How Playboy cut ties with Hugh Hefner to create a post-MeToo brand

Summary

The article examines Playboy’s transformation after the death of founder Hugh Hefner and amid the cultural impact of the #MeToo movement. Hefner launched Playboy Magazine 70 years before the article’s anniversary discussion, with its first issue featuring a nude photograph of Marilyn Monroe published without her knowledge or consent. The brand later expanded through magazines, clubs, the Playboy Mansion, television, and merchandising, while facing renewed scrutiny over Hefner’s alleged treatment of women. A 2022 docuseries, “The Secrets of Playboy,” presented misconduct allegations from former girlfriends including Sondra Theodore and Holly Madison. The article also notes Playboy’s more complex history, including support for abortion rights, funding for an early rape kit, and occasional inclusion of marginalized identities, alongside criticism that its beauty standards were narrow and its culture patriarchal. Playboy says it is no longer affiliated with the Hefner family and now emphasizes “sex positivity” and “free expression.” The company reports that approximately 80% of its staff are women, 40% of its board and management are women, and its motto has changed from “Entertainment for Men” to “Pleasure for All.” Its Playboy Centerfold app gives creators greater control over their content. The article also highlights the continuing popularity of former stars Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt, whose podcast had reached 10 million downloads by February 2023.