Saturday, September 27, 2008

Hugh Hefner to sack Playboy bunnies amid financial crisis

Hugh Hefner to sack Playboy bunnies amid financial crisis

Playboy bunnies have become the latest victim of the credit crunch.


Playboy bunny Sheila Levell, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner and Playboy bunny Holly Madison
Hugh Hefner [centre] with Playboy bunnies Shelia Levell [left] and his 'No 1' girlfriend Holly Madison Photo: GETTY

Tycoon Hugh Hefner has been advised to cut back on staff at his multi-million dollar glamour empire as it struggles to cope during the global economic turmoil.

The 83-year-old has been told to lay off some of his staff at his Los Angeles and New York offices as soon as this month or go bankrupt.

The company has recently seen shares fall from £6.20 to £1.55.

An insider at the company told the Daily Star that bosses had been aware of the worsening situation for "a while".

"Only the top brass has known for a while how bad things have been for Hef recently."

Spokeswoman Elizabeth Austin would not confirm the sackings, saying: "It is our policy not to comment on corporate matters such as employee issues."

The news will be another blow to Hefner who recently discovered that two of his "bunnies" may have been cheating on him.

Holly Madison, who has previously been named as Hefner's "No.1" girlfriend, is alleged to have had an affair with magician Criss Angel and another bunny, Kendra Wilson, is reportedly dating football star Hank Baskett.

Playboy spokesman Rob Hillburger denied the rumours, saying: "The rumours that Holly left Hef for Criss Angel are not true. Holly and Kendra are all still living at the Mansion."

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