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Hefner's ex-wife defends him as widow urges Biel to reconsider role

Crystal Harris alleges abuse during her marriage to the Playboy founder, while his first ex-wife defends him, as Hollywood figures weigh in on the biopic's casting.

On air: Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger on BBN Tonight
Published 9:43 PM ET, Sunday, October 11, 2026

Photo: www.Pixel.la Free Stock Photos · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

▶ As it aired · Pop Culture

Watch it as it aired: Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger on this story, from BBN Tonight at 9:43 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Variety's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance

First reported by Variety: “Hugh Hefner’s Ex-Wife Calls Him a ‘True Gentleman’ After His Widow Crystal Harris Urges Jessica Biel to ‘Reconsider’ Playing His Wife”.
Covered on BBN on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 9:43 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Chip Darnell and Hank Ledger.
Topics: Harris.
BBN covered this story before: Report: Emhoff reportedly doesn't want Harris to run in 2028 (October 10).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

VarietyHugh Hefner’s Ex-Wife Calls Him a ‘True Gentleman’ After His Widow Crystal Harris Urges Jessica Biel to ‘Reconsider’ Playing His Wife

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorKimberly Hefner, who was married to Hugh Hefner from nineteen eighty-nine until their divorce in twenty ten, has posted a statement calling him a true gentleman.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorThat follows his widow, Crystal Harris, alleging she experienced sexual, emotional, financial and physical abuse during their marriage, and urging Jessica Biel to reconsider playing his wife in a biopic.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorVariety reports Hollywood figures are now weighing in on the casting, amid criticism of the project.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorSo two women who were married to the same man are describing very different marriages.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorYes. Those are allegations from one, a defense from the other, and no ruling from us. We will see what the producers and Biel say.

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