Exclusive: Crystal Hefner Reveals What Drew Her to the 'Irresistible' Hugh Hefner
Crystal Hefner shares intimate insights into her attraction to the magnetic and enigmatic Hugh Hefner on her podcast 'Beneath the Surface' Get an exclusive first look into this revealing conversation on Us Don't miss this captivating episode!
Crystal Hefner is sharing her feelings with stepson Marston Hefner about what attracted her to his late father, Hugh Hefner.
In a sneak peek of the first episode of her “Beneath the Surface” podcast — which is exclusively shared with We — Crystal, 37, reminisces about the first time she met the Playboy founder. (The full episode will be available on Friday, December 1.)
"It was an exhilarating experience. I resided in San Diego and had never encountered a celebrity. When I received an invitation to a party and submitted my photos, I sincerely doubted my own attractiveness," she tells Marston, 33, in the video. "I thought they would never choose me, but they did, and I went to the Playboy mansion where I recall a crowd of people moving from the house to an empty cabana."
Crystal goes on to explain that her "super extroverted" friend who accompanied her to the party "pulled" her into the crowd. "[My friend] said, 'That's Hugh Hefner.' I saw everyone flocking to him and it was just sparkling and he was very kind," she shares.
After Marston adds that his father "was amazing," Crystal concurs: "Yeah, he had such a magnetic personality, and I definitely felt drawn to him in that way."
Tracey Lyn
Crystal started dating Hugh, who was 60 years older than her, in 2009. They got engaged in December 2010, but Crystal canceled the engagement five days before their scheduled wedding in June 2011. Despite this, they later reconciled and got married on New Year's Eve in 2012. Crystal remained married to Hugh until his passing at the age of 91 in September 2017.
Although Crystal fondly remembered Hugh during her conversation with Marston, the model had previously discussed the negative aspects of life in the Playboy mansion.
“Your value is what you look like [at the Mansion]. I was rewarded for being codependent and feeling like I was nothing without Hef and had no value of my own,” Crystal exclusively told We in August while promoting her upcoming memoir, Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, which is due out in 2024.
Crystal Hefner and HMH Foundation
Crystal shared that seeking therapy after Hugh's passing was instrumental in her processing the trauma she experienced in their marriage.
"Therapy made a significant difference. It allowed me to reflect on past events and recognize various patterns of behavior," she elaborated. "I began to identify instances of gaslighting and narcissism. It took me years to fully grasp the extent of what I endured, to gain insight into myself, and to comprehend Hef's motivations for his actions."
Crystal has a complex past with Hugh, but she deeply admires Marston.
"We've had so many unique experiences together. He's one of my favorite people - so kind, loving, and supportive of everyone," she shares in a podcast sneak peek. "Despite our unconventional environment, we've bonded in special ways."
In another part of the episode, the ex-Playboy Playmate discusses her dating life following the death of Hugh. "Everyone assumed that I wanted to date people that were your dad’s age after," she confides in Marston. "I was like, 'OK, I should probably get somebody closer to my age.' I've been in a couple relationships with people a couple years or a few years younger than me, which is interesting."
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Crystal acknowledges that dating can be challenging, especially after feeling stuck in a rut during her time with Hugh. The inaugural episode of "Beneath the Surface" will be available on all podcast platforms starting Friday, December 1st.
