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- A&E's Secrets of Playboy docuseries is facing even more backlash as hundreds of former Playboy employees and playmates slam the "unfounded" claims against Hugh Hefner.
- In the series, Holly Madison and more go into detail about the inner workings of the infamous "cult-like" mansion.
- "We sign our names to support Hugh M. Hefner. From all we know of Hef, he was a person of upstanding character, exceptional kindness, and dedication to free thought," a letter defending Hugh reads.
With the release of A&E's 10-part docuseries, Secrets of Playboy, hundreds of former Playboy employees and playmates are coming forward to defend Hugh Hefner.
The docuseries has already seen Holly Madison claim she was "gaslit" in the "cult-like" mansion, while Crytal Hefner seemingly confirmed Holly's claims of "a mountain of revenge porn waiting to come out".
Now, in a letter obtained by People, those who worked for the mammoth publishing company for years, say: "We sign our names to support Hugh M. Hefner. From all we know of Hef, he was a person of upstanding character, exceptional kindness, and dedication to free thought. He demonstrated a commitment to living an honest life beyond everything else. Our time within Hugh Hefner's Playboy and the organisation's subsidiaries remains a period all of us are fond of. I proudly sign this letter in recognition of Hugh Hefner's character amid unfounded allegations in the A&E show."
Some may not approve of the life my Dad chose, but my father was not a liar. However unconventional, he was sincere in his approach and lived honestly. He was generous in nature and cared deeply for people. These salacious stories are a case study of regret becoming revenge.
— Cooper Hefner (@cooperhefner) January 23, 2022
Hugh's son, Cooper Hefner, has since defended his father, while several women have issued personal statements along with the letter, including Kimberly Hefner and Renee "Sloan" Baio.
Renee 'Sloan' Baio wrote: "I was there as Holly had just moved in right before me. I was there when she was moving her belongings into Hef's bedroom. Holly craved and eagerly longed to be the #1 girlfriend."
She previously wrote of Holly on Facebook, slamming her for the money she pocketed while in the mansion.
"You chose to stay there. You chose to pose nude. You chose to do a reality show. You also chose to write a book. I never wrote a book to line my pockets with money," she said.
Per People, a spokesperson for A&E said the network had not yet received the letter but said in a statement: "The stories shared in Secrets of Playboy are the personal experiences of the documentary's participants and deserve to be told despite how difficult they may be for some to hear. Signatures on a letter, or a different experience with Mr. Hefner or the Playboy culture, do not negate the experiences of those who have come forward to share their truth on the series and we look forward to continuing to bring these stories to light."
