Playboy Responds To Holly Madison's Allegations: 'Today's Playboy Is Not Hugh Hefner's Playboy'

Playboy has responded to former Bunny Holly Madison’s allegations against Hugh Hefner’s magazine empire. In a statement to E! News on Thursday, the company reiterated its commitment to “ongoing evolution” and “positive change.”

The issue began when Madison, who dated Hefner from 2001 until 2008, opened up about her dark experience as a Playboy Bunny in the Playboy Mansion, saying she and her fellow Bunnies had been “gaslit” and that the mansion was “cult-like.” “The reason I think the mansion was very cult-like looking back on it is because we were all kind of gaslit,” she said in the sneak peek for the A&E docuseries "The Secrets of Playboy,"which explores the magazine empire.

“Another thing that reminds me of a cult is how easy it is to get so isolated from the outside world there. You had a 9 o’clock curfew. You were encouraged to not have friends over. You weren’t really allowed to leave unless it was like a family holiday.”

In response to Madison’s claims, Playboy said in its statement, “Today’s Playboy is not Hugh Hefner’s Playboy.” The company also said they “trust and validate” the women and their stories, as well as strongly support those who have come forward to open up about their time in the mansion.

“As a brand with sex positivity at its core, we believe safety, security, and accountability are paramount. The most important thing we can do right now is actively listen and learn from their experiences,” the company continued, noting that more than 80 percent of their workforce consists of women.

“We will never be afraid to confront the parts of our legacy as a company that do not reflect our values today. We are committed to our ongoing evolution as a company and to driving positive change for our communities,” said the company.

"The Secrets of Playboy" will feature new interviews with former Director of Playmate Promotions Miki Garcia, Bunny Mother PJ Masten, Playboy Mansion West resident Jennifer Saginor, and some of Hefner’s former girlfriends, Madison, Bridget Marquardt, and Sondra Theodore. It premieres on Jan. 24 on A&E.

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