scrapbooks were maintained as a historical record of their father’s life—a life largely lived in public view. They argue that over 25 years of familiarity with the materials have never revealed inappropriate depictions of minors. Their statement emphasizes the need for concrete evidence rather than unsubstantiated accusations, calling for responsible preservation of the archives through collaboration with academic institutions.
“We believe claims of this magnitude should be supported by evidence and precision, not implication without proof.”
Crystal Hefner’s Counter-Statement
Following the publication of the initial report, Crystal Hefner responded via Instagram, asserting that she did not consent to public access to private images taken of her. She maintains that she has personally seen evidence of sexually explicit images depicting young-appearing girls within the scrapbooks. She also directed a pointed remark at her stepsons, suggesting that their own nude images are not contained within the archives.
Foundation Under Scrutiny
The Hugh M. Hefner Foundation, founded in 1964, has come under scrutiny following the allegations. The foundation’s stated mission is to support civil rights and liberties, including First Amendment protections and progressive drug policies. Crystal Hefner alleges that she was removed as CEO of the foundation after raising concerns about the scrapbooks and journals. Neither the foundation nor California’s attorney general responded to requests for comment. The Illinois attorney general’s office confirmed receipt of the complaint but has not yet issued a statement.
The controversy highlights the complex legacy of Hugh Hefner, raising questions about consent, exploitation, and the preservation of personal archives. The investigation’s outcome will determine whether the allegations are substantiated and what legal consequences, if any, the foundation or Hefner’s estate may face.
