Found, Hefner’s sordid tapes of the stars
SCORES of private videos, filmed at Hugh Hefner’s notorious
Playboy mansion parties, are to be revealed in a civil court case.
They were unearthed by a top American lawyer who claims they contain scenes involving “dozens” of Hollywood stars and celebrities.
Spencer Kuvin added that many appear to have been professionally edited. He said: “I would describe them as having been ‘produced’. By that I mean those involved appear to be clearly aware that someone with a camera is filming them.”
Mr Kuvin said the recordings were handed over by Playboy Enterprises, the empire founded in 1953 by Hefner, who has long been suspected of covering up decades of sex crimes by famous friends. Mr Kuvin now wants the organisation to surrender CCTV footage from the mansion in LA.
However, the Florida-based attorney revealed he is prepared to accept some key evidence may no longer exist, as Hefner allegedly ordered a chest full of tapes to be buried at sea before his death in September 2017, aged 91. Mr Kuvin confirmed: “I’ve heard this story. It wouldn’t surprise me.”
Hefner was married three times, his last wife was Crystal Harris,
32, who made a series of YouTube videos, including one showing several hundred tapes in the tycoon’s bedroom.
Mr Kuvin represents Chloe Goins, 28, who is suing one of Hefner’s closest friends, fallen comedy icon Bill Cosby, 81. He is now serving a minimum three-year prison sentence for aggravated indecent assault. Ms Goins alleges that Cosby drugged then sexually assaulted her at a Playboy party when she was 18.
She is one of 33 women pursuing civil actions against the shamed comedian. Hers is likely to be the first heard early next year. Mr Kuvin confirmed she has dropped a damages case against Playboy but would not say why.
Of the tapes already handed over, he said a member of his legal team has spent days watching “hundreds of hours” of footage.
He added: “We will present what evidence we feel is relevant at the civil trial against Bill Cosby.” A Hollywood insider said: “These videos could be the tip of an iceberg that finally sinks whatever legacy Hefner has left.” Playboy Enterprises did not respond to requests for comment.