Happy Holidays, the Hef Way

And, not surprisingly, inspired by Marilyn

(NEWSER) - When you hear the word “classy,” surely you think of Lindsay Lohan, in her birthday suit, in Playboy—right? Well, Hugh Hefner apparently assumes you do, because he assures The Insider that Lohan’s spread is “classy. Very classy.” (And is she, as rumored , completely naked? “Oh yes.”) Her rep also said yesterday—with no apparent trace of irony—that the pictorial in the January/February issue is “very tasteful,” and that the accompanying interview “will let readers see another side of Lindsay,” People reports. Hef, who Page Six notes extended the shoot when the initial photos failed to impress him, also added that the photos were inspired by Marilyn Monroe— is anyone surprised ? More»

Was it just a bad fight, or was Crystal looking for cash?

(NEWSER) - America was shocked yesterday when the, ahem, storybook romance of Hugh Hefner and Crystal Harris came to an abrupt end . What could the problem possibly have been, other than their 60-year age difference?

• The couple got into what E! calls a “rather explosive argument” over the phone, and Harris packed up and moved out of the Playboy Mansion afterward. A source says she’s staying with a friend.
• The New York Post has a more sinister story, reporting that Harris was looking for a $500,000 deal to tell all after ditching Hef—at the altar. “The wedding was to be filmed for a reality special, and her refusal to marry him would be a sensation,” says a source, but no one wanted to pay her asking price.

He just doesn't think she's bunny material

(NEWSER) - Good news for anyone who thinks America has been seeing too much of Kate Gosselin: You won't be seeing all of her any time soon. “No! No!” Hugh Hefner says when asked about the very possibility of Kate gracing the pages of Playboy. And while he’s on the subject, he’d like to know what, exactly, Gosselin is doing on Dancing With the Stars. “I don’t think she’s a celebrity,” he tells E! . Ex-girlfriend Kendra Wilkinson, however, who now has her own reality show: “Now there’s somebody who really became a celebrity.” More»

Shareholder claims Hugh Hefner sabotaged two deals

(NEWSER) - At 81, Hugh Hefner is still attending glamorous parties with decades-younger models on each arm, but his company is languishing—and one shareholder has had enough. A class action lawsuit obtained by TMZ alleges that Hef has sabotaged two deals to sell Playboy. The suit cites an analyst's note that said, "We think the wildcard here is Hugh Hefner. Would you give up the parade of busty blonds, the fancy mansion, and the reality TV show for a payout?" More»

Playmate starts family with Hank Baskett; Hugh Hefner approves

(NEWSER) - Kendra Wilkinson and Hank Baskett became parents early this morning, welcoming Hank Baskett IV in Indianapolis. “We’re happy and healthy and enjoying every second with little Hank,” they tell E! —and they’re not the only ones celebrating. Wilkinson’s famous ex, Hugh Hefner, sends his love—and her co-girlfriends from The Girls Next Door, fellow Playmates Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt, can’t wait to meet the little guy. More»