Change in Meaning of Hugh Hefner and Playboy : From Horatio Alger to Sexual Predator.

This article examines the evolving media representations of Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy magazine, from 1953 to 2023, identifying five distinct personas: entrepreneur, activist, paradox, tragic figure, and predator. Initially celebrated as a rags-to-riches entrepreneur and cultural activist who challenged sexual and social norms, Hefner’s image shifted over time due to Playboy’s declining success and changing cultural attitudes toward sexuality, particularly influenced by fourth-wave feminism and the Me Too movement. These latter movements, leveraging digital platforms, recast Hefner as a sexual predator, emphasizing issues of exploitation and consent that contrasted with earlier portrayals of sexual liberation. The article highlights how media narratives about Hefner reflect broader societal shifts in understanding power, sexuality, and gender, and notes that his legacy remains contested amid ongoing cultural debates.