Holly Madison, a former Playboy model who had a long-term relationship with Hugh Hefner, left the Playboy Mansion back in 2008. Over the years, she’s shared insights into her life and feels quite strongly about the darker side of Hollywood. “I definitely have a dark underbelly,” the 45-year-old shared. She mentioned an unsettling energy in Hollywood, recalling the feeling of a young woman arriving from the Midwest.
“Everywhere you turn, there are those looking to take advantage of you,” she explained, and it’s not just the powerful figures, but also those involved in more underground activities. “There are people involved in trafficking, trying to pull young girls in—it’s definitely a reality here.”
This Monday marks the premiere of the third season of Investigation Discovery’s true crime series, “The Playboy Murders.” It delves into infamous crimes linked to the iconic magazine. Reflecting on her past in Hollywood, Madison expressed that she quickly sensed the darkness surrounding the industry.
“When I moved to the Mansion, I felt a sense of security, albeit with underlying issues I deeply disliked,” she shared. While she found the atmosphere somewhat sanitized, it still felt safer compared to the unpredictability of the street. “I often had to deal with a damaged car, but that didn’t compare to the dangers outside.”
Madison reminisced, saying she thought Playboy would provide her with a sense of safety, akin to a fairytale. “I was just waiting for a black dahlia situation to unfold,” she reflected. Madison moved into the Playboy Mansion at 21 but left by 29 after the reality series “The Girls Next Door” wrapped. In her 2016 memoir, “Down the Rabbit Hole,” she detailed years of verbal and emotional abuse.
For aspiring models heading to Hollywood, Madison advised the importance of maintaining a solid friend circle. “Find friends who aren’t entrenched in Hollywood,” she cautioned. “They can offer valuable advice and help you navigate the more chaotic sides of the industry.”
Madison considered the benefits of sharing her story, which she sees as a way to connect with others who endured similar hardships. She articulated her hope that the series could empower women, urging them to share their truths. “While experiencing the glamorous side of life, there’s also a lot that can go wrong—for instance, my friends or maybe I could have become victims too,” she said.
Looking back, Madison acknowledged the complexities inherent in being part of such a high-stakes environment. “You’re surrounded by a whirlwind of fame, wealth, and sheer envy,” she noted. It’s a fast-paced lifestyle that can lead to significant risks.
Complicated feelings arose when discussing Playboy’s role in these issues. “It’s not entirely their fault, but someone has to be accountable,” she remarked. Madison emphasized the challenges faced within such a large organization, where numerous women worked and many stories of struggle emerged.
Throughout her experiences, Madison has been open about the emotional burdens she and others faced. “It’s been healing to express my truth,” she stated, adding that she hopes her journey encourages others to come forward and share their own narratives.
“Playboy Murders” airs Mondays at 9 PM.
