Shelly Horton pens scathing piece on Hugh Hefner

Australian TV presenter Shelly Horton has penned a scathing piece about Playboy founder Hugh Hefner – after the American mogul died of natural causes aged 91.

Writing for Nine Honey, the presenter questioned why people ignore negatives when someone dies.

‘If you asked me yesterday what I thought of him I would have simply said I thought he was a sexist misogynist who profited by exploiting women professionally and personally,’ she wrote.

Australian TV presenter Shelly Horton has penned a scathing piece about Playboy founder Hugh Hefner (pictured with wife Crystal) – after the American mogul died of natural causes aged 91

'If you asked me yesterday what I thought of him I would have simply said I thought he was a sexist misogynist who profited by exploiting women professionally and personally,' the TV presenter (pictured) wrote.

‘If you asked me yesterday what I thought of him I would have simply said I thought he was a sexist misogynist who profited by exploiting women professionally and personally,’ the TV presenter (pictured) wrote.

‘Today I just make that statement past tense. Why should I have a different opinion today? ‘

Hefner was born on April 9, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, and went on to become a millionaire after founding the influential men’s magazine in 1953. 

His death was confirmed in a statement from Playboy Enterprises that said he ‘passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones.’ 

Hefner was born on April 9, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, and went on to become a millionaire after founding the influential men's magazine in 1953

Hefner was born on April 9, 1926 in Chicago, Illinois, and went on to become a millionaire after founding the influential men’s magazine in 1953

Hefner's death was confirmed in a statement from Playboy Enterprises that said he 'passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones'

Hefner’s death was confirmed in a statement from Playboy Enterprises that said he ‘passed away today from natural causes at his home, The Playboy Mansion, surrounded by loved ones’

Ms Horton, a Sydney journalist, said she was not dancing on the late icon’s grave because ‘I really don’t care enough to do that’.

She went on to denounce the way Hefner made his money and found international fame by marketing women as Playboy bunnies.

She referred to the time – during a 1967 interview – when the media mogul said he had chosen the term ‘bunny’ because ‘it’s a fresh animal, shy vivacious, jumping – sexy. First it smells you, then it escapes, then it comes back and you feel like caressing it, playing with it.’

Ms Horton, a Sydney journalist, said she was not dancing on the late icon's grave because 'I really don't care enough to do that'

Ms Horton, a Sydney journalist, said she was not dancing on the late icon’s grave because ‘I really don’t care enough to do that’

Hefner's son, Cooper, tweeted about his dad saying his father 'lived an exceptional and impactful life'

Hefner’s son, Cooper, tweeted about his dad saying his father ‘lived an exceptional and impactful life’

‘Excuse me while I gag,’ Ms Horton wrote.

After Hefner’s death, his son Cooper, tweeted to say his father ‘lived an exceptional and impactful life’ and credited him for ‘advocating free speech, civil rights and sexual freedom’. 

‘Well, male sexual freedom perhaps,’ Ms Horton countered.

She said that British twins who dated Hefner had shared stories of the Playboy founder having ’16 girls in the grotto and once he’d finished they would be passed on to the next man there’.

But Ms Horton said there were stories of Hefner (pictured here in 1980) having 16 girls in his grotto at once

But Ms Horton said there were stories of Hefner (pictured here in 1980) having 16 girls in his grotto at once

'I have had a few friends go to parties at the Playboy Mansion and they said it was a sad, worn out place that smelt like bleach,' Ms Horton wrote

‘I have had a few friends go to parties at the Playboy Mansion and they said it was a sad, worn out place that smelt like bleach,’ Ms Horton wrote

'While I acknowledge Hefner created an iconic brand, I ask is his life one we want to be celebrating?' the presenter concluded

‘While I acknowledge Hefner created an iconic brand, I ask is his life one we want to be celebrating?’ the presenter concluded

Ms Horton also referred to the fact that in her autobiography porn star, Linda Lovelace, had claimed she was expected to form bestiality for Hefner as it was said to be a fetish of his.

‘I have had a few friends go to parties at the Playboy Mansion and they said it was a sad, worn out place that smelt like bleach. Hell knows, no-one felt their immune system was strong enough to jump in the spa unscathed,’ Ms Horton concluded.

‘So, while I acknowledge Hefner created an iconic brand, I ask is his life one we want to be celebrating?’  

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