Holly Madison became a television fixture in the mid-2000s as a star of E!'s hit reality show The Girls Next Door, which famously followed the lives of Hugh Hefner and his girlfriends. But during a recent interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Madison opened up about what she and her roommates had to do before moving into the Playboy Mansion with Hefner—causing a little drama with one of her former co-stars in the process. Read on to see what was required, and for more famous couples, check out 15 Onscreen Couples You Totally Forgot Dated in Real Life.
Madison says anyone moving into the Playboy Mansion "had to sleep" with Hefner first.
During the interview, the former Playboy Bunny and author reflected upon her relationship with the late Hefner from 2001 to 2008. But Madison dropped a bombshell when she explained to host Alex Cooper what had to happen in order for anyone to get the green light to become a full-time resident in the Playboy Mansion.
"I had to sleep with him first," she said. "I'm not trying to s***-shame anybody or anything, but nobody ever got asked to move in unless they had slept with him."
Madison says she was worried about getting pregnant at the time.
Madison continued to open up about their relationships, saying that she was afraid she might become pregnant while they were together. She admitted she's grateful that it never happened, Just Jared reports.
"I knew it was because of him. I was healthy. He was just too old," Madison said. "When I had first gotten into that situation and something happened in my mind that first night I had sex, where I felt like, 'OK, I did that. I, like, breached my own boundaries and I wasn't comfortable with it. Now I have to make this situation into something.' I almost locked myself into this box."
Madison said she knew it was time to move out when their relationship soured.
But Madison, who now has a four-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter with ex-husband Pasquale Rotella, said that the idea of eventually becoming a mother is part of what got her to finally move out of the mansion. The rest of her decision was based on her deteriorating relationship with Hefner.
"When I realized I wasn't going to be able to have kids with him, that was a big thing … and my depression was coming back," Madison said. "As everybody was leaving, I started to realize it's just me and Hef, he started lashing out at me more. I don't know if he was just stressed … I know things weren't so great financially for him. He started lashing out for really stupid things and I just realized I can't be here. This guy is an a******, I can't stay here."
Madison's comments caused some drama with one of her former co-stars.
Even though the interview contained some major revelations about what life was really like in the Playboy Mansion, it also managed to stir up controversy with one of Madison's former co-stars. In response to E! News's Instagram post about Madison's comments, fellow former Playboy Bunny Kendra Wilkinson commented: "Dude… it's 2021," with a laughing emoji.
But before other commenters could get an explanation for any potential underlying hard feelings from her, Wilkinson clarified in a reply that she had moved on from that phase of her life. "Times have changed," she said in a comment beneath the post. "I forgive and have kids to love and focus on." And for more on famous pairings that have stood the test of time, check out 12 Beloved Celebrity Couples, Then and Now.
Zachary Mack Zach is a freelance writer specializing in beer, wine, food, spirits, and travel. He is based in Manhattan.Read moreFiled UnderCelebrities • NewsRead This Next10 Things You Didn't Know about Justin Trudeau
Athlete, nerd, hopeless romantic, thespian. Yes, there’s a lot more to Canada’s Prime Minister than just politics.March 21, 2017Jon Hamm: The Best Life Interview
Jon Hamm, star of TV's Mad Men, reveals the secrets of manliness in a postmodern world.November 15, 2016Driving Tips Smart Men Know
Ten easy ways to be the safest driver on the road. April 3, 2017Men Who Set the Time: Cash Warren
The successful producer, entrepreneur and husband of Jessica Alba reveals how you, too, can live your best life.October 31, 2016Dr. Oz: The Best Life Interview
Mehmet Oz, M.D., asks the toughest question: Are you living or dying?October 23, 2016Dr. Oz's 15 Best Life Tips
October 23, 2016The One That Got Away
A single nutrient—omega-3 fatty acids—may have turned early humans into civilized man. Has stripping it from our diet given rise to cancer, diabetes, and other civilized diseases? Our correspondent investigates.February 23, 2017George Clooney Is Having Twins. Here's What Women Everywhere Are Saying About It
The legendary ladies' man who once swore off fatherhood went from zero to "Full House" very quickly—and the Internet has responded.February 10, 2017Celebrate Spring with These 15 Instagram Goddesses
Nothing heats up social media quite like sunshine.April 6, 2017Fiction: "Tranquility"
Some men find peace by searching for meaning. Others find it by abandoning the quest.October 14, 2016
