Playboy Bunny Danielle Lupo defends Hugh Hefner, says Hefner’s son is ‘hurt’ by ‘Secrets of Playboy’ doc

Playboy Bunny Danielle Lupo is talking out in protection of late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner.

The journal writer has been the topic of A&E’s explosive 10-part docuseries, “Secrets and techniques of Playboy.” It options new interviews with quite a few members of Hefner’s workers and inside circle, in addition to previous girlfriends.

“I need to emphasize how I’ve by no means felt extra cherished and revered as a girl working for Playboy than in every other job I’ve had in my life,” Lupo advised Fox Information. “I hope individuals don’t see Playboy in such a unfavourable gentle when it has modified so many lives in a optimistic method and empowered many people.

“This has been a smear marketing campaign and it’s so unwarranted. It makes me so unhappy as a result of Playboy has been such a particular a part of my life that I’ll all the time cherish. They’ve empowered me, revered me, supported me and cheered me on in my profession.”

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On Tuesday, Folks journal obtained an open letter signed by lots of of former Playboy Bunnies, Playmates, ex-girlfriends and workers condemning the collection and the latest allegations made towards Hefner, who died in 2017 at age 91. In response to the outlet, a number of of the ladies who signed the letter additionally issued private statements concerning the claims within the collection.

Sondra Theodore and Holly Madison are two of Hefner’s former girlfriends who got here ahead within the collection with allegations. Madison, who starred on E!’s “Women Subsequent Door,” claimed Hefner had a “mountain of revenge porn” and “didn’t need to use safety” throughout intercourse. Theodore advised Fox Information that she was “groomed” by Hefner.

One other declare made within the collection towards Hefner alleged Playboy Bunnies have been topic to humiliating month-to-month weigh-ins.

“The documentary makes it seem to be everybody who has ever labored for Playboy has had a horrible expertise,” mentioned Lupo. “It’s actually embarrassing and hurtful when that’s not true.”

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Lupo notably took problem with Madison, who has been outspoken about her expertise with the model. The 42-year-old dated Hefner from 2001 to 2008 and was seen as his No.1 girlfriend at one level. She beforehand wrote a guide detailing her story, titled “Down the Rabbit Gap.”

“I simply suppose there are two sides to each story,” mentioned Lupo. “She could have walked away with bitter emotions, however that’s no cause to invalidate each different woman who has had an ideal expertise … It’s simply very upsetting and offensive.”

A rep for Madison didn’t instantly reply to Fox Information’ request for remark.

In response to the open letter, an A&E spokesperson issued a press release to Fox Information.

“The tales shared in ‘Secrets and techniques of Playboy’ are the private experiences of the documentary’s members and should be advised regardless of how tough they might be for some to listen to,” it said. “Signatures on a letter or a distinct expertise with Mr. Hefner or the Playboy tradition don’t negate the experiences of those that have come ahead to share their reality on the collection, and we stay up for persevering with to deliver these tales to gentle.”

The open letter isn’t the primary time that folks from Hefner’s life have spoken out in protection of Hefner. His son, Cooper Hefner, beforehand spoke out on Twitter in assist of his father forward of the present’s premiere.

“Some could not approve of the life my Dad selected, however my father was not a liar,” the 30-year-old tweeted. “Nevertheless unconventional, he was honest in his method and lived truthfully. He was beneficiant in nature and cared deeply for individuals. These salacious tales are a case research of remorse turning into revenge.”

Lupo famous how Cooper cheered her on as she labored within the well being care discipline for a few decade.

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“We’re good mates,” she defined. “He supported me from day one. He’s been such a sweetheart. Everybody who has had an encounter with him has solely optimistic issues to say. He has such a category about him. He’s very well-spoken and has checked in on me whereas we’re on the entrance strains with COVID. So we’re all very harm. Cooper has been harm by this … I imagine everybody has had their very own distinctive expertise, however the principle particular person in query is deceased. He’s not right here to defend himself … Why come out to the press now?”

In regard to the allegations made by previous Playboy Bunnies, Lupo mentioned that these straight employed by Playboy company could have had a distinct expertise from these working with third occasion administration.

“If somebody ever made me really feel uncomfortable [at the club], I solely had to take a look at my supervisor, and they’d take away the person,” she mentioned. “If you work with third-party administration, you possibly can solely think about how issues could be mishandled. However I do know so many different Bunnies who can let you know how their experiences have been fantastic. That’s why I felt I wanted to talk up and assist the model as a result of they’ve supported me a lot.”

“I perceive that everybody has had their very own distinctive expertise,” she added. “I’m an enormous supporter of the #MeToo motion. However on the identical time, we’re simply one aspect of the story. And the particular person in query is deceased. It’s simply hurtful.”

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In response to the docuseries, a spokesperson for Playboy issued a press release to Fox Information.

“As we speak’s Playboy shouldn’t be Hugh Hefner’s Playboy,” the assertion started. “We belief and validate these girls and their tales, and we strongly assist these people who’ve come ahead to share their experiences. As a model with intercourse positivity at its core, we imagine security, safety and accountability are paramount.

“An important factor we are able to do proper now’s actively hear and be taught from their experiences,” it added. “We’ll by no means be afraid to confront the components of our legacy as an organization that don’t mirror our values as we speak.

“As a corporation with a greater than 80% feminine workforce, we’re dedicated to our ongoing evolution as an organization and to driving optimistic change for our communities.”