Growing up in the Playboy Mansion, Jennifer Saginor experienced a life far different from the glamorous parties and bunny outfits that commonly come to mind. The mansion, which became notorious as the pleasure palace of its founder Hugh Hefner, was also home to Jennifer from the age of 11. Now in her 50s, Saginor has shared her unique childhood experiences in a revealing documentary with the UK’s Channel 4 titled, Secrets of Playboy.
Her father, Mark Saginor, was Hugh Hefner’s personal physician, famously dubbed ‘Dr. Feelgood’, and it was under his care that she first moved into the estate. She recalls unsettling memories from her time there, including how Hefner would kiss: “Hef would kiss with his mouth open in sort of a French kiss sort of way. I always thought it was strange that someone who was like my uncle would kiss like that – but my father told me that’s what people do when they love each other.”
Her introduction to the mansion at just six years old left an impression of a ‘magical kingdom’, but the reality of her experiences as she grew older were far from enchanting.
Jennifer described the complex dynamics within Hefner’s inner circle, explaining how she developed a ‘sense of loyalty’ early on, and was aware of the ‘serious consequences’ of breaking that bond. She bluntly stated, “It was such a weird f**ked up place.”
Her troubling journey is detailed in her 2004 book, Playground: A Childhood Lost Inside the Playboy Mansion. She recounts falling for one of Hefner’s girlfriends as a teenager and engaging in a relationship with her, a situation she believes Hefner was aware of due to the extensive surveillance throughout the mansion.
At 17, her relationship with Hefner, whom she viewed as a father figure, reached a disturbing climax when he summoned her to his room, revealing himself with the girlfriend she had feelings for.
In response to the documentary, a Playboy spokesperson expressed support for individuals sharing their stories: “We trust and validate women and their stories and strongly support the individuals who have come forward to share their experiences in this documentary. After almost 70 years in business, there are many elements of Playboy’s long history which we are immensely proud and there are elements we find unworthy of our principles. We are proud of the work we have done in recent years to stand for freedom and equality while advancing our mission of pleasure for all.”
Jennifer Saginor’s recount illuminates a darker side of the Playboy Mansion, contrasting sharply with its public image of glamour and luxury, offering a profound insight into the complexities and challenges of her unusual upbringing.