I watched the first two episodes of the A&E docuseries, “Secrets of Playboy” and felt like I was living on an alternate planet. For 50 years, I have been a part of the Playboy family, first as a Bunny at the St. Louis Playboy Club and then moving into the Mansion in Chicago in 1974 when Hefner was in residence. I worked as a Bunny at the Club on Walton and this was followed by pictorials, covers and a centerfold. I attended parties at the Chicago Mansion shortly after moving in. My first party at the LA Mansion was in 1976. I continued attending these parties right up until Hef was no longer able to host them. I stayed late. I had fun. I met dozens of fellow Playmates and Bunnies, many of whom I am still friends with. And never once, throughout my half century of history with Hef and Playboy, did I ever hear or see a whisper of anything close to what’s being discussed by these people on the show. I know everyone’s experiences are different, but I find so many aspects of this series strange.

First off, take for instance the timing. I’d say it’s perfect for them and the director, Alexandra Dean, since Hef is no longer here to defend himself.

And, both Sondra Theodore, a former Playmate, and Holly Madison, one of the “Girls Next Door,” dated Hef for YEARS. If he was the “devil” as Theodore says or a “cult leader” as Madison suggests, then why did they stay so long? Holly has said time and again, both in her book and in numerous other interviews, that she wanted to marry Hefner and have his baby. What?! After he refused to marry her, she left and wrote “Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny,” about the “shocking, never-before-told story of the bizarre world inside the legendary Playboy Mansion.” It seems to me that things became “awful” for her only after she didn’t get what she wanted. Oh, and one more thing, she was NEVER a Bunny (nor a Playmate). How did that get in the title?

With Holly Madison and Patti McGuire Connors at LA Playboy Mansion. (2006, during the filming of the second season of “Girls Next Door”)

Throughout the years, I attended dozens of Glamourcons across the country (these are pin-up conventions where Playmates sign their memorabilia for money). I met and chatted with Playmates from every era of the magazine, including Sondra Theodore. Never once did I hear a negative word or rumors about what’s being discussed now on A& E. As a matter of fact, years after Sondra and Hef’s relationship was over, she was still appearing at these conventions (multiple times) making money off her association with the “devil.” Really?  

Glamourcon 2009 with Patti McGuire Connors and Sondra Theodore.

In the doc, Holly laments having a 9 pm curfew at the Mansion and not being able to have friends over. Hello! You’re living in a man’s home! When I moved into the Chicago Mansion, I was given a manual, along with anyone else who became guests, laying out the rules.  It says, “We are happy to welcome you as a tenant of the Playboy Mansion. Although this building at 1340 N. State Parkway is primarily a guest house, it is also the private residence of Mr. Hugh M. Hefner, president of Playboy Enterprises, Inc.”

Photo by Linda Matlow

Former Bunny PJ Masten also blasts Hefner and the “depravity” she witnessed at the Mansion, however her Facebook page still has photos of Hefner with heart emojis and Bunny logos.

With Marston and Cooper, 2010, in Chicago. (Linda Matlow photo)

I attended countless Playmate Reunions at the LA Mansion as well as Bunny Reunions and all the girls I had contact with were grateful for the opportunities Hef and Playboy offered. The most recent Bunny Reunion was held in Chicago and was a sellout at the Drake. Bunnies poured in from every corner of the globe, to come together to celebrate Playboy and their histories with the company. We were all proud of our affiliations with this organization and Hef. Christie Hefner gave the welcome speech to a standing ovation. She said her dad believed, “Women should be both desired and admired. That women should be both empowered and allowed to be sexy. That women should be whole people and that the magazine and clubs can present that.”

At Glamourcon 2009 with Patti McGuire Connors, Laura Lyons, Sondra Theodore and Monica Tidwell.

I’m not denying anyone their right to express their own beliefs, I’m just saying this is the complete opposite of my extensive knowledge of this man and his company. This is NOT the Hefner I knew and loved in any way, shape or form. This series just keeps getting curiouser and curiouser. Down the rabbit hole, indeed.

With Hef, fellow Playmates (including Sondra Theodore, back row, 4th from R) and friends at the LA Mansion before Holly gave us a tour of the guesthouses she had just redecorated. (2006, during filming of second season of “Girls Next Door”)
With my mom and stepdad at an LA Playboy Mansion party hosted by Hef for that year’s Bunny of the Year honorees. (1976)
My first photo as a Bunny at the St. Louis Playboy Club (1973)
Roller skating with Hef at a Playmate Reunion party at the LA Mansion. (late 70s/maybe 80s)
Hef at a Glamourcon with friends and Playmates.
With Cooper Hefner in Chicago, 2017.
Attending the recent, sold-out, Playboy Bunny Reunion celebration at the Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago. (Organized by former Bunny Diana Peterson)
Playboy Bunny Reunion, Chicago 2021. All excited to celebrate Hef and Playboy.

Please follow me on social: Facebook (Candace Jordan/ Candid Candace); Twitter (Candace Jordan); Insta (Candid Candace/Candace Jordan); LinkedIn (Candace Jordan).