Hugh Hefner, the founder of the Playboy empire, has died at the age of 91.
According to reports, the American passed away “peacefully” in Los Angeles of natural causes.
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Playboy’s Twitter account broke the news around 6.30am SAST, and called Hefner an “American icon”.
American Icon and Playboy Founder, Hugh M. Hefner passed away today. He was 91. #RIPHef pic.twitter.com/tCLa2iNXa4
— Playboy (@Playboy) September 28, 2017
Notably, Hefner’s final tweets aimed to help raise funds for those affected by Hurricane Harvey and Irma, which swept through the Caribbean islands and Floridian peninsula earlier this month.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricanes Harvey & Irma, both the victims and the first responders,” Hefner tweeted.
“In times of such great adversity, it is inspiring to know we can put our differences aside and join together to help those in need.”
My thoughts are with everyone affected by Hurricanes Harvey & Irma, both the victims and the first responders…
— Hugh Hefner (@hughhefner) September 14, 2017
… In times of such great adversity, it is inspiring to know we can put our differences aside and join together to help those in need…
— Hugh Hefner (@hughhefner) September 14, 2017
Celebrities also paid homage to the American, with Kim Kardashian leading the tributes.
RIP to the legendary Hugh Hefner! I’m so honored to have been a part of the Playboy team! You will be greatly missed! Love you Hef! Xoxo
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 28, 2017
But not everyone shared Kardashian’s sentiment.
“Hugh Hefner was an embodiment of how misogynist a white guy can be and still get celebrated as a progressive hero,” one user tweeted.
Hugh Hefner was gross thanks bye
— tw*tter gal (@rachelmillman) September 28, 2017
I’m no vicar but sleazy Hugh Hefner was a dirty old man and Playboy Mansion a squalid gilded pit. RIP
— Kevin Maguire (@Kevin_Maguire) September 28, 2017
On the one hand Hugh Hefner made his fortune from objectification.
On the other hand he made it OK to wear pyjamas all the time— Holly Brockwell (@holly) September 28, 2017
Twitter: Sexism is bad, fight sexism.
Also Twitter: #HughHefner objectifying women since 1953
He was a great guy RIP…— Alina (@Alina__IVI) September 28, 2017
Hugh Hefner was an embodiment of how misogynist a white guy can be and still get celebrated as a progressive hero
— Muffin MacGuffin
(@MuffMacGuff) September 28, 2017
The less serious side of Twitter just wanted to get a snarky word in.
Hugh Hefner died today. Men are discovering that tissues can be used for tears too #RIPPlayboy pic.twitter.com/DdGilTffCq
— Junior Simpson (@JuniorSimpson) September 28, 2017
Listen y’all, Michael Jackson died his music plays all day.Hugh Hefner dies ?? People send nudes. pic.twitter.com/WpP1E1EBhy
— Abdallah Rashid (@abdallahrash27) September 28, 2017
R.I.P Hugh Hefner. All erections set at half mast today lads please
— Lee Bide (@_M4K4V3L1_) September 28, 2017
hugh hefner taught me it was ok to be a weird old perve and live in a mansion with a conveyor belt of lovers younger than my grandkids rip
— Stan The Golden Boy (@tristandross) September 28, 2017
“He will be greatly missed by many, including his wife Crystal, my sister Christie and my brothers David and Marston, and all of us at Playboy Enterprises,” concluded Hefner’s son, and CCO of Playboy Enterprises Cooper Hefner.
Feature image: Mark Dunne via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0, resized)
