Hugh Marston Hefner (born April 9, 1926) is an American magazine publisher, best known as the editor-in-chief of Playboy magazine, and founder and Chief Creative Officer of Playboy Enterprises.
Hefner has always espoused a shared liberal/libertarian stance in his editorials and in his life. On June 4, 1963, Hefner was arrested for selling obscene literature after an issue of Playboy featuring nude shots of actress Jayne Mansfield was released. Six months later, a jury was unable to reach a verdict.
His former secretary, Bobbie Arnstein, was found dead in a Chicago hotel room at the age of 34 after an overdose of drugs in January 1975. Hefner called a press conference to allege that she had been driven to suicide by narcotics agents and federal officers. Hefner, whose mansions in Chicago and Beverly Hills had come under the scrutiny of federal agents because of alleged drugs parties, claimed the Government was out to get him because of Playboy's philosophy and its advocacy of more liberal drug laws. Incidentally, Hefner insists to this day that no illegal drugs are allowed on the grounds of any of his mansions, and has stated that anyone found to have brought illegal drugs onto the grounds, or used them while on the grounds, is subjected to immediate and permanent expulsion from the Playboy Mansions.
The Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards were created by daughter Christie in 1979 "to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in the vital effort to protect and enhance First Amendment rights for Americans."
Hefner and his family have donated and raised great amounts of money for the Democratic Party.